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.<\/p>
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.<\/p>
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>, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. He notes that intense chemical peels<\/a> are among the riskiest treatments to get if you plan to spend time in the sun.<\/p> Dr. Corey L. Hartman<\/a>, 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.<\/p> 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.<\/p> 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.<\/p> “If you do decide to proceed with a chemical peel in the summer, it is essential that you follow instructions for care post-treatment<\/a>, 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.”<\/p>Tips if you can’t avoid it<\/h3>