Achieving god-tier skin is a long slog, paved with SPF, retinols and a little help from the pros. But good news for would-be grooms who haven’t been so religious in your skincare regimen: you should be able make a world of difference in just the short space one month.

First up, it’s paramount you have a solid at-home routine in place – and, according to cosmetic dermatologist Dr Joney de Souza, this needn’t be a fussy, 15-step affair. Rather, he advocates three key components: a gentle cleanser that doesn’t leave skin feeling stripped; a results-driven moisturiser packed with anti-ageing actives; and an SPF (30 or above, of course), which will protect your face from sun damage.

Making some obvious-but-effective lifestyle choices consistently can also turn the ship around in a short space of time, says nutritionist Dr Andy Daly of Dr David Jack Clinic. A solid sleep schedule will “allow your skin to repair and regenerate”, while a diet rich in colourful fruit and veg (plus a skin health supplement that contains hyaluronic acid, glutathione and vitamins C and E) will boost radiance. Try cutting back on alcohol in the weeks prior (there’ll be plenty on the day) and you’ll be rewarded with skin that’s less dehydrated.

From there, high-tech in-clinic wizardy is the icing on the multi-tiered cake. Juice up your results and take your complexion to the next level – de Souza’s top pick is the PicoSure laser, which is safe for all skin tones). “PicoSure induces the production of new collagen and elastin with no damage to the skin meaning very little downtime,” he says. “This will retexture the skin and address lines, wrinkles and acne scars as well as help clear pigmentation.”

Meanwhile, celebrity groomer Ms Natalie Shafii suggests hydra-microdermabrasion facials for a complexion that’s “hydrated, bright, plump, and clear”. With both these options, the earlier you start, the better – a course of treatments well in advance will not only maximise the final outcome, but also allow you plenty of time to switch it up in case there’s an (unlikely) adverse reaction.

As you head into the final stretch, and wedding preparations begin to pick up pace, it’s time to think about hair. Specifically, when do you book in for that all-important pre-nuptial tidy-up? And should you stick with your go-to guy down the road or opt for something a little more special? As with skincare, any drastic changes should be considered well in advance, says Shafii. Which is to say, if you’re open to a style switch-up, then trial-run it with your barber of choice “in the months prior” so there’s no nerves when you settle into his chair ahead of D-day.

For the timing of that final trim, it’s really down to preference. “If it’s longer, maybe like shoulder length, sometimes it’s better to have it done a week or two prior, so the hair can settle in a little bit.” For skin fades and shorter cuts, a few days before is typically best. For her shoot with our very own groom-to-be Mr Charlie Schneider, who’d had an awkward haircut with a new barber, she decided to work with the shorter length. “I tapered the edges with a clipper gently, just to take some weight away and create a nicer shape, and we’ll probably do something similar for the wedding,” she says. She also suggests asking the barber to tend to your brows and beard if they happen to be looking unruly.

As for skin? No filmstar worth their outsized salary will have rocked up to the Oscars or the Met Gala without a top-notch aesthetician tending to their complexion in the days leading up. For your own starring role, try Dr David Jack’s Korean Glass Skin Facial, which involves a deep cleanse, a light peel and lifting, stress-soothing Golki massage – or ramp things up further with a round of skin-tightening radiofrequency.

If you’re not a needlephobe, you can also give mesotherapy a go – consisting of micro-injections that are infused with antioxidants and vitamins, it juices up the skin and tends to under-eye bags quicker than any cream. At home, resist the urge to go in heavy on the retinols and acids unless you fancy a face that’s red-raw and peeling come crunch time.

By the big day, all your fastidious prep will have bestowed you with your Best Skin Ever. But all is not over just yet – and a few pro tricks in the hours leading up will ensure a complexion that captivates on camera and in the flesh. The night before: “hydrate, hydrate, hydrate,” says Dr David Jack. “Keep the skin well moisturised, use a good lip balm to prevent any chapped lips, and don’t forget to moisturise your hands and cuticles.”

Throw on a sheet mask just before bed or once you wake up – Shafii is a fan of 111SKIN’s range. She also recommends a lymphatic drainage face massage in the morning to nix any puffiness.

Finally, stock your armoury. In Shafii’s case, there’s plenty of on-the-day skin prep using Dr. Barbara Sturm’s balancing toner, hyaluronic acid serum, balancing lotion and eye cream. She also advises on a touch of tinted moisturiser, which will only make your already glowing skin look even better on camera (rest assured every guy you see on the red carpet is wearing at least a light foundation).

Straight and wavy hair is tended to with a detangling primer to hydrate, followed by a texturising spray to add body and a hairspray to lock it in place. Meanwhile, Afro hair will benefit from a hydrating pomade and oils for sheen, and a pick to fluff out the shape. “If you’ve got braids, you can get some mousse and reset them with a net on the morning, so they look extra fresh.” Finally, she slicks down beards and brows with a dedicated gel.

But say the worst strikes – that is, a juicy pimple shows up uninvited? Keep calm and apply an antibacterial blemish treatment as soon as notice it, says Shafii. Then follow up with a concealer that’s true to your skin tone and set with a translucent powder (locate a bridesmaid if necessary). However, if it’s an absolute mountain you’re working with, then try ringing up for an 11th-hour session with your go-to dermatologist, who can administer a diluted cortisone shot. Even those who are known to book up months in advance will be kind enough to squeeze in a loyal client for this (hopefully) once-in-a-lifetime occasion.