At Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics, patients often ask, “Can I do laser treatment in the summer?” While the answer is “yes,” undergoing laser treatments during warmer months comes with some precautions. Yet, with proper care, many laser treatments can safely take place when the sun is shining its brightest.
What’s the Risk?
The primary risk of laser treatments during warmer weather is increased sun sensitivity. After laser treatments, the skin is more vulnerable to UV damage. This is due to the temporary weakening of the skin’s natural protective barrier following laser treatment. And UV radiation levels are typically at their highest from April to August, peaking at midday.
Why Summer Laser Treatments Can Still Work
Despite these risks, many patients successfully undergo laser treatments in the summer with excellent results. The key is choosing the right type of laser treatment and timing it carefully.
Non-Ablative and Gentle Laser Options
Some laser treatments, like Clear + Brilliant, or Tetra CoolPeel are less aggressive and come with shorter recovery times and lower sensitivity to sunlight. These options are ideal for summer months when a quick bounce-back is desirable. They offer skin rejuvenation, pigment correction, or collagen stimulation without significant downtime.
Body Areas That Are Easily Covered
Laser treatments on areas like the underarms, bikini line, or back are often more feasible in summer because these regions are typically kept covered when out in the sun, unless you’re looking to stagger your laser treatments with any upcoming beach trips. Here’s our advice:
- Schedule treatments at least 2 weeks before a beach trip.
- This gives your skin time to heal and for post-treatment sensitivity to decrease. Most providers recommend avoiding direct sun exposure on the treated area for 10–14 days after a session.
- Avoid sun exposure (and tanning) before your treatment.
- You’ll want to avoid sunbathing or tanning the area for at least 1–2 weeks before your appointment, too. Tanned skin increases the risk of burns and hyperpigmentation from the laser.
- Wait 1–2 weeks after your trip before your next session.
- If your skin got sun exposure during vacation—even if protected—it’s smart to give it time to recover before your next treatment. Lasers work best (and safest) on untanned skin.
- Consider spacing appointments 6–8 weeks apart.
Bottom line: If you’re wearing protective clothing or staying indoors, it’s much easier to follow sun-avoidance guidelines and minimize UV exposure.
Post-Treatment Protection
In an effort to ensure the best possible outcome following laser treatments, the experts at Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics suggest the following precautions.
Wear Sunscreen
When outdoors or near windows, use a broad-spectrum physical sunscreen during the recovery period. Make sure it has an SPF of at least 30, and stay away from chemical sunscreens, which could possibly irritate the skin. It’s important to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Avoid Peak Sunlight Hours
Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics physicians suggest keeping sunlight exposure to a minimum, especially during peak hours. This is typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Consult your local UV Index daily, and take extra precautions when the numbers are high.
Dress in Protective Clothing
If the skin around the eyes has been treated, it can be especially sensitive. It’s a good idea to wear a wide-brimmed hat that provides full facial coverage and a pair of UV-blocking sunglasses. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants provide extra coverage for larger areas of the body. Loose-fitting, breathable fabrics such as cotton help promote healing and are less likely to cause irritation.
Proper Skincare
Throughout your skin’s healing process, opt for gentle, non-irritating skincare products that won’t cause complications. Stay clear of harsh exfoliants, retinoids, and other active ingredients that could irritate your already sensitive skin. Make sure and keep your skin hydrated and moisturized, which promotes healing and prevents dryness or peeling. Choose products with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.
Follow Post-Treatment Instructions
Pay close attention to your provider’s advice and any post-treatment guidance they share. They may steer you away from certain activities or specific skincare products to maximize your recovery.
Interested in Laser Treatment? Make an Appointment with Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics
Allow the board-certified dermatologists at Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics the opportunity to guide you toward the laser treatment option that’s right for you. Our practice offers state-of-the-art technology with our highly effective laser treatments and cosmetic dermatology services. These treatments include improving the texture and tone of your skin, and diminishing pore size, as well as advanced laser treatment for psoriasis, vitiligo, sunspots, or facial redness.
To discuss laser treatment options, schedule an appointment online.
