Health & Beauty Expert Dayna Hart On How To Achieve A Radiant Bridal Glow (From the Inside Out)

We’ve all been tested this past year and half in ways like never before. For most, the effects on our physical and mental health have been noticeable. The decisions we make regarding body, mind, and spirit become all the more critical during periods of prolonged stress. The path to finding balance in order to achieve and maintain optimal health and beauty feels meandering and plotted with obstacles.

Dayna Hart of Violet Grace can attest to this predicament many women are finding themselves in right now. Dayna founded Violet Grace as “a multidisciplinary beauty and wellness established to integrate time-tested elements of health, healing, and beauty with a practical understanding of the modern cosmetic and wellness industries to enhance the mind, body, and soul.” Clients come to her seeking guidance as they embark on a personal journey to look and feel their best. Since this is a goal of most brides-to-be, we asked Dayna what advice she has for our readers who are in the midst of planning a wedding. Read on to hear what she had to say.

As a health coach and beauty expert with over 10 years in the industry, I often get asked by brides-to-be what they can do to best prep for their big day. Trying to do the whole beauty & wellness thing on their own, many hit a breaking point. It’s easy to get overzealous and overwhelmed when faced with the plethora of information and options being promoted left and right. Women find themselves trying to do too much while wasting money, time, and precious mental bandwidth when there is nothing to spare.

Below are the two essential wedding prep priorities I outline for my clients, which will have you glowing down the aisle.

Cleanse/Detox: Beauty Starts on The Inside

The power of cleanses, when done properly, simply can’t be downplayed. Cleansing resets the organs, mind, body, and soul, which directly correlates with an improved physical, mental, and spiritual health. Outer beauty and radiance start from within. In order for our skin, hair, nails, and body to glow and thrive, the internal state must be free of the burdens of toxicity that overwhelm our system. Daily, we are exposed to toxic heavy metals, viruses, pathogens, chemical pesticides, synthetic fragrances – the list goes on. Over time the liver becomes over-stressed, allowing these toxins to accumulate and reside in cells, organs, and tissue. As our internal body is taxed with trying to keep us functional, it simply does not have the time or energy required to nurture the outer body’s beauty needs. The effects can surface as dull, lackluster, and lax skin, dry brittle hair, excess weight, and bloating.

You can eat all the salads you want, (and please do get your greens), but this will provide only a fraction of essential nourishment if your organs and digestive system are under constant duress. Just like we need to sleep, the digestive system needs to rest as well. In most Ancient cultures and sciences, cleanses are commonly practiced as a part of life. It is especially important now when our modern lifestyle constantly inundates us with the standard American diet full of preservatives, additives, and GMOs. When I’m not seeing clients directly to customize their cleanses, I recommend liver cleanses discussed in the book, Medical Medium, by Anthony William. Found in William’s Cleanse to Heal, the 3:6:9 cleanse is an approachable option, which lasts nine days and has three versions, one of which is simplified for the novice cleanser. Day one of this cleanse can very well be the start of one of the best gifts you can ever give yourself – I’m certain nothing on your registry will compare.

In my one-on-one sessions, we consider the client’s unique needs, lifestyle, and body constitution to curate a cleanse that encompasses the ancient medical sciences of Ayurveda as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). For example, if you are dealing with any specific allergies or underlying conditions, an elimination diet lasting 2 to 3 weeks would be recommended. It is important to work with a health expert when considering an elimination diet to ensure proper execution and successful results.

SKINCARE: How to Achieve Radiant Bridal Beauty

Speaking with thousands of women about their beauty goals and dreams over the years, I would be remiss if I did not mention skincare at numerous points during our conversations. The most important thing you can do for your beauty goals is implementing a healthy lifestyle that includes incorporating cleansing, eating well, getting sufficient rest, managing stress, and staying properly hydrated. Keep in mind a full skin cycle takes twenty-eight days, whereas cellular turnover in the body is happening every moment. The most effective results start from within.

That said, investing in a regimen prior to your big day can help you get that extra glow all brides want. My biggest tip for soon to be brides is to TAKE IT EASY! All too often, I see clients wanting to jump in full speed and rush the process without considering the risks involved when pushing the needle too quickly, so to speak. If you have over a year before the date, you can get away with some microneedling, radio frequency treatments, or laser resurfacing treatments such as Morpheus8 and Fraxel Dual Laser. It is important to consider any pre-wedding events and travel during this period – direct sunlight should be avoided for 2 months after treatment and downtime is usually 7 days. Preliminary results generally take a minimum 2-3 months with final results taking up to 6 months. For those who feel they need an intense treatment, but do not have the advised downtime available, I always suggest Clear & Brilliant, which is superficial while still going deep (3-6 treatments are needed for optimal results, sun exposure should be avoided).

Some clients are limited on time or want a less aggressive approach when it comes to their skin regime. Facials are magical when working with the appropriate clinician. As part of our consulting services, we match-make the best practitioners to our clients’ needs. If you do not have access to an individual consultation, advocate for yourself by checking Yelp and Google reviews. My rule of thumb is that a business should not have less than 4.5 stars with over 30 reviews as a minimum (there should be no negative reviews about treatments).

For a soothing but effective facial, look for options that include massage for lymphatic drainage. If you want a more technology-based treatment, you will love the results from Hydra facial and Jetpeel – both extract impurities, resurface the skin, and then infuse and plump the skin with antioxidants and hydration. These are my picks for matrimony prep that will provide phenomenal benefits without taking on the risk of downtime when you can be enjoying this time to the fullest.

To maximize your treatments, stay clear of any high-chemical product lines and opt for cleaner beauty products. Biologique Recherche, Drunk Elephant and The Ordinary are brands I trust and recommend regularly to clients looking to purify their skincare. Prices differ from brand to brand and offer options for every budget.

Having spent many years in the beauty and health space, I have seen the most sustainable success with clients who are willing to commit to diet and lifestyle changes. The simplest methods really do stand the test of time. There isn’t a more beautiful bride than the one who has agency over her health, and a strength and vitality that she can share that with her new growing family.

A big thank you to Dayna for sharing her advice and knowledge with us! To learn more about Violet Grace’s bespoke beauty and holistic health services, visit violetgrace.com and follow along at @yourvioletgrace

Dayna has shared a cleansing, quick, and easy recipe along with some of her go-to skin skincare products.

Nori Rolls

Ingredients (organic preferred)

Nori sheets
chickpeas (canned or fresh but soak in water overnight if choose fresh)
broccoli sprouts
Bragg liquid aminos
lemon
garlic
black pepper
fresh parsley

Instructions

Rinse off chickpeas (garbanzo beans)

In a food processor or blender, combine 1/2 can beans or 1.5 cups fresh chickpeas with 1 tsp liquid aminos, juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 clove garlic, and 1 tsp water

blend until creamy or chunky consistency depending on preference

Place remaining chickpeas into a bowl and add a pinch of black pepper, juice of 1/2 lemon,  chopped parsley, and 1/2 tsp liquid aminos

place 2 nori sheets shiny side down, side-by-side

scoop a tablespoon of fat free hummus onto sheets

place a pinch worth of sprouts onto hummus

add a scoop of fresh chickpea blend in a line from top to bottom

roll sheets up tightly, cut in half and serve immediately (as the sheets will soften from the liquid quickly)

Skincare Products

Drunk Elephant C Firma Fresh Day Serum (antioxidant for antiaging. Firm, brighten, and improve signs of photoaging)

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + b5 (hydration, replenishes lost moisture, provides skin with enhanced barrier support)

Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 (exfoliant for after cleansing. Speeds up the epidermis’ natural exfoliating process & balances the pH of the skin)