One of the questions I get asked the most every summer is:
“Can I still do my laser treatments if I’m spending time outside?”
My answer is always the same:
It depends on your lifestyle.
At Dermamode, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all recommendations. Instead of automatically telling every client to stop their treatments for the summer, we take the time to understand how you actually live.
Because let’s be honest — summers in Montreal are short. Most people don’t want to spend the few beautiful weeks we get hiding from the sun because they’re doing skin treatments.
The good news? In many cases, laser treatments and IPL treatments can still be done safely during the summer with the right precautions and realistic expectations.
I always tell clients:
The goal isn’t to stop living your life for your skin. The goal is to make your skin treatments work with your lifestyle.
For some people, applying sunscreen every morning and keeping a hat nearby comes naturally. For others, they simply don’t want to think about it every time they step outside. And honestly, that’s understandable. We spend more than half the year in winter, so when summer finally arrives, most people want to enjoy it.
This is why my answer is always: it depends on your lifestyle.
The right treatment plan isn’t just about your skin type, it’s also about how you live. Someone who wears sunscreen regularly and is mindful of sun exposure may be able to continue certain treatments throughout the summer, while someone spending every weekend golfing, boating, at the cottage, or on vacation may benefit from a different approach.
What I can say with certainty is that whether you’re doing treatments or not, excessive sun exposure contributes to premature skin aging. UV damage can lead to pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, dehydration, loss of elasticity, and an overall decline in skin quality over time. In fact, many of the concerns people seek treatments for later in life are directly linked to years of cumulative sun exposure.
The goal isn’t to avoid the sun, it’s to enjoy it responsibly.
Laser and IPL technologies work by targeting specific structures within the skin, such as pigment, blood vessels, hair follicles, or water.
When skin has a recent tan, there is more melanin present in the epidermis. This can increase the risk of side effects and make treatments less predictable.
A recent tan can increase the risk of:
This doesn’t mean summer treatments are impossible. It simply means we need to be more strategic.
An active tan refers to recent UV-induced pigment production in the skin. In simple terms, your skin has recently been exposed to enough sun that it is actively producing additional melanin as a protective response.
This is important because many laser and IPL technologies interact with pigment in the skin. When there is increased pigment from recent sun exposure, treatments can become less predictable and the risk of side effects may increase.
As a general guideline, most clinics recommend waiting approximately 3 to 4 weeks after significant sun exposure or active tanning before proceeding with certain laser or IPL treatments. However, every skin type, treatment, and situation is different, which is why a professional assessment is always important.
This is where things become more individualized.
Many people naturally develop a slight increase in colour during the summer simply from daily life. Walking the dog, commuting, sitting on a patio, gardening, or spending time outdoors can all contribute.
This doesn’t automatically mean treatment is unsafe.
The decision depends on:
This is one of the reasons why professional assessment before treatment is so important.
If there is one product I recommend to every client, regardless of age or skin type, it’s sunscreen.
Research consistently shows that UV exposure is one of the primary causes of:
Think of sunscreen as protecting the investment you’re making in your skin.
Some clients prefer to pause more aggressive treatments until the fall.
That’s completely reasonable.
Summer can be a great time to focus on maintenance and prevention with treatments such as:
Gentle exfoliation that improves texture, brightness, and product penetration.
A favourite summer treatment for cleansing, hydration, and glow with minimal downtime.
A light but effective peel formulated to provide an exfoliation, to help with uneven skin ton and texture, blemishes, large pores and more without the downtime.
Professional skincare products can help maintain results, improve skin function, and protect your investment between treatments.
Can you do laser and IPL treatments during the summer?
Often, yes.
But the better question is:
What treatment plan makes sense for your skin, your goals, and your lifestyle this summer?
At Dermamode, our goal isn’t to tell you to avoid enjoying summer. It’s to help you make informed decisions so you can enjoy it while protecting your skin and continuing to work toward your long-term goals.
Because healthy skin isn’t built in a single treatment—it’s built through small, consistent choices over time.
📍 Ready to create a summer skin plan that fits your lifestyle?
Book your complimentary consultation with our team in downtown Montreal, near Westmount and Griffintown, and let’s find the approach that’s right for you.
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