Most men have a basic daily care routine, but deeper understanding of your hair, skin, and beard helps you unlock greater insights and improve your regimen. A few expert tips can help you fine-tune your routine and get you fresh and fabulous for your wedding day.

Skin 101: Basic Elements and Care

Healthline explains that our skin possesses three distinct layers. Visible to the naked eye, the epidermis offers protection and contains pores that allow sweat and oil to emerge. The dermis is a middle layer housing connective tissue, nerve endings, oil and sweat glands, lymph vessels, and two essential protein building blocks, collagen and elastin. The bottom layer, the subcutis, consists of the subcutaneous fat that keeps the body warm.

Most visible skin issues begin either in the dermis or epidermis. These can include acne, dryness, itching, razor bumps, and premature aging signs. Such problems result from a wide range of causes:

• Lack of or improper care routine
• Hormonal shifts
• Genetic factors
• Stress
• Environmental exposure to wind, UV rays, pollutants, and cold

GQ’s Adam Hurly details a few helpful skincare basics. It’s important to cleanse and moisturize twice daily, both in the morning and before bedtime. Using a gentle exfoliant twice a week will clear away dead skin cells that clog pores. Also, choose products that are built for your skin type. For instance, those with oily skin benefit from oil-free and non-comedogenic products since they won’t trigger breakouts. Products made for men account for testosterone-influenced structural differences such as thickness, larger pores, and increased oil production.

Tips for a Wedding-Ready Hairstyle

Your approach to your hair will depend on whether you plan to keep your current style or change it up. As Vogue clarifies, barbers commonly suggest getting your hair trimmed at least seven to 10 days before major events. That’s because a haircut may need time to “settle,” or look and feel more natural to the wearer. However, MEL Magazine’s Miles Klee points out that this experience may not be universal. Men with Afro-textured hair often report that their cuts look the best within the first 48 hours.

If you’re considering a new style, LiveAbout contributor David Alexander has a few recommendations. It’s helpful to know your face shape and explore cuts that can flatter it, but a good barber or stylist may also provide suggestions. New haircuts or styles are best scheduled on weekends when you have time to adjust to an updated look. It’s also wise to give style changes a trial run a couple of months in advance.

To Beard or Not To Beard?

If you’re planning to sport a beard, mustache, or both on your wedding day, preparation is essential. Facial hair grows about ¼ of an inch per month, which means that you may need to start the process several months or up to a year in advance. Men’s Journal advises that the first seven to 10 days can be the roughest, as hair may grow in patchy or uneven. Also, allow about four weeks of growth before attempting to shape your beard. Cleansing and moisturizing are important, along with a good-quality comb to deal with tangles and spread balms and oils evenly throughout your beard. Transgender men should keep in mind that they may see initial facial hair growth occur at slower rates. Point 5CC emphasizes that shaving doesn’t promote faster growth. Meanwhile, taking more testosterone than prescribed could backfire and convert into excess estrogen in the body.

Besides looking great, achieving your desired wedding day style can provide a boost of self-confidence. Hair, skin, and beard care are a few vital building blocks. Crafting your look begins months before you tie the knot, but you’ll be rewarded by your hard work and results.