The Experts Assign Some Honeymoon Homework

Don’t let anyone tell you that putting together a wedding isn’t hard work. With a bit of planning, a honeymoon can be a way to unwind after the stress and get some alone time with your sweetheart. And a little bit of preparation can make the honeymoon even more enjoyable for you both.

Vance Michael Soto, president of Ole Henriksen Face and Body Spa in West Hollywood, offers some advice for your one-on-one wedding celebration:

“Two weeks prior, visit your favorite spa for a facial, like our Power Peel. Let them poke around on your face, cleanse, moisturize, maybe even up your eyebrows. Clean, fresh, exfoliated skin will always allow deeper penetration of your skincare products, and while traveling, you will be thankful to have that elevated level of protection to combat environmental damage, impurities, and stress. Can’t get to the spa? Don’t stress it. Pick up the Ole Henriksen Lemon Strip Flash Peel ($48) for at-home use and do it one week prior.

“Whether you plan on showing skin or not, it’s good to be prepared. A salt scrub will help with breakouts and will give your skin a soft, supple feel — very handy when you’re in a Speedo or bikini. If you’re headed to a cool climate, a scrub helps by removing dead skin, which will help your body lotions and potions penetrate deeper. If you can’t get to the spa, just grab some Ole Henriksen Rub n’ Buff ($48) and go to town in the shower a few days prior.

“Regardless of climate, get a broad- spectrum SPF 50 or higher that protects against UVA and UVB. Try putting your face SPF on before your moisturizer. Ole Henriksen’s philosophy is to have the much-needed protection on the skin first, to form the most beneficial barrier. Don’t forget to reapply every few hours to face and body, because sun damage is not hot.

“Don’t skip your skincare regimens — you don’t want a pimple to join you for some face time. Modify if need be; tropical climates require less moisture, more SPF protection, and no aggressive chemicals. In cooler climates, your skin needs more hydration and SPF protection. Add a little luminosity to your body with some body oil. Ole Henriksen’s Lavender Body Oil ($28) is perfect for the occasion to give you a nice glow along with soft and supple skin for those close moments.

“Keeping fit with exercise is important for skin health, too, as is maintaining a decent diet, getting plenty of sleep (to pre- vent dark under-eye circles), and avoiding alcohol. If you’re like me, avoiding alcohol on vacation would be like finding a chupacabra — probably not going to happen. But whether you’re the body shot or martini type, maybe have one less drink. Your body, skin, and head will be thankful in the morning.

“Last but not least, get excited! Happiness and excitement will bring a true glow to your skin.”