Summer-Safe Treatments: What You Can Do in Sunny Months
An Expert Guide to Glowing Skin All Summer—And How to Get Ready for Fall
Let’s be honest - summer is not the season most people associate with skin treatments. The sun is stronger, we’re outdoors more, and traditional advice has often warned against doing “anything too aggressive” during the sunny months. And while yes, there’s truth to being extra cautious with UV exposure after certain treatments, that doesn’t mean you have to put your skincare goals on hold from May to September.
In fact, there are plenty of professional treatments that are not only safe for summer - they’re ideal. Whether you’re looking to hydrate and refresh your glow, subtly enhance your skin’s texture, or even jumpstart your body contouring goals, summer offers a sweet spot to make it all happen. And if you’re the forward-thinking type (which, if you’re here, you probably are), the best time to start prepping for more advanced fall treatments is right now.
Let’s talk about what you can do for your skin in the sunny season and how to plan smart for what’s coming next.
First, Let’s Talk About Why the Sun Matters So Much
Before we jump into all the exciting treatments, it’s worth understanding why your skin professional gets a little twitchy about UV exposure. When your skin is healing from treatments - especially those that resurface, exfoliate deeply, or generate heat - it’s more vulnerable to hyperpigmentation. That’s because the skin’s protective barrier is temporarily compromised, and melanin-producing cells (the ones responsible for dark spots) can go into overdrive if triggered by inflammation and sunlight at the same time.
That’s why more intense treatments like deep peels, fractional lasers, or CO2 resurfacing are best saved for fall and winter, when sun exposure is naturally reduced.
But that doesn’t mean you have to pause your skincare journey though.
Meet the Summer Safe All-Stars
There are a handful of treatments that not only play nice with summer, they can actually help your skin look and feel its best when you're out in the sunshine.
1. HydraFacial: The Glow-Getter’s Best Friend
Let’s start with a fan favorite: HydraFacial. This treatment is like a deep cleanse, gentle peel, and antioxidant infusion all in one. It’s non-invasive, has zero downtime, and leaves your skin immediately hydrated, plump, and glowing.
What makes HydraFacial so summer-friendly is its unique delivery system. It exfoliates using a combination of gentle suction and a mild acid blend, then floods the skin with hydrating serums without disrupting your skin barrier or increasing sun sensitivity.
Why it’s perfect for Summer:
Removes sweat, sunscreen, and pollution buildup without stripping the skin
Infuses antioxidants that help protect against UV-induced free radical damage
Can be customized for acne-prone skin, dehydrated skin, or dullness
Gives you that healthy, dewy glow without needing foundation
HydraFacial is also a great maintenance treatment. Think of it like your monthly tune-up—especially if you’re using active products at home and want to keep your pores clear and your hydration levels high.
2. CoolSculpting: Because Body Goals Don’t Take Summers Off
Contrary to what many assume, CoolSculpting, the non-surgical fat freezing treatment, is a summer ideal. Why? Because it doesn’t require downtime, doesn’t increase sun sensitivity, and works gradually over weeks, so you can slim down discreetly while still enjoying beach season.
Here’s how it works: CoolSculpting uses controlled cooling to target and destroy fat cells in stubborn areas like the belly, thighs, arms, or under the chin. Once treated, your body naturally eliminates those dead fat cells over time.
Many patients like to start CoolSculpting in late spring or early summer so they can enjoy smoother contours by the time vacations or fall events roll around.
Why it’s perfect for Summer:
No heat = no worry about sun sensitivity
No need to avoid workouts, sun exposure, or vacations
Wear what you want while results develop gradually
Plan now, see full results by late summer or early fall
3. SkinVive: A New Kind of Skin Hydration
If you haven’t heard of SkinVive yet, it’s time to get acquainted. Think of it as a skin-quality booster - not a filler, not a wrinkle relaxer, but a true hydrator from within.
SkinVive is the first and only FDA-approved injectable moisturizer made with a specialized form of hyaluronic acid that stays near the skin’s surface. It improves texture, smoothness, and radiance, not by adding volume, but by increasing hydration and skin elasticity over time.
SkinVive is especially loved by those who want smoother, fresher skin without looking "done." It’s subtle, natural, and easy to fit into a busy summer schedule but keep in mind that mild bruising can be a short-term side effect.
Why it’s perfect for Summer:
No major swelling or peeling means you can go out the same day
Doesn’t interfere with your sun-safe lifestyle (though you still need SPF!)
Helps improve makeup-free confidence (hello, poolside selfies)
Gives skin a "glass skin" effect without lasers or peels
4. Gentle Peels: Yes, You Can Exfoliate in Summer (The Smart Way)
Chemical peels have a bad rap during the summer and with the wrong peel, that’s totally fair. But not all peels are aggressive or deeply exfoliating. In fact, many light or enzymatic peels are designed to refine texture, unclog pores, and brighten skin without triggering peeling or sensitivity.
These “lunchtime” peels often use lower concentrations of lactic, mandelic, or fruit acids. They gently dissolve dead skin, support cell turnover, and leave your skin looking clearer and more even-toned—without the flaking or downtime of stronger formulations.
This is especially great for clients who are breakout-prone or dealing with texture changes from increased oil production and SPF reapplication. Just remember: SPF is non-negotiable after any exfoliation, even gentle ones.
Why it’s perfect for summer:
Treats clogged pores, sweat-induced breakouts, and dullness
No dramatic peeling or photosensitivity with the right formulation
Keeps pigmentation and melasma in check (when paired with sun protection)
Supports smoother texture and a more even glow
How to Prep for Fall During the Summer
While summer is a great time to maintain and hydrate, it’s also the perfect season to prepare for the more transformative treatments that are best done in fall and winter. Here’s how to make the most of your summer treatments so your skin is primed and ready for next-level results when the leaves start to turn.
Build Barrier Health
A strong, well-hydrated barrier is essential before diving into anything aggressive. Think of it like training for a race—you want your skin to be in good shape before asking it to perform. The better your barrier, the less risk of irritation or pigment after treatments like lasers or medium-depth peels.
What helps build barrier resilience?
Monthly HydraFacials
Barrier-repairing skincare (look for ceramides, niacinamide, peptides)
SkinVive to enhance hydration and elasticity
Avoiding harsh scrubs or overuse of retinol/actives
Tackle Pigment Gently Now
If melasma or sun spots are on your list of concerns, summer is a great time to start tackling them subtly without risking rebound pigmentation.
Gentle pigment-fighters for summer:
Topical tranexamic acid
Brightening facials with vitamin C and licorice root
Mandelic acid peels or HydraFacial Brighten booster
If you enjoyed this article and would like to learn more contact us for an appointment today, the trained professionals at Aesthetics by Design are ready to assist, taking you to the next level of your skincare journey.