Summer is when you want to look your best. And now that the season has come to show off your skin and your body, you may be considering cosmetic treatments. But did you know that some cosmetic procedures are not recommended in the summer months if you plan to spend time outdoors?
Nowadays, there are a number of minimally invasive cosmetic treatments to choose from. So even if you aren’t willing to give up your time in the sun, many options are not off-limits this time of year.
What Treatments Should You Avoid
Light-based treatments are not safe in the summertime because sun exposure can potentially cause skin discoloration or sensitivities following treatment. Laser treatments such as those for sun spots, hair removal, and skin resurfacing can be highly effective and minimally invasive choices but should be avoided during the summer when you are in the sun more often and its rays are stronger.
Sun exposure after these treatments can cause skin sensitivity, inflammation, discoloration, and poor healing. In addition, performing certain treatments on sunburned or tanned skin can be a bad idea and result in less effective treatment.
AlternativeTreatments
Don’t worry, there are plenty of cosmetic procedures that are perfectly fine to consider during the summer. There are no reasons to avoid the following options in the summer months.
Non-Laser Energy-Based Treatments to Tighten Skin
High-tech, minimally invasive skin tightening treatments can get great results. And those that do not involve lasers are safe in the summer. Some examples include Ultherapy, Thermage, and Exilis Ultra.
Ultherapy utilizes ultrasound energy, Thermage uses radiofrequency, and Exilis Ultra 360 uses a combination of the two. These treatments smooth skin, reduce fine lines, and stimulate collagen for numerous anti-aging benefits. Because these technologies are not light-based, they are safe to use even if you plan on being out in the sun.
Body Contouring and Muscle Toning with Emsculpt Neo
Emsculpt Neo is a high-tech treatment that combines radiofrequency and HIFEM+ energy to melt away fat and tone muscle at the same time. This treatment can result in a 30% reduction in fat while simultaneously growing muscle by 25% in the treatment area. The best part? Neither energy is impacted by the sun, so you are free to get treatment in the summer.
Injections
Cosmetic injections are safe in the summer as they don’t impact the skin’s outer surface. Injections such as Botox and Dysport work in the muscles beneath the skin to relax the areas prone to wrinkles, while fillers plump the skin from the inside for a more youthful appearance. These treatments are safe during the summer and excellent options for many patients who seek younger-looking skin.
Protect Your Skin
If you do get a treatment that has the potential to be affected by the sun, whether in the summer or another season, there are steps you can take to protect your skin. Of course, sun protection is always important to keep your skin healthy and youthful, so these tips are good to follow even if you didn’t just get a cosmetic treatment!
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF every day: even if it isn’t sunny, the sun’s rays still penetrate your skin. Wearing SPF on your face and all areas exposed to the sun is essential to keeping skin safe after treatment. Reapply throughout the day, so the protection doesn’t wear off.
- Cover up with clothing and a hat: physical barriers are also a great way to protect the skin from the sun. But still, make sure to cover exposed areas with sunscreen.
- Avoid the midday sun: try not to spend too much time in the sun during the sun’s peak hours of 10 am to 2 pm.
Interested in finding out more about sun-safe cosmetic options? Call Radiance Skincare & Laser Medspa today.