By Dr. Iris Feingold, Aesthetic Medicine Specialist at Aventino Medical Group, Rome
Summer and aesthetic treatments: be cautious with the sun
When it comes to beauty, it’s easy to forget that summer and aesthetic treatments don’t always go hand in hand. With longer daylight hours and more intense UV exposure, the skin undergoes significant changes: shifts in melanin production, increased dehydration, and heightened sensitivity.
“The sun affects everything—from healing to pigmentation risks,” explains Dr. Iris Feingold. For this reason, certain procedures should be modified, postponed, or avoided during the summer months.
In this article, we’ll explore which treatments to avoid during summer, which ones are recommended, and how to keep your skin healthy and radiant safely.
You’ll also learn:
- why chemical peels, lasers, and acids require caution,
- which sun-friendly treatments are best suited for the season,
- and which steps help optimize results.
Treatments to avoid in summer: peels, lasers, and photosensitizing acids
During summer, certain aesthetic treatments increase the risk of skin discoloration, irritation, and UV damage. These include:
- Medium and deep chemical peels, especially those with glycolic acid or TCA
- Fractional and vascular lasers, which leave the skin exposed and sensitive
- Lightening treatments or anti-spot procedures, which require zero sun exposure
Combining photosensitizing procedures with UV radiation can lead to persistent hyperpigmentation and slow healing. Leading aesthetic medicine guidelines (SIME, Aesthetic Surgery Journal) advise against such techniques in sunny months, especially on exposed areas like the face, décolleté, and hands.
The best strategy? Postpone these treatments until autumn, when sun intensity decreases and the skin is less reactive.
What can be done in summer? Hydration, radiance, and prevention
While some treatments should be avoided, summer can be the perfect time to enhance skin hydration and tone, thanks to procedures that are safe and well-tolerated even with sun exposure.
Recommended options include:
- Biorevitalization with non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid
- Skinboosters for face, neck, and décolleté
- Oxygen therapy and radiance-enhancing facials
- Lymphatic drainage and firming body treatments
- Low-dose botox microinjections to smooth expression lines without weighing down facial features.
These techniques help keep the skin fresh, firm, and protected against environmental stressors. They also improve tan longevity and prevent dehydration-induced wrinkles.
Remember: even in summer, aesthetic medicine can be a valuable ally—if performed by qualified professionals following seasonally adapted protocols.
Essential precautions for summer treatments
Those undergoing aesthetic procedures during the warmer months should follow key precautions to protect the skin and ensure optimal results:
- Always apply SPF 50+ sunscreen on treated areas
- Avoid direct sun exposure for 48–72 hours post-treatment
- Hydrate thoroughly with creams containing soothing ingredients (e.g., aloe vera, panthenol)
- Inform your doctor if you’re taking any photosensitizing medications
Even dark or already tanned skin needs care: melanin does not protect against laser or peel damage.
A careful assessment of skin phototype, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals helps determine a treatment plan that is safe and seasonally appropriate.
Conclusion
Aesthetic medicine doesn’t stop in summer—it simply adapts. Avoiding photosensitizing treatments and focusing on hydration and prevention is the best way to maintain healthy, glowing skin. Each season requires its own strategy, and knowing which procedures are sun-safe is key to avoiding stressed skin and revealing your natural radiance.
And enhance your natural beauty… even in summer
Want to find out which treatments are right for your skin this season?
Medicina Estetica – Aventino Medical Group