Yes, You Can Get Laser Treatments in Summer! Here’s What to Know.
Think you can’t get laser treatments in the summer? Think again. Experts share the golden rules for safely keeping your skin glowing all season long. Image: iStock
Wrinkles? Discoloration? Sagging skin? There’s a laser for all of that! These advanced treatments have become increasingly popular for improving skin tone, texture, and firmness without the invasiveness, recovery time, or cost of surgery. It used to be that laser treatments were largely off-limits once the weather warmed up. But thanks to advances in technology, many treatments can now be performed year-round. We asked Southern experts to share the safest lasers for summer and how to get maximum results with minimal downtime.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Laser treatments are as varied as the skin concerns they address. Some go to work at a deep level and may require a few days of downtime, while others can be done on your lunch break for a quick pick-me-up. While each laser is designed to address different concerns, they all share this in common: they are most effective when used correctly and incorporated into a consistent skin care regimen.
“Lasers aren’t just a one-time fix — they are one of the best tools we have for maintaining younger-looking, vibrant skin over time,” explains Dr. Don Griffin of Nashville Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Lounge. He adds that for patients serious about preserving youthful radiance, lasers should be an integral part of the plan.
“They are the cornerstone of an intelligent, ongoing skin care strategy,” he says. “The results compound in a way that lighter treatments can’t match.”
However, one size does not fit all, and while some lasers are more summer-friendly than others, it’s important to understand the different types and when to use them.
Safer Summer Lasers
Lasers and sun exposure don’t go hand in hand. That’s why fall and winter are considered premium “laser seasons.” But Dr. Griffin says there’s no reason most people can’t continue their treatments through the warmer months.
“The misconception is that lasers are off the table in summer,” he says. “The reality is that with diligent sun protection and smart planning, most people can have laser treatments year-round — it’s about lifestyle habits, not the calendar.”
Two treatments he recommends for summer are Clear + Brilliant® and Halo®. The first is what he describes as a “gentle fractional laser” that polishes the skin’s surface to improve tone and texture with minimal downtime (think one to three days).”It’s an easy fit for a busy summer schedule,” Dr. Griffin explains.
The Halo, a hybrid fractional laser, penetrates deeper to stimulate collagen and address those pesky fine lines, as well as pigment and texture issues. It also comes with a more significant downtime of up to one week. This might make it more challenging in the summer, but it’s still doable.
Dr. Amaka Nwubah of Amaka Aesthetics in Brentwood recommends the Aerolase® to her patients for year-round treatment and uses it to address everything from acne to collagen stimulation to hair reduction. “Because of its unique wavelength, it’s generally safer across a wide range of skin tones and can be used during the summer months with proper sun protection,” she says.
She also likes non-ablative options such as CoolPeel® to improve texture, fine lines, and pore size. “Summer doesn’t mean you have to stop all laser treatments,” she says. “It just means choosing the right treatments and being smart about sun exposure.”
Hold Off on the Big Guns
The more aggressive the laser, the better the results — but there’s also much longer downtime, which is why experts agree that procedures like deeply ablative treatments should usually be avoided. “These are typically better reserved for cooler months when patients naturally have less UV exposure,” says Dr. Nwubah.
Dr. Griffin agrees, adding that the reduced exposure opens the door to some of the most impactful treatment options, such as a Halo and Broad Band Light (BBL®) combo.
“This is our preferred approach for patients who are ready to make a significant investment in their skin,” he describes. “Combining Halo and BBL in a single session delivers results that are exponentially better than either treatment alone. You simply cannot replicate that level of transformation with more superficial treatments.”
The ProFractional™ laser is another heavy hitter best suited to the fall. “It creates microscopic channels in the skin while leaving the surrounding tissue untouched,” explains Griffin Churchwell, licensed aesthetician at The Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville. “It triggers a powerful natural healing response that stimulates collagen to reduce wrinkles, scars, and sun damage.” She likes pairing it with a BBL Photofacial, calling it a “game-changing combination for heavily sun-damaged skin.”
Who Shouldn’t Do It
Generally speaking, most lasers work by resurfacing the skin, leaving new skin exposed and highly susceptible to UV exposure. That can lead to everything from hyperpigmentation to severe sunburn. If you spend a lot of time outdoors or consider sunscreen optional, you might not be the best candidate for a summer treatment.
“If you plan on being outdoors all summer, it’s much safer and easier to wait until fall,” advises Dr. Griffin, who advocates for wearing SPF clothing and Coolibar sun hats to avoid sun exposure.
Physician Assistant Margo Plagenhoef at Total Dermatology in Birmingham agrees and emphasizes the importance of minimizing sun exposure for two weeks before and after any summer laser treatment to reduce the risk of complications.
Honest communication with your provider about your lifestyle and habits is the best way to ensure you get the laser treatment plan that is right for you. “Customization is everything,” says Dr. Nwubah. “The most important thing is choosing the right treatment, for the right patient, at the right time.”
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Bonny Osterhage
Bonny Osterhage is a professional journalist with more than 25 years of experience in both print and digital media. An avid fitness fanatic, when she isn't exploring the next trending topic, Bonny can be found cycling, running, and leading classes at SolidCore. Find more of her work at Mind Body Green, The List, Business Insider, and more.