Aesthetic treatments in the summer can be a tricky proposition.
Is it safe to do laser/energy-based treatments in the summer? Are there aesthetic treatments that have no downtime that can be done in the summer? Are there aesthetic treatments especially suited to summertime?
Summers are short in Canada and Canadians love to socialize in the warm months! We love to look and feel our best in the heady days of summer, but it can sometimes be difficult to know what type of aesthetic treatments are safe to do in the warm months, especially if we don’t want to lose social time to recovering from a procedure. So, what are the options?
Injectables
Generally, any type of injectable treatment is safe to do in the summer, including treatment with neurotoxins (eg. Botox or Xeomin) and dermal fillers. There is a risk of bruising with any type of injection so this should be considered if you have a social event shortly after treatment.
Summer HINT: If you’re only going to use neurotoxin now and then, the summer is the time! Squinting and frowning in the sun due to the long days, bright sun and UV can accelerate wrinkle formation. Treating in the summer to prevent frown, forehead lines and crow’s feet is a great option to slow the progress of these early signs of aging.
Laser/Energy-based treatments
Generally, it is best to avoid light-based energy treatments (lasers) in the summer. Lasers target the skin surface and typically when people have a tan it can be risky to treat the skin surface. Laser treatments also often lead to down-time, days to weeks depending on the procedure. Sun avoidance is also important post-procedure so for most people that’s not an option in the summer. Similary, laser hair removal is best delayed to the fall/winter/spring.
Radiofrequency and ultrasound energy-based treatments bypass the epidermis so they’re safe to do in the summer even if you have a tan. Treatments like Thermage or Sofwave are primarily for skin tightening and to boost collagen production.
Summer HINT: There is also zero downtime with ultrasound and straight RF procedures! RF-microneedling should be avoided in the summer as you should avoid UV light post procedure.
Summer Facials/Peels/Microdermabrasion/Microneedling
European style facials are great year-round. In the summer they are especially comforting as the cleansing and deep massage provided helps to clear clogged pores of oil, sweat and skin care products and reduce puffiness common in the summer. Avoid facials with aggressive peels as your skin gets a lot of UV exposure in the summer and could be too sensitive after a deeper peel.
Microdermabrasion (eg. Silkpeel, hydrofacial etc) is also safe for summer, but consider a lighter abrasion level.
Microneedling is one of the only epidermal interventional treatments for fine lines/skin texture you might consider in the summer. It’s relatively safe to do, and has a short downtime especially if you apply growth factors like PRP or exosomes after treatment.
Summer HINT: a back facial is great option if you’re prone to uneven tan, or breakouts in summer. A Glass facial which involves microneedling plus toxin and PRP or hyaluronic acid, decreases sweating, oiliness, pores and redness – a super option for your best summertime skin.
Skin Care Plan
The summer is a great time to investigate a new skin-care routine. If your skin is breakout prone, ho-hum in terms of texture or radiance or showing signs of aging, a re-evaluation of your at-home skincare routine may be indicated. For many Canadians September is the beginning of a new year with busy schedules at work, school or play.
End of summer HINT: visit a trusted aesthetics clinic and consult with a medical aesthetician. Bring in your current skin care products and review what you’ve been doing and where you might be able to improve your skin care plan. An experienced aesthetician is a valuable member of your health and well-being care team. The summer is the perfect time to optimize your plan as you head into the fall and winter.
ArtMed in Guelph offers a variety of skincare solutions. Contact them online to learn more.