There’s something about summer that puts your skin on blast. Harsh sunlight, sweat, and leftover winter dullness can leave even the glowiest girls looking a little tired. And no, your highlighter isn’t fooling anyone under 90-degree heat.
If your skin is feeling lackluster, uneven, or just… blah, this is your cue. BBL (BroadBand Light therapy) and chemical peels are two high-powered treatments that can bring your complexion back to life—smoothing texture, evening tone, and erasing damage like last season never happened.
But here’s the twist: not every skin treatment plays nice with summer. Sun exposure can make some treatments riskier and recovery longer—especially with chemical peels, which work by deeply exfoliating the skin’s surface. So how do you choose the right glow-up when temperatures are rising?
Let’s break down what BBL and chemical peels actually do, why one’s better suited for summer, and how to lock in results without hiding indoors.
Whether you’re planning pool parties, rooftop selfies, or just want to wear less makeup all season, this guide is your skin’s new summer bible.
What’s BBL? (And No, Not That BBL)
Let’s be clear: BroadBand Light therapy has nothing to do with the Brazilian butt lift. This BBL is about skin—and it’s all about clarity, correction, and collagen. BroadBand Light (BBL) is a non-invasive light therapy skin rejuvenation treatment that uses pulses of light to target:
- Sun damage
- Hyperpigmentation
- Redness and rosacea
- Uneven tone
- Fine lines
- Acne
It works by delivering short bursts of intense light into the deeper layers of your skin, which breaks up unwanted pigment and stimulates collagen production. The result? Brighter, smoother, tighter skin—often with zero downtime.
BBL is sometimes called IPL’s cooler, more advanced cousin. And when done right, it gives you serious results without wrecking your schedule. Most patients even return to work the same day.
Think of it as a reset button for your face, but with less drama than lasers and less risk than deep exfoliants.
The Lowdown on Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are tried-and-true skincare staples—and for good reason. They remove dull, damaged skin using acid-based solutions (like glycolic, salicylic, or trichloroacetic acid), revealing a smoother, more radiant layer underneath.
Chemical peels are tried-and-true skincare staples—and for good reason. They remove dull, damaged skin using acid-based solutions (like glycolic, salicylic, or trichloroacetic acid), revealing a smoother, more radiant layer underneath.
There are light peels for gentle exfoliation, medium-depth peels that dive into the dermis, and deep peels that can dramatically improve texture and wrinkles.
Chemical peels can improve:
- Acne scars
- Melasma
- Discoloration
- Rough texture
- Fine lines and wrinkles
But here’s the catch: chemical peels make your skin extremely photosensitive. After a peel, your skin is fresh and vulnerable—which means sunlight can cause hyperpigmentation, irritation, or even damage if you’re not fanatical about avoiding UV exposure.
And let’s be real: no one wants to spend summer dodging sunlight under a hat and three layers of SPF.
BBL vs. Chemical Peels: Who’s Summer-Safe?
Let’s answer the million-dollar question: Can you get BBL in hot weather? And how does it compare to peels during the sunniest months of the year?
Here’s what you need to know:
Why BBL Wins for Summer
- BBL is non-ablative—it doesn’t remove the skin’s surface, so your barrier stays intact. That means less sensitivity to sun exposure.
- Healing is fast—most patients only experience mild redness for a few hours post-treatment.
- Targeted and precise—BBL homes in on problem areas like sun spots and redness without damaging surrounding tissue.
- Ongoing sun damage repair—unlike peels that strip, BBL actually helps reverse existing UV damage, making it a smart choice because of summer, not in spite of it.
Of course, you’ll still need to be careful. BroadBand Light therapy sun exposure isn’t a complete non-issue—you’ll need SPF, shade, and common sense—but the risk is far lower than with chemical exfoliation.
When Peels Might Wait
Deeper chemical peels and even some mid-strength blends aren’t typically recommended in summer unless you can commit to strict sun protection. The last thing you want is to lighten pigment only to have it rebound from a short sun stroll.
If you’re craving smoother skin in July, go for a superficial peel or—better yet—book a series of BBL treatments and save your deeper resurfacing for cooler months.
BBL Summer Glow Rules: Do’s and Don’ts
BBL is like that flawless white outfit you wear with confidence—but only when you treat it right. Getting your best results from BroadBand Light therapy during the warmer months takes a little strategy and a lot of self-love. You’re investing in high-performance skin, so it’s time to act like it.
Whether you’re a BBL first-timer or coming back for maintenance, here’s how to keep your glow strong, fresh, and 100% summer-proof.
1. Do: Wear Broad-Spectrum SPF Every. Single. Day.
This isn’t a maybe—it’s a must. BBL laser sun precautions exist for a reason: post-treatment skin is more sensitive to UV exposure, and even a little sun can reverse your results or trigger pigmentation.
Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for physical protection. Reapply every two hours—especially if you’re outside, sweating, or swimming.
Tip: Keep a powder sunscreen or SPF setting spray in your bag. Protection should be seamless, not a production.
2. Don’t: Tan Before or After Your Session
You want a glow, not a setback. Showing up to your appointment with a fresh tan can increase the risk of irritation or uneven results. And tanning after? Even worse. Your skin is in a healing phase, and sun exposure can cause blotchiness, inflammation, or melanin overproduction.
If you’re asking “Can you get BBL in hot weather?” the answer is yes—if you’re not actively tanning. Think elevated radiance, not beach-baked.
3. Do: Cool It Down
Heat exacerbates inflammation. After BBL, keep your skin calm by skipping the steamy showers, hot yoga, and saunas for at least 48 hours. This gives your skin a chance to breathe, reset, and repair.
Stick to cool water cleansing and gentle dabbing—not scrubbing or rubbing. Let your glow rise slowly, not in a rush.
4. Don’t: Skip Hydration
BBL aftercare summer requires serious hydration. Heat, air conditioning, and post-treatment dryness can all mess with your barrier, so double down on moisturizing.
Look for ingredients like:
- Hyaluronic acid (deep hydration)
- Squalane (barrier support)
- Ceramides (replenishment)
Hydration isn’t just a skin step—it’s an all-day flex. Drink water. Load up on water-rich fruits (think watermelon, cucumber, berries). Your glow starts on the inside and shows up on the outside.
5. Do: Let Pigment Flake Naturally
Some patients experience what looks like freckles or age spots darkening before they flake off—that’s a good thing. It means BBL for sun damage is working to lift pigment out of the skin.
But whatever you do, don’t pick. Don’t scratch. Don’t exfoliate with that fancy new scrub you saw on TikTok.
Let your skin do its thing. Patience pays off—especially when you’re going for that soft-focus finish.
6. Don’t: Load Up on Actives Too Soon
You may love your retinol, AHAs, or vitamin C—but post-BBL skin doesn’t. For the first 5 to 7 days, skip active ingredients that can increase sensitivity or interfere with healing.
Instead, keep it minimal:
- A gentle, fragrance-free cleanser
- A deeply hydrating serum
- A calming moisturizer
- SPF (always)
Once your provider gives the green light, you can slowly reintroduce your power players. Think of this phase as your skin’s recovery vacation.
7. Do: Space Out Your Sessions for Glow Goals
One BBL treatment can make your skin pop—but a series of 3 to 5 is where you see true transformation, especially if you’re targeting redness, pigment, or sun damage.
Schedule sessions 2 to 4 weeks apart and stay consistent. Like any boss move, your glow requires follow-through.
Summer is the perfect time to start. Light therapy skin rejuvenation works over time, so starting now means you’ll see peak radiance in time for weddings, late-summer events, or just next-level selfies.
8. Don’t: Compare Your Skin’s Progress to Someone Else’s
BBL is deeply customizable—so what works for your best friend’s redness may not work the same way for your melasma. Your results depend on your skin tone, sensitivity, and what you’re treating.
Your progress is yours. Trust the process. Track your glow. Celebrate the shifts, no matter how subtle.
9. Do: Protect Your Investment
You paid for that glow—now protect it. Beyond sunscreen, that means:
- Wearing a wide-brim hat at the beach or pool
- Choosing shady spots when dining outdoors
- Opting for mineral makeup with SPF (or none at all)
- Avoiding sunbathing completely during your treatment plan
BroadBand Light therapy sun exposure isn’t just about avoiding burns—it’s about defending your results.
Bonus Tip: Combine It With the Right Lifestyle Moves
Think of BBL as your skin’s coach—but it still needs you to show up. Support your results by:
- Eating skin-loving foods (omega-3s, leafy greens, low sugar)
- Managing stress (hello, cortisol = inflammation)
- Prioritizing sleep (that 8-hour glow-up is real)
It’s all connected. And when your lifestyle reflects your skincare investment, your results level up—and stay up.
Final Glow-Up
Glowing through summer doesn’t mean dodging sunlight or giving up on treatments. It means choosing smarter ones—and no one understands that better than Natalie Sharp, FNP-BC at Applied Aesthetic in Garden City, NY.
As an ANCC Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Natalie combines clinical expertise with a vibe that’s effortlessly current. Her patients don’t just walk out with better skin—they walk out feeling powerful, polished, and completely seen.
She delivers BroadBand Light therapy with precision, customizing every session to your skin type, tone, and seasonal needs. Whether you’re dealing with acne scars, redness, or years of UV damage, Natalie makes your summer skin goals feel totally achievable.
And if you’re not sure whether BBL or a peel is right for you? She’ll guide you with honesty, clarity, and a beauty-first mindset that keeps results stunning—not scary.
Call today to book your appointment!
