From expert bridal beauty advice in Forbes to a real wedding skin-prep journey with Chicago influencer OnTheRoadWithJen, Aesthetic Skin Chicago is bringing a thoughtful approach to achieving radiant, healthy skin.
Wedding beauty has evolved far beyond the traditional facial a week before the big day. Today’s brides are thinking months ahead, incorporating collagen-stimulating treatments, laser resurfacing, and customized skincare into their wedding preparations. And according to a recent Forbes feature, timing may be just as important as the treatments themselves.
In the October 21, 2026, Forbes Vetted article, The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Skin Prep, According to Dermatologists and Cosmetic Experts, Dr. Anil Shah, double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder of Aesthetic Skin Chicago, was among the medical experts sharing recommendations for preparing skin before a major event.
Dr. Shah’s Forbes Advice: Good Skin Takes Planning
One of the biggest takeaways from the Forbes article is that beautiful bridal skin doesn’t happen overnight.
Dr. Shah emphasizes a conservative approach to injectables, allowing patients enough time to evaluate their results and make subtle adjustments before the wedding. He also recommends light exfoliation closer to the event to create a smoother, more radiant complexion.
As Dr. Shah explains in Forbes, “Clearing out the skin really makes a difference with your glow as well as allowing makeup to not have to be as heavy.”
It’s an important distinction. The goal isn’t necessarily to wear less makeup, but to create skin that looks beautiful underneath it.
At Aesthetic Skin Chicago, this philosophy extends beyond bridal beauty. Whether preparing for a wedding, milestone birthday, holiday party, or simply wanting healthier skin, treatments should complement your natural features rather than dramatically alter them.
OnTheRoadWithJen: A Real Chicago Bridal Skin-Prep Journey
To bring this approach to life, Aesthetic Skin Chicago recently collaborated with Chicago-based influencer Jen (@OnTheRoadWithJen) on a wedding-prep video series documenting her aesthetic journey.
Through several behind-the-scenes videos, Jen shared her experience receiving microneedling and CoolPeel laser resurfacing, giving her followers a closer look at what goes into preparing skin for a major life event.
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries that stimulate the skin’s natural collagen production, helping improve texture, fine lines, and the appearance of certain acne scars.
CoolPeel, a fractional CO2 laser resurfacing treatment, targets superficial skin damage and uneven texture while limiting excess heat exposure to surrounding tissue.
Both treatments focus on improving the skin itself, rather than covering imperfections.
Jen’s series highlights something often overlooked in aesthetic medicine: results take planning, consistency, and patience. Collagen remodeling develops over time, and treatments should be scheduled with adequate healing time before important events.
October Skin Reset: $300 Off Our Enlighten Peel and Microneedling Package
You don’t need a wedding on the calendar to give your skin some attention.
As temperatures drop and we transition into Chicago’s colder months, October is an opportunity to address summer sun exposure, uneven pigmentation, and dull skin.
This month, Aesthetic Skin Chicago is offering $300 off our Enlighten Peel and Microneedling package, normally $1,300.
The Enlighten Peel is designed to address pigmentation concerns and uneven skin tone, while microneedling supports collagen production and smoother-looking skin.
Together, they can be incorporated into a customized skin-rejuvenation plan, with appropriate spacing and aftercare.
Whether you’re preparing for winter events, getting ahead of next year’s wedding season, or investing in long-term skin health, fall can be a practical time to begin.
The Chicago Winter Skin Survival Guide
Anyone who has experienced a Chicago winter knows the impact freezing temperatures, harsh winds, and indoor heating can have on the skin.
Cold outdoor air and dry indoor environments can contribute to moisture loss, leaving skin feeling tight, flaky, irritated, and less radiant.
The solution isn’t necessarily more exfoliation. In fact, over-exfoliating during winter can compromise the skin barrier.
Instead, focus on hydration and protection. Incorporate moisturizers containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin, use a gentle cleanser, and continue wearing SPF even when the skies are gray.
Professional facials and personalized skincare can also help support hydration throughout the season. After peels or laser treatments, following your provider’s recommended recovery regimen becomes especially important.
Healthy skin isn’t seasonal, but your skincare routine should evolve with the weather.
Your Best Skin Starts Before the Big Event
From Dr. Shah’s expert recommendations in Forbes to Jen’s real-life bridal skincare journey, one message remains consistent: beautiful skin is about preparation, not last-minute perfection.
At Aesthetic Skin Chicago, our approach combines medical expertise, advanced treatments, and personalized planning to help patients look refreshed, confident, and naturally radiant.
Explore the latest treatments and October skincare specials at aestheticskinchicago.com and begin preparing your skin for the season ahead.