Tips for Post-Laser Care During Sunny Months

You’ve got plans this summer. Beach days. Weddings. Late dinners on a patio. But every time you catch your reflection, all you can focus on is the texture, tone, or scarring you’ve been meaning to treat. You don’t need to wait for colder weather to take care of your skin. With the right plan, laser treatments like CoolPeel®, laser treatment for scars, and the Tetra PRO CO2 at CabinMD can safely fit into your summer schedule. Instead of waiting until your calendar slows down, you can move forward now, as long as you’re serious about aftercare.

 

What To Know Before You Book

Laser skin resurfacing in Washington, DC, is used to treat a variety of skin concerns, including acne scars, fine lines, uneven tone, and rough texture. More advanced options can also help with surgical or trauma-related scarring and skin laxity. Whether you’re considering laser around the mouth, eyelids, or across larger facial areas, treatments can be tailored to your skin type and goals.

Regardless of which treatment you get for what purpose, after your treatment, the treated skin becomes more sensitive than usual. The healing process leaves it more vulnerable to sunlight, friction, and other external factors that wouldn’t normally cause irritation. Despite popular misconception, summer doesn’t rule out laser altogether, but it does call for thoughtful timing and diligent aftercare.

 

Protect Your Skin Like It’s Healing

After any laser treatment, including a CoolPeel®, a scar treatment laser, or CO2 resurfacing, your skin is actively repairing itself beneath the surface. Protecting it from the sun and the environment isn’t optional. It’s part of getting the results you want.

The most important thing you can do after any laser treatment is to stay out of the sun as much as possible. UV rays are stronger in the summer and can interfere with healing, increase redness, and raise your risk for pigmentation changes. Plan to limit outdoor time during the first week or two, especially during the middle of the day when the sun is strongest.

 

If you do need to be outside during the early healing of your laser:

• Stick to early morning or late afternoon hours
• Choose shaded areas 
• Use physical sun-blocking protection like wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses

Once the initial peeling is complete, and your face is red, it is best to continue to physically block the laser-treated area with a hat or shade. At this time, you can start to use a mineral-based, broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day. Just be sure to reapply every 2 hours while outdoors, and choose a gentle sunscreen formula without alcohol or fragrance.

 

Keep It Cool And Calm

Laser resurfacing triggers your skin’s natural repair process, which can make the area feel dry, warm, or more sensitive than usual. These sensations are part of normal healing, but they can be uncomfortable if your skin isn’t supported.

Your post-treatment routine should focus on keeping your skin cool, clean, and hydrated without introducing harsh or active ingredients. Just stick with the basics:

• Cleanse gently using a fragrance-free cleanser
• Use a plain, hydrating moisturizer
• Skip products with retinol, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid
• Apply cool compresses if your skin feels hot
• Drink plenty of water to support hydration from within

Treat your skin like it’s delicate while it’s healing. A calm, simple approach is best for reducing inflammation and supporting the recovery process.

 

Stay Out Of The Heat

We don’t just mean the sun. Direct sunlight isn’t the only thing to avoid; heat and sweat in general can slow healing. It can prolong inflammation and make your skin more prone to post-treatment irritation. Examples of possible things to say a temporary goodbye to include:

• Saunas
• Steam rooms
• Hot yoga
• Long, hot showers
• Strenuous exercise

Give yourself a few days of temperature-controlled recovery so your results don’t get disrupted.

 

Postpone Your Swimming Plans

Cooling off in a pool or the ocean might sound tempting after a laser treatment, but it’s one of the biggest post-care no-gos. Water from pools, hot tubs, lakes, or beaches can introduce bacteria to healing skin, increasing the risk of infection or irritation. Even if the water looks clean, chlorine, salt, and other chemicals can interfere with the healing process and cause stinging, dryness, or inflammation.

Your skin needs time to rebuild its barrier after laser resurfacing. Soaking too soon can slow that process down and leave your skin more vulnerable to healing issues. It’s best to wait until Dr. Cabin confirms that your skin has fully re-epithelialized (when the surface layer has healed and closed).

If you’re planning a vacation, schedule your treatment with at least two weeks of recovery buffer time or consider waiting until after your trip. And when you are cleared to return to the water, keep sunscreen on hand, rinse with clean water afterward, and pat dry gently to avoid any lingering sensitivity.

 

What If You Do Get Sun Exposure?

Life happens. If you’ve had more sun than planned after a laser treatment, don’t panic, but act quickly. Start by cooling the area with a damp cloth and hydrating your skin with a gentle, alcohol-free moisturizer. Avoid scrubbing, picking, or using any harsh active ingredients.

Over the next few days, stay out of the sun entirely and keep up with your (Dr. Cabin-approved) skin care basics. If redness lingers or you notice new discoloration, reach out to CabinMD in Washington for guidance. Dr. Cabin can help you adjust your care plan or schedule a follow-up if needed. Being proactive can help you protect your results and avoid long-term irritation.

 

Beautiful Skin Every Season

Laser resurfacing doesn’t need to wait for winter. With the right precautions and post-care plan, your skin can heal beautifully, even in the heat. If you’re considering a CoolPeel®, a scar treatment laser, or a more intensive Tetra PRO CO2 laser treatment, Dr. Cabin will walk you through the safest path forward for your skin.

Contact CabinMD in Washington, DC, to schedule your consultation and learn which laser treatments fit your skin’s needs. You can also view before-and-after photos in our laser treatments gallery or follow us on Instagram for more insight into what’s possible with expert laser care.