Laser treatments are a powerful way to rejuvenate, resurface, and refine your skin. But if you’ve ever wondered whether summer is the right time for them, you’re not alone. Many people assume that laser treatments are strictly a cold-weather option, but the truth is a bit more nuanced.
At our practice, we believe that great skin doesn’t need to wait for winter. With the right precautions and guidance, safe and effective laser treatments are possible year-round, even during the sunny summer months. Read more below on what you need to know.
Why Sun Exposure Matters
Laser treatments work by delivering targeted energy to the skin to address concerns like pigmentation, fine lines, redness, and unwanted hair. While these treatments are highly effective, they also make your skin temporarily more sensitive to UV rays. Too much sun exposure before or after a laser treatment can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation, burns, or prolonged healing.
But that doesn’t mean you have to put your aesthetic goals on hold until fall. It just means you need a more strategic approach.
Summer-Safe Laser Treatments
Some lasers are gentler on the skin and safer to perform during the sunnier months—especially when paired with diligent sun protection. A few great options include:
Vbeam Perfecta (Pulse Dye Laser)
This precision laser treatment effectively targets redness, broken blood vessels, rosacea, and certain brown spots. Its gentle approach and built-in cooling system help minimize discomfort and downtime, making it a versatile option—even in the summer months.
IPL (Photofacial)
Intense Pulsed Light is a non-laser energy treatment that corrects sun damage, brown spots, and redness. It’s gentle and requires minimal recovery time—ideal if you’re looking for glowing skin without sidelining your summer plans. However, if your skin is currently tanned, we recommend waiting until the tan has faded for the safest and most effective results.
Non-Ablative Fractional Resurfacing
This “pixel” laser treats tiny skin areas, stimulating collagen to improve tone, fine lines, and texture with little to no downtime. It’s perfect for maintaining a refreshed look without heavy recovery.
With consistent sun protection and proper timing, laser hair removal can be safely done in the summer—especially on areas that stay covered, like the underarms or bikini line.
Laser Treatments to Avoid in Summer
While some lasers are summer-friendly, others are best saved for cooler months when sun exposure is easier to avoid. This includes:
Ablative Lasers (CO₂RE)
These lasers deeply resurface skin to correct wrinkles, severe sun damage, and acne scarring. They require significant downtime—and sun exposure too soon afterward can cause hyperpigmentation and prolonged healing.
Deeper Pigment-Targeting Lasers
If you’re treating melasma or deep sunspots, summer isn’t ideal—since UV exposure can worsen pigmentation.
Safety Tips for Summer Laser Sessions
If you’re planning laser treatments during the summer, follow these best practices for safe and effective results:
- Avoid sun exposure 2–4 weeks before and after treatment.
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily, even on cloudy days or if you’ll be indoors near windows.
- Wear wide-brimmed hats and sun-protective clothing when outdoors.
- Disclose any recent sun exposure or upcoming vacations to your provider.
- Trust your skin to a board-certified dermatologist who can tailor the treatment and timing to your skin type and lifestyle.
Glow Smarter This Summer
With Mountain Dermatology’s premium laser technologies and personalized approach, you can confidently achieve radiant, refreshed skin even during summer. Whether it’s redness, tone correction, or gentle resurfacing—even in the summer—our expert team ensures that every treatment suits your lifestyle and goals.
Schedule a consultation with our team to create a personalized treatment plan that accommodates your summer schedule and skin goals, ensuring both safety and optimal results.