I’m so excited to be featuring one of our incredibly talented estheticians, Joy Shanahan, on the blog today. Not only is she deeply passionate about results-driven skincare and treatments but she’s also currently in the middle of planning her own wedding! Today’s topic of wedding prep is so personal to her. There’s truly no one better to guide you through wedding skin prep than someone living it in real time. Take it away, Joy!
As a licensed esthetician with over three years of hands-on experience in the treatment room, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless clients preparing for some of the most important moments in their lives—weddings, photoshoots, vacations, and everything in between. My specialties include chemical peels, microneedling, dermaplaning, customized facials, and results-driven skincare treatments designed to create real, lasting change in the skin.
Now, I’m stepping into a new role of my own: a bride-to-be. With my wedding set for February 2027, I’m personally going through the same journey I guide my clients through every day. I understand the excitement, the pressure, and the desire to feel absolutely confident in your skin. That’s exactly why I’m sharing this—so you can remove the guesswork, avoid last-minute stress, and truly feel your best when your big day arrives. When it comes to your skin, planning ahead is everything.
One of the biggest misconceptions I see time and time again is the expectation of instant results. The reality is that skin transformation takes time. Collagen production, cell turnover, and true correction don’t happen overnight. Starting too late in the process can lead to unnecessary stress—or even unwanted reactions when your skin doesn’t have the proper time to heal and adjust. When you plan ahead, you give your skin the opportunity to respond safely and effectively. You allow time for healing, for progress, and for adjustments along the way, which ultimately leads to more predictable, beautiful results.
With that in mind, I always guide my clients to focus on a few key pillars when preparing for a big event.
First and foremost is skincare—your foundation. Your daily routine matters more than anything else you do. A consistent regimen that includes a proper cleanser, targeted treatment products, and daily SPF is non-negotiable. This is not the time to constantly switch products or follow every trend you see online. Instead, it’s about committing to a medical-grade skincare routine that is designed to work at a deeper level within the skin. Consistency here sets the stage for everything else.
Next comes your treatment plan—this is where the real transformation happens. Whether it’s lasers, chemical peels, microneedling, or customized facials, each treatment serves a purpose. The key is having a plan, not just booking random appointments. Your treatments should be strategically scheduled based on your skin goals and your timeline. Timing is everything—what you do months in advance looks very different from what you should be doing just weeks before your event. A well-thought-out plan ensures your skin is improving steadily without unnecessary risk.
Consistency is the real secret to that glow everyone is chasing. There are no last-minute miracles in skincare. The clients who see the best results are the ones who stay committed—not only to their in-office treatments but also to their home care routine. Small, consistent habits over time lead to major transformations. It’s not about doing everything at once; it’s about doing the right things regularly.
Beyond treatments and products, your daily habits play a bigger role than most people realize. Hydration, nutrition, sleep, and stress management all directly impact your skin. You can invest in the best treatments available, but if your internal health is off, your skin will reflect that. Glowing skin is truly a combination of internal and external care.
For me personally, I’ve created a treatment plan that aligns with my skin goals and my timeline. I’m currently working through a series of Microneedling treatments paired with a series of cool peels, with hydrafacials in between to maintain balance in my skin. My focus is on targeting acne, acne scarring, fine lines, and overall skin tone and texture. This approach allows me to build collagen, correct imperfections, and maintain a healthy, radiant complexion leading up to my wedding.
At the end of the day, preparing your skin for a big event isn’t about perfection—it’s about feeling confident, prepared, and comfortable in your own skin. When you give yourself enough time, stay consistent, and follow a personalized plan, the results speak for themselves.
If you’re ready to start your journey to event-ready skin, I would love to help guide you through the process. Book your treatment, start your customized plan, and let’s get your skin exactly where you want it to be. Call/text 314-200-2334 or 636-742-1122 to schedule your appointment. I’d also love to connect on IG: @joyofaesthetics_
Just remember—we’re in this journey together.
XO,
Joy
