Laser Treatments in Summer? Here’s What You Can Still Do Safely

For many women between the ages of 35 and 55, summer is a season of weddings, travel, sun-soaked memories—and perhaps ironically, one of the most frustrating times to stay consistent with aesthetic treatments. You've likely heard that lasers and sunshine don't mix, and while that's partly true, it's not the whole story. If you’ve been told to put your skin goals on hold until the leaves fall, we have good news: you don’t have to.

At Colorado Beauty RN, we specialize in guiding you through the dos and don’ts of safe, effective skincare year-round. So, let’s clear up the confusion and walk you through what laser treatments can still be done safely during the sunny months.

Why the Concern About Lasers in Summer?

Laser treatments work by targeting pigment or water in the skin with focused light energy. This process can safely treat a variety of concerns—like sun damage, redness, unwanted hair, or vascular lesions, by creating controlled injury or disruption within the skin. The goal is to stimulate repair, regeneration, or pigment clearance.

The problem? Sun exposure increases melanin production (your skin’s natural pigment), which makes your skin more reactive to laser energy. When melanin levels are elevated, lasers have a harder time distinguishing between your natural skin tone and the pigment they’re trying to treat. This raises the risk of:

  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Where treated skin darkens after the procedure

  • Burns or unwanted heat damage: Especially on recently tanned or sun-exposed skin

  • Delayed healing or increased sensitivity: Compromising your comfort and results

This doesn’t mean you have to put your skincare goals on hold until fall but it does mean you need to choose your treatments and provider wisely. Not all lasers are created equal, and not all skin types respond the same way. The key is working with a provider who:

  • Understands how to adjust energy settings and wavelengths to your current skin condition

  • Knows how to screen for sun exposure and recommend appropriate pre- and post-care

  • Can suggest alternatives or supportive treatments if a laser isn’t ideal at the moment

With the right strategy, you can still safely and effectively address concerns like pigmentation, vascular issues, and texture during the summer—without risking your skin’s integrity or long-term health.

At Colorado Beauty RN, we tailor every laser treatment plan around your lifestyle, recent sun exposure, and skin type. Whether you're booking in June or January, we believe in helping you achieve your skin goals year-round with safety, clarity, and confidence.

Treatments You Can Safely Continue During Summer

1. Vascular Laser Treatments (Spider Veins, Cherry Angiomas, Facial Redness)

Got stubborn veins or facial flushing that just won’t fade? Vascular lasers are one of the best-kept secrets for summer-friendly skin solutions. Since they target blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface rather than pigment, they’re generally safe when performed by an experienced provider, even in the warmer months.

What to Expect:

  • Minimal downtime

  • Mild redness or swelling for 24–48 hours

  • Gradual improvement over a series of sessions

Recommended Scheduling:

  • Facial vessels: every 4–6 weeks

  • Leg veins: every 8–12 weeks

  • Cherry angiomas: often resolved in 1–2 treatments

2. Laser Hair Removal

Summer might seem like an odd time to start laser hair removal, but it's actually one of the most popular and requested treatments during the warmer months. Why? Because once the shedding phase begins, many clients notice smoother skin and less shaving—just in time for tank tops, swimsuits, and spontaneous weekend getaways.

The key is proper sun protection and understanding the timing. Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in active hair follicles, so any recent sun exposure or tanning (natural or artificial) can increase the risk of irritation or hyperpigmentation. However, if you’ve been consistent with sunscreen and have kept the area free from tanning, laser hair removal is both safe and effective—even in summer.

Ideal Summer Treatment Areas:

  • Underarms

  • Bikini line

  • Lower legs

  • Chin or upper lip (if shaded and protected from sun)

What to Expect:

  • Shave the area 12–24 hours before your appointment

  • Do not wax, tweeze, or use depilatory creams during the treatment series—these remove the follicle and reduce the laser's effectiveness

  • You may experience mild redness, warmth, or a sunburn-like sensation for a few hours post-treatment

  • Around 5–10 days later, you may notice hair starting to shed (this can look like regrowth but is actually the follicle pushing out the treated hair)

Recommended Schedule:

  • 6–12 sessions for up to 80% permanent hair reduction

  • Face/neck: every 4–6 weeks

  • Body areas: every 6–8 weeks

At Colorado Beauty RN, we carefully assess your skin tone, sun exposure, and hair type before each session. We also offer flexible scheduling so you can plan treatments around travel, special events, or outdoor activities. Want to keep your summer glow without the daily razor routine? Laser hair removal could be your new best friend.

3. Laser Treatments for Cherry Angiomas

If you have those tiny, bright red spots (especially on the chest or torso), cherry angiomas are harmless but common and easily treated with laser.

They usually respond well to a single session, and there's no reason to wait until fall to address them.

Why They’re Summer-Safe:

  • Treated with a pinpoint vascular laser

  • No heat-based injury to the surrounding skin

  • Quick healing and minimal downtime

Just keep the area protected from direct sunlight during the healing phase, and you’re good to go.

What to Pause (or Postpone) Until Fall

Some laser treatments are best saved for after summer, especially if you’ve had recent or significant sun exposure. These procedures are highly effective but carry a higher risk of complications if done on sun-tanned or UV-stressed skin.

Treatments to Temporarily Hold Off On:

  • IPL/Photofacials: Excellent for treating pigmentation and broken capillaries, but they work by targeting melanin. Performing them on sun-kissed skin increases the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and uneven results.

  • Ablative Laser Resurfacing: These powerful lasers remove the outer layers of skin to address deep wrinkles, scars, and texture irregularities. The healing process is intensive and sun-sensitive, requiring strict UV avoidance for weeks.

  • Fractional CO2 Laser: Often considered the gold standard in anti-aging laser treatments, but the downtime and vulnerability to UV damage make it a better fit for cooler months.

We’re not saying never, just not right now. Think of it as building your skincare strategy like a seasonal wardrobe. There’s a time for everything. Your provider can help create a personalized treatment timeline that works with your lifestyle, sun habits, and long-term skin goals.

And the good news? Pausing these treatments during summer gives you something to look forward to in the fall. Consider this your chance to focus on maintenance treatments and sun-safe options until it’s time to go deeper again.

How to Prepare for Laser Treatments in Summer

Your skin prep can make or break your results. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

  • Avoid sun exposure (and tanning beds!) for at least 2 weeks before treatment

  • Discontinue retinoids and hydroquinone 3–5 days prior

  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water and moisturize your skin barrier

  • Shave (not wax or tweeze) if treating hair-bearing areas

  • Take antiviral medication (if prescribed for facial/bikini treatments)

And most importantly: communicate. Let us know if you have upcoming travel, outdoor events, or any changes in your skincare routine. We’ll help you plan accordingly.

Post-Treatment Care: How to Protect Your Glow

Whether you're treating veins, angiomas, or unwanted hair, post-care is everything. These steps will keep your skin happy and results intact:

  • Avoid sun exposure for 7–10 days post-treatment

  • Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer

  • Apply cool compresses if redness or irritation occurs

  • Skip hot baths, saunas, and intense workouts for 48 hours

  • No active ingredients or exfoliation until irritation subsides (typically 3–5 days)

  • Wear SPF 30+ daily and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors

Bonus: Why Summer May Actually Be the Best Time to Treat

It might sound counterintuitive, but hear us out: summer is often when you notice skin issues the most. Whether it’s visible veins when wearing shorts, increased flushing and redness from heat, or frequent shaving irritation, these are problems that directly affect how you feel in your skin right now.

With the right provider and customized care, you can:

  • Feel confident in your summer clothes by targeting concerns like unwanted hair, redness, or spider veins

  • Stay consistent with your skin goals year-round, instead of pausing your progress every time the weather changes

  • Use your Beauty Squad membership benefits to save on in-season treatments like Laser Hair Removal, Vascular Laser, or gentle skin-refreshing procedures

Plus, summer treatments keep you in a proactive skincare mindset. You’re not waiting for damage to build up, you’re staying ahead of it. With flexible scheduling, expert guidance, and conservative laser protocols, summer can be an empowering time to invest in yourself and your skin.

Let Us Be Your Guide

At Colorado Beauty RN, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge, not fear. Our providers are trained to evaluate your skin, lifestyle, and goals to create a plan that works in real life—not just in theory.

Yes, laser season is typically fall and winter. But with the right treatment, right timing, and right support, you can absolutely continue your journey toward healthier, clearer skin this summer.

Have questions? Reach out to schedule a complimentary consultation. Let’s build a plan that works with your lifestyle and keeps your glow going strong, no matter the season.

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