Treatment safety

Laser therapy in summer in Katowice, the rules of safety

For many years, the summer months were considered an unsuitable time for laser therapy. Today, some treatments are also carried out during the summer season, provided there is proper qualification, parameter selection and consistent sun protection.

Published 1 June 2025. Last reviewed 16 August 2026.

What this looks like in southern Europe

In southern European countries, such as Italy or Spain, where UV radiation is high for most of the year, laser treatments are carried out without a seasonal break. The basis of safety there is not only proper patient qualification, but above all the use of effective, daily sun protection. SPF 50+ sunscreens have stopped being a seasonal extra and have become part of mindful skin care.

Sub-ablative and non-ablative lasers

Some laser technologies allow work without breaching the epidermis. Subablative and non-ablative lasers, such as erbium glass, thulium or diode-thulium, cause microdamage that triggers natural regenerative processes, without causing visible damage to the skin surface. Healing is then usually shorter than after ablative treatments, which does not mean the treatment is free of risk.

Which lasers may be chosen during the summer season

In clinical practice, the lasers most often used in summer are those with a wavelength of 1550 nm, that is erbium glass, and 1940 nm, that is thulium, as well as devices emitting broadband IPL light, which, with the right filters and parameters, can also be used during the holiday months.

With proper qualification, adjustment of parameters and strict adherence to aftercare recommendations, other types of lasers are also used in summer, including more intensive fractional and ablative lasers: CO2 laser, picosecond laser and Nd:YAG. What matters is not the technology itself, but consistency in skin care and sun protection. Avoiding UV exposure, regular application of SPF 50+ sunscreen, protective clothing and headwear reduce the risk of pigmentation.

It is the sun, not the laser, that is the problem here

Skin becomes more sensitive after laser treatments, which is why sun protection is essential. Skin left unprotected from UV is at risk of pigmentation, irritation and premature ageing. Mindful sun protection makes it possible to carry out laser therapy even in the middle of summer, but it does not remove the need to assess the skin's condition before every visit.

In Mediterranean countries, despite constant sun exposure, laser treatments are carried out throughout the year. Prevention and patient education play a key role there: dermatologists and aesthetic medicine doctors regularly remind patients to apply sunscreen and avoid sun exposure after treatments.

Rules before and after treatment

• Before the treatment: no sunbathing or sunbeds for at least two weeks.
• After the treatment: a mineral sunscreen SPF 50+ every day, reapplication every 2 to 3 hours.
• A hat and sunglasses, no sunbathing for at least 2 to 4 weeks.
• A fresh tan or skin irritation is a reason to postpone the treatment.

The role of patient education

From a practice point of view, patient education matters. The specialist provides not only information about the procedure, but also discusses the stages of care before and after the treatment. Clear communication of sun protection rules is the foundation of safe therapy.

When summer is a good time

Summer can be a good time to continue therapies started earlier. This includes, among others, laser acne reduction, work on stretch marks and laser hair removal. These treatments require regularity, and the summer season does not have to be an obstacle to continuing the series. The condition is consistent sun protection and following the recommendations.

People who use UV filters every day more easily meet the conditions for treatments during the holiday season. If a trip to a warm country is planned, we discuss the treatment date and scope of care individually, because eligibility is decided by the condition of the skin and the ability to protect it.

How to plan treatments in summer

The schedule should include three phases: preparation, meaning a minimum of two weeks without tanning and the use of filters, the treatment itself with the selection of the laser and parameters, and the period after the treatment, meaning intensive UV protection and regenerative care for 2 to 4 weeks.

The conclusion is simple: it is not the calendar but the condition of the skin, the choice of technology and adherence to the recommendations that determines whether a treatment can be performed in summer. Qualification takes place at the practice.

About this text

Prepared by the NL Clinic team. Published 1 June 2025, reviewed 16 August 2026.

The content is for information and does not replace a consultation.