Can You Get Laser Treatments In The Summer?

We get this question all the time - especially once the weather warms up and beach bags come out: And the answer is… yes! With a few smart precautions and the right technology, laser season doesn’t have to stop when the sun comes out. In fact, summer can be an ideal time to start certain treatments - especially if you want to be glowing by fall. Let’s break down why the sun has such a reputation when it comes to lasers, what treatments are actually safe (spoiler: hello, Moxi and BBL!), and what you can do to protect your results.

Why Is Laser and Sun Exposure a “Thing”?

It’s true: traditional laser treatments and sun exposure don’t always mix. Many laser devices work by targeting pigmentation, water, or other chromophores in the skin. After treatment, your skin can be more sensitive to UV rays, and if you’re not careful, sun exposure can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation, burns, or irritation.

But that doesn’t mean all laser treatments are off the table. It just means you need:

-The right treatment for the season

-A committed sun protection routine

-And a little expert guidance (that’s where we come in)

Enter: Moxi and BBL

At Defy Aesthetic, we’re proud to offer two of the most advanced and summer-friendly laser technologies out there: Moxi and BBL (BroadBand Light). Both are designed to treat skin safely, effectively, and with minimal downtime - even in the warmer months.

Moxi: The “Prejuvenation” Laser

Moxi is a gentle, non-ablative fractional laser that works by delivering controlled heat into the skin to:

-Boost collagen production

-Improve skin texture

-Soften fine lines

-Brighten tone and clarity

It’s often called a “prejuvenation” treatment because it’s preventative and perfect for younger patients or those just starting their skincare journey.

Why Moxi is great for summer:

-It’s non-ablative (doesn’t remove the top layer of skin)

-Minimal downtime (most patients are back to normal within a day or two)

-Safe for all skin tones

-Pairs beautifully with SPF and antioxidants to keep your glow going

In fact, Moxi is a go-to treatment for clients who want to stay on top of pigmentation, dullness, and early aging without needing to hide out for a week. You can even schedule it between summer travel and events.

BBL: The Ultimate Light-Based Reboot

BroadBand Light (BBL) isn’t technically a laser - it’s an advanced form of IPL (intense pulsed light) - but it behaves similarly. BBL delivers targeted light energy to the skin to:

-Break up brown spots and sun damage

-Calm redness and rosacea

-Stimulate collagen

-Improve skin texture and tone

BBL treats larger areas faster and more effectively, making it an ideal summer option for the face, neck, chest, and even hands - areas that get lots of sun exposure and tend to show aging first.

Why BBL is summer-safe (with caution):

-Gentle yet powerful

-Fast treatment time

-Minimal to no downtime

-Ideal for reversing early signs of summer sun damage

That said, BBL still targets pigment - so we do recommend being diligent with sunscreen and sun avoidance before and after treatment to minimize risk and get the best results.

So… Can You Really Do Lasers in the Summer?

Yes - but let’s qualify that with a few golden rules. If you’re thinking about laser treatments in warmer months, here’s how to set yourself up for success:

1. Be Honest About Sun Exposure:

If you’re actively tanning, spending lots of time in direct sun, or heading out on a tropical vacation next week, it might be smart to wait or adjust your treatment plan. Recent sun exposure can increase sensitivity and risk of side effects.

But if you wear SPF daily, seek shade when possible, and protect your skin (wide-brimmed hats are your friend), you’re likely a great candidate for summer-safe treatments like Moxi or BBL.

2. Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable:

This is always true, but especially after laser. Your skin will be a little more vulnerable to UV rays while healing, and daily SPF is the key to:

-Protecting your results

-Preventing new damage

-Reducing inflammation and discoloration

We recommend a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ applied every morning (and reapplying if you’re sweating or outdoors). Look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for physical protection that starts working immediately.

3. Plan Around Events (and Travel):

Most summer-safe treatments have minimal downtime, but some redness, dryness, or flaking is totally normal post-laser. Moxi, for example, can leave you looking “bronzy” for a few days, and BBL may bring pigment to the surface before it fades.

We recommend doing your treatment at least a week before a big event so you have time to glow, not worry.

4. Don’t Skip Maintenance:

Skin health is cumulative - and summer is not the time to take a break. In fact, laser treatments in summer can be one of the best ways to stay on track with your long-term goals, especially if you:

-Struggle with melasma, pigmentation, or redness

-Want smoother texture and more even tone

-Are starting to notice fine lines or loss of elasticity

Even one treatment can refresh your skin - but a series spaced out every 4–6 weeks can make a world of difference.

Why Our Clients Love Summer Lasers:

Here’s the truth: summer laser treatments are growing in popularity because they work, and our clients don’t want to wait 3-4 months to invest in their skin. Moxi and BBL are designed to be flexible, effective, and fit real life - not just perfect seasons.

We also love using this time of year to build a custom skin strategy, so you’re ahead of the game come fall. That might mean starting light in summer with Moxi and building to more intensive resurfacing in the winter - or keeping up quarterly maintenance to protect the results you’ve already invested in.

At Defy, we believe in real, radiant skin all year long, and that means working with your lifestyle, not against it. Whether you’re prepping for a wedding, getting ready for vacation, or just want to feel better in your skin, we’ll build a laser plan that fits. Remember: healthy, glowing skin is a year-round commitment and with the right approach, summer lasers can be the best kind of secret weapon.

Whether you're interested in filler, Botox, Dysport, or Daxxify, collagen-boosting skin treatments, or want to learn more about our Defy Annual Membership (a perfect choice for those who want to transform their skin without the price tag over the course of a year!), we’d love to see you in our Bethesda medical spa soon.