When it’s warm and sunny you’re likely to be spending more time outdoors, but while the summer sun feels great on the skin, you need to be mindful of UV damage. You may also need to rethink your aesthetic skincare treatment routine—summer is a great time to refresh and rejuvenate your appearance, but unlike the rest of the year, it pays to be more cautious when choosing aesthetic procedures.  

When temperatures rise and for optimal results, certain treatments are best avoided during the summer months, including those that require a fair amount of downtime or leave skin peeling, red, swollen or photosensitive.

Hydrating facials, skin boosters, botulinum toxin and polynucleotides however, are all great options for achieving radiant, healthy, glowing skin. To help you navigate your summer aesthetic treatment needs, we asked EV Experts for advice on what to choose, and what to avoid.

Botulinum toxin

It’s generally recommended to avoid the sun for 24 to 48 hours after having botulinum toxin—this allows the skin to settle down if there is any inflammation. One common concern is that botulinum toxin may wear off faster in the summer. “There’s no evidence that warmer weather shortens the effects of botulinum toxin treatments,” says Dr Emmaline Ashley, Cosmetic Physician and Founder of Ashley Aesthetics. “Movement returns as the nerve endings regenerate via a process called 'neural sprouting', which is influenced by biology, not the season. Results typically last around three to six months, though this varies. Factors that can influence duration include the product used, treatment technique, muscle mass, metabolism, and even whether you have had repeated treatments over time. The best way to maintain results is to follow your practitioner’s aftercare advice.”

Polynucleotides

Julie Scott, Owner and Clinical Director at Facial Aesthetics, says that polynucleotides are most effective as a course of treatments, usually spaced two weeks apart. “I usually recommend completing the course, or allowing at least a couple of weeks after your last session, before heading into the sun," she says. "This gives your skin time to settle and absorb the full benefit of the treatment, without the added stress of heat or UV exposure.” Although polynucleotides aren’t photosensitising, the treatment involves tiny injections, which temporarily compromise the skin’s barrier. “Sun exposure too soon can increase the risk of pigmentation, slow down healing, and interfere with results," Scott continues. "So, it’s best to avoid direct sunlight for 48 to 72 hours, and always use a high-factor SPF to protect the skin as it recovers. This is not a quick fix for a holiday glow, but rather a treatment that enhances skin resilience and quality long-term. For optimal results, it’s best to complete your course well ahead of travel, allowing your skin to regenerate fully and avoiding sun exposure too soon.”

Lasers

“Laser treatments, whether for pigmentation, vascular lesions, or resurfacing, compromise the skin’s barrier and increase photosensitivity,” shares Dr Ashley. “The skin is essentially in a healing state post-laser, and UV exposure at this time can trigger inflammation, hyperpigmentation, or even long-term damage—that’s why I'm quite strict in advising patients to stay out of direct sunlight for at least two weeks after treatment. I also always recommend using a broad-spectrum SPF 50 daily and a hat, or seek shade where possible. Ideally, it’s better to have laser treatments in the autumn or winter, when UV exposure is naturally lower, and this can help reduce any potential risks.”

Chemical peels

Sun protection is non-negotiable after a chemical peel.  “Even light peels remove the outermost layers of skin, exposing newer, more delicate cells underneath,” says Dr Ashley. “These are far more vulnerable to sun damage, which can result in hyperpigmentation, redness, or blotchiness. If you’re planning a sunny holiday, I’d strongly advise scheduling your peel at least two to four weeks before travel, depending on the depth of the treatment." If you’re opting for a medium-depth peel, waiting even longer may be necessary to allow skin to fully recover, she continues, "or, even deferring it until you get back. If a peel is done it is incredibly important to avoid direct sun, apply SPF 50 multiple times a day, use soothing, non-active skincare, and avoid exfoliants, retinoids, or scrubs until healing is complete.”

Microneedling

If you are new to microneedling, Gemma Clare, Holistic Skin and Wellbeing Expert, recommends planning your treatment at least a month before a holiday—if you’ve had the treatment before and know how your skin reacts, give yourself one to two weeks. "Microneedling can cause swelling, inflammation, redness and even flaking, so good aftercare is critical," she says. "In the first 24 hours, you should only apply sterile water to the skin (to avoid infection). You also need to avoid exercise and sweating. Some skins bounce back after three days, while others may need 5 – 7 days. Always use medical grade sunscreen (at least SPF 50) and keep your face out of the sun.”

Dermal fillers and skin boosters 

Dr Ashley recommends planning treatments at least two weeks before spending time in the sun. “While dermal fillers themselves aren’t directly degraded by UV exposure, the skin can be more vulnerable in the immediate post-treatment period," she reveals. "Heat, sun, alcohol, and travel-related factors like air pressure changes can all increase the risk of swelling or bruising. Sun exposure can also exacerbate inflammation, particularly if you’ve had swelling or bruising to the injection site. Waiting two weeks allows time for full settling of the filler and reduces the risk of complications during travel." While hyaluronic acid-based skin boosters (like Profhilo) are generally not affected by heat or UV, Dr Ashley reveals that sun exposure can undermine the results over time by accelerating collagen breakdown and triggering inflammation, especially in sun-sensitive or post procedure skin.