We’re all enjoying the shift into summer. It’s a dream to feel the warmer air coming in off the lake and the seasons turning. But we know some of you are wondering about summer treatments: what cosmetic treatments are safe for the summer months, and is it still wise to schedule your usual treatments? We’re all spending more time outside and the UV index is higher until October, so how can you best approach cosmetic care in the summer months? And how can you look and feel your best doing so? Let’s explore.
Tips for summer treatments
- Be upfront and open with your treatment specialist about your summer plans and honest about your sun exposure habits and plans. The more we know about your plans, the better we can shape a skincare and treatment plan that protects you and optimizes your results. We all want to be consistent about wearing hats and sunscreen, but just let us know your true habits and we can help make sure you’re covered and recommend the right treatments that are safe and right for you.
- Bring any questions to your consultation with our skilled specialists and we’ll be happy to shape a treatment plan that’s customized for your lifestyle, summer plans, concerns, and cosmetic goals. Some patients might choose to save treatments that make skin more sensitive for the fall and prioritize contouring or skincare for the summer months; we can help craft the right plan for you.
- Carefully follow aftercare instructions for your treatment. We’ll provide you with clear instructions for safety and sun protection to make sure you heal effectively and have the protection your skin will need. It’s important to follow these outlines closely.
- Invest in broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection, protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and protective sunglasses to protect your skin after treatments but every day of summer too. Reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming or sweating. Chemical sunscreens convert the sun’s rays to heat, which can exacerbate hot and irritated skin, so we recommend a mineral sunscreen for premium protection..
- Shop for sunscreens in our online shop: Try a tinted sunscreen to even out skin for a naturally beautiful look, a nourishing lip sunscreen to protect lips from sun damage, a powder sunscreen for easy brushing on and off and built-in shine control over makeup, or this sunscreen option with a radiant, dewy finish.
- Seek shade from 10am-4pm when the summer sun is the most intense and direct.
- Stay hydrated to keep skin supple, happy and glowing. Any treatment result will be improved by the free clarifying qualities that water provides for skin.
- Avoid chlorinated pools directly following treatments: Chlorine can be drying and can aggravate sensitive post-treatment skin.
Summer treatment or not? Treatment considerations for optimal results and sun safety.
Each treatment has a unique ability to transform, refresh, or revitalize your appearance. The healing process for each treatment is also unique, and some treatments make skin more vulnerable or susceptible to sun damage. Let’s consider the summer implications of some of your favorite treatments.
CoolSculpting®
CoolSculpting is an ideal summer treatment. Non-invasive freezing dissolves fat cells without the need for downtime, for results you’ll be able to enjoy right as we enter swimsuit season or start wearing shorts again. With CoolSculpting you’ll be able to resume your daily activities directly following treatment, and this treatment won’t compromise your skin or make you more vulnerable to sun exposure.
Clinical Peels
Clinical peels offer an incredible opportunity to turn over a new leaf and resurface the skin for a fresh, glowing complexion. They’re one of the easiest ways to reveal more youthful glow, refine tone and texture, smooth lines and wrinkles, address sun damage and reduce breakouts. But all this newly exposed skin following treatment is especially tender and vulnerable to sun damage which can raise risks for sunburn and hyperpigmentation—making this a higher risk summer treatment that requires great cooperation to ensure you’re well protected. Certain “light peels” can be more hydrating and help suppress hyperpigmentation and signs of sun damage. If you’re investing in a summertime peel, you’ll want to discuss the implications with your specialist to make sure you’re able to avoid the sun while your skin heals and remain vigilant about extensive sun protection until your lovely results appear.
Microneedling
Tiny micro-punctures trigger collagen production, improving skin texture and restoring an even tone to skin with this non-surgical treatment. You may want to avoid combining microneedling with other sensitizing treatments during the summer, or spacing out treatments if your skin is typically more sensitive when it’s subject to heat and direct sunlight. Keeping skin well hydrated is also helpful to ensure your complexion is calm and doesn’t get irritated. Microneedling is generally a safe summer treatment, but you’ll want to protect skin with consistent sunscreen use and protection while you invest in that gorgeous summer glow.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
PRP treatment uses your skin’s own healing capacity to rejuvenate and promote healing. Since this treatment doesn’t alter the surface or resurface the skin, it’s also a reasonable treatment to choose in the summer months. This treatment might be combined with microneedling for optimal combination results, and sun protection protocol is similar; keep applying that SPF, wear protective clothing, and keep skin hydrated.
Broadband Light (BBL™) and HALO® Laser Treatment
You can get a BBL treatment in the summer, but you must avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks before and after. Sun can damage your skin and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. If you’re planning sunny vacations or pool days, it may not be the right time. Always wear broad-spectrum SPF, a hat, and stay in the shade—especially during peak sun hours—to protect your results and skin health.
Thermage®
Targeted heat triggers healing deep beneath the surface to smooth, tighten, and restore a tighter shape to skin. The real action with this innovative treatment takes place underneath the surface of the skin, but you will notice some redness and swelling following treatment so you may need to avoid sunlight until the sensitivity subsides. Our experienced team can offer advice for optimal healing and product recommendations to calm irritated skin to optimize comfort during the healing process.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a great long-lasting solution for smooth skin and relief from continuous plucking, shaving, or waxing. Laser hair removal can also be performed safely in the summer on areas that are not continuously exposed to the sun, such as the underarms, bikini line, chest, back or upper legs (if covered). These areas are less likely to be affected by sun exposure and make great options for continuing treatment during warmer months.
Ready to build your summer treatment plan?
Look good and feel great this summer with a customized professional skincare and treatment plan that addresses your concerns and brings out your true beauty. Book your consultation today and let’s explore what’s possible.
