With temperatures on the rise and much of the country returning to a new form of normalcy, many of us are gearing up to enjoy the parts of summer we missed out on over the past two years. (Beach trips, tropical vacations, and summer fashion all come to mind.) However, if cosmetic treatments are also on your radar, don’t be so quick to book that appointment: for some procedures, you may want to wait until after your long-awaited fun in the sun.
Keep reading to see which cosmetic treatments and procedures are best to avoid in the summer months, according to leading dermatologists, and get their top tips to ensure safety and best results if you do choose to proceed.
1. Chemical peels
Why they’re not ideal for summer
The sun’s rays are strongest during the summer, and people tend to spend more time outdoors. “This makes our skin more susceptible to UVA/UVB damage, so I recommend avoiding treatments that increase your sun sensitivity during this time,” says Dr. Dennis Gross, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. He notes that intense chemical peels are among the riskiest treatments to get if you plan to spend time in the sun.
Dr. Corey L. Hartman, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama, agrees. While chemical peels offer exceptional benefits for patients with acne scarring, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation, he says, “they shed off the top layers of skin on your face, which makes them effective but also leaves the remaining skin exceptionally vulnerable to the sun.” And while the final results from chemical peels can be pretty, the potential dangers of UV damage post-treatment are anything but. “Having the skin exposed to the sun immediately following a chemical peel not only increases your risk for sunburn and skin cancer, but it can undo the benefits of the treatment,” he warns.
Dr. Gross adds that retinol peels and other deep chemical peels that require downtime are best to save for cooler months. “The new skin is fragile and needs time to heal. With less exposure to UV rays during the winter, the skin can have a quicker, safer, and more effective recovery,” he says.
Tips if you can’t avoid it
In light of the warnings shared above, Dr. Gross says that it’s still possible to safely get chemical peels in the summer—particularly those that are less intensive. For instance, he explains, “An alpha-beta peel that uses a mix of acids will give you beautiful exfoliation without being too intense.” Still, you’ll have to be extra diligent with sun protection.
“If you do decide to proceed with a chemical peel in the summer, it is essential that you follow instructions for care post-treatment, especially when it comes to sun exposure,” Dr. Hartman adds. “You’ll want to wear a hat when outside and apply sunscreen every day, multiple times a day.”
2. Laser resurfacing
Why it’s not ideal for summer
This type of aesthetic treatment “uses laser light to remove layers of skin, to expedite cell turnover and promote healing, and is a great treatment option for patients looking to improve the look of acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation,” Dr. Hartman explains.
Much like chemical peels, laser resurfacing yields a higher risk of vulnerability to the sun’s rays and environmental stressors such as heat and pollution. “Given the intensity of the care needed to avoid sun exposure, it is best left to cooler months, when the sun isn’t as harsh,” he shares.
Tips if you can’t avoid it
Again, Dr. Hartman says that the best way to ensure safety if you choose to get laser resurfacing done in the summer is to avoid sun exposure immediately after treatment, especially within the first 48 hours. “Also, immediately following treatment, a dermatologist will apply bandages to the treated areas and you’ll be given strict instructions on how to cleanse and care for your skin,” he continues. Be sure to follow all post-procedure care protocols.
3. Laser hair removal
Why it’s not ideal for summer
When you’re daydreaming of spending your summer in shorts and sundresses, it makes sense that laser hair removal would come to mind. However, you’ll be better off getting your sessions in at least a month before you plan on spending more time outdoors with your skin exposed to the sun’s rays—both for safety and best results.
“You should avoid laser hair removal in the summer because sun exposure can negatively impact the treatment’s efficacy,” Dr. Gross explains. “Normally, laser hair removal targets the darker pigment in the hair follicle—not the surrounding skin. However, during the summertime, your skin is [typically] darker than it normally is, from either sun exposure or a self-tanner, and that darker skin pigment can also be picked up by the laser as well.” When this occurs, potential risks include patchy regrowth, burning, and even scarring. For that reason, Dr. Gross suggests starting the laser hair removal process in the fall or winter so you can complete your monthly sessions in time for beach season and promote optimal results.
Tips if you can’t avoid it
As always, sun protection is the name of the game—especially for your laser hair removal treatment areas. Applying SPF 30 or above (and reapplying it every two hours) is a must. “You can also further shield your skin by wearing a wide-brimmed hat or sunglasses, to block out harmful UV rays,” Dr. Gross says. If you’re removing hair on your body, you should also take care to cover up in UV-protective clothing. “When you know you’re going to be outdoors for an extended period of time, seek out shady areas to receive additional sun protection,” he adds.
4. Cellulite treatment
Why it’s not ideal for summer
Cellulite affects an estimated 90% of women, so if dimpling is standing in the way of wearing swimsuits with confidence, you’re not alone. There are two common in-office methods doctors use to target the septae, aka fibrous bands that tether skin to muscle and tug skin down, that lead to divots. The first involves using a tiny blade to cut the band, which is how Cellfina works.
There is also Qwo, the only FDA-approved injectable used to treat moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks. It uses collagen-degrading enzymes that release the bands by way of chemical subcision and can significantly reduce the appearance of dimples.
It’s best to do cellulite treatment in ancipation of summer, given the downtime and how long it takes to see results, explains Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Plus while the final outcome may be worth the wait, you’re likely to experience side effects such as bruising, swelling, and redness—especially after the first session but less so in the ones to follow—before the final results kick in.
She also notes that clinical studies for Qwo demonstrate the best results when three treatments are scheduled two weeks apart. “In Qwo’s study, 84% of patients experienced bruising that typically resolved within three weeks,” Dr. Green says. “Therefore, it would be best to plan Qwo treatments at least two months before the summer, for optimal results.”
Tips if you can’t avoid it
While the side effect of bruising is common (and expected) from Qwo treatments, it’s more unsightly than it is raw or inflamed. And though it doesn’t carry the same level of risks from sun exposure, you’ll likely want to cover up with loose pants until the bruising clears and healing is complete. “The most important thing is setting sufficient time aside for the results to show,” Dr. Green says—which, again, clocks in at around two months.
Her additional tips to promote the treatment’s success at any time of year include:
- Avoid aspirin, multivitamins, vitamin E, and blood thinners for one to two weeks before treatment (to minimize risk of increased bruising).
- Take arnica pills three to four days before and after treatment, to speed up the healing process.
- Don’t shower for 24 hours post-treatment and avoid baths for at least week after.
5. Sclerotherapy
Why it’s not ideal for summer
According to Dr. Gross, sclerotherapy—which entails injecting a liquid solution into varicose and spider veins, causing them to collapse and disappear from the skin’s surface—is another cosmetic treatment that’s best to avoid in the summer. “This procedure can cause bruising and skin discoloration around the treated areas, which can worsen with sun exposure,” he explains. This is the primary reason he suggests opting for this treatment in the fall or winter.
On top of that, he says that sclerotherapy often requires wearing compression hosiery post-treatment, which can cause discomfort on hot summer days.
Tips if you can’t avoid it
In addition to avoiding excess sun exposure to the treatment area, the best tips to ease recovery include:
- Avoid very hot showers/baths for at least a week.
- Walk regularly but avoid squats and high-intensity abdominal exercises for at least five days.
- Wear your compression hosiery as indicated by your provider.
6. Liposuction
Why it’s not ideal for summer
Lastly, liposuction is another treatment that’s better to book in anticipation of summer rather than during this season. Dr. Hartman mentions that it’s a popular procedure to get in the winter, since it gives patients enough time to heal and later reveal their new figures once temperatures rise. Plus there are additional considerations related to comfort and safety he wants patients to be aware of.
“Liposuction requires patients to wear support bandages immediately following the treatment and, in some cases, for weeks afterward, to reduce swelling,” Dr. Hartman explains. “That can be an annoyance to patients, due to the fact that the bandages can be hot and reduce options for clothing.” Dr. Hartman adds that getting these bandages wet (from sweating, swimming, and the like) can lead to infection.
Tips if you can’t avoid it
Although liposuction on the stomach, buttocks, thighs, and arms typically requires wearing bandages for at least a few weeks, Dr. Hartman shares that other treatment areas involve less recovery time. “Patients who have liposuction performed on the neck or upper chest will find that the recovery time is faster—typically closer to a week—so you could more easily have that done in the summer,” he says.
