As the summer sun ramps up in Vancouver, so do the questions about which aesthetic treatments are safe to schedule in the warmer, sunnier months.
While the sunny season may require some tweaks to your skincare routine and treatment calendar, you don’t have to put your self-care on pause. At 8 West Clinic, we offer a range of treatments that are not only summer-safe, but actually ideal to support healthy, radiant skin all season long. Whether you're prepping for a wedding, maintaining your glow through travel, or simply giving your skin a summer refresh, here’s what’s safe (and recommended!) this summer.
MOXI Laser: Summer-Safe, Year-Round Radiance Through Gentle Resurfacing
Looking for a light laser treatment that fits your active summer lifestyle? MOXI is a non-ablative fractional laser designed for gentle skin revitalization with virtually no downtime, making it one of the few laser treatments suitable for use year-round, even in sunny months.
How MOXI works:
A topical anesthetic is applied before treatment for comfort. The laser handpiece is then rolled across the skin, delivering targeted wavelengths below the surface to gently heat tissue and stimulate collagen production without damaging the top layer of skin.
What to expect post-treatment:
- Mild redness and a warm, sunburn-like feeling for about an hour
- A flushed or pink tone the next day (easily covered with mineral makeup)
- Slight roughness or tiny micro-crusts (“mends”) for 3-5 days
- A smooth, glowing complexion by the end of one week
- Makeup can be worn after 24 hours
Our medical aestheticians and laser specialists can help determine if MOXI fits into your summer skincare goals and treatment plan.
Neuromodulators
If you're looking to soften dynamic wrinkles and maintain a smooth, rested appearance, neuromodulators are a go-to for summer. These injectable treatments work beneath the surface of the skin to relax muscles and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Why it’s great for summer:
- No photosensitivity risk
- Minimal downtime
- Full results within 14 days
- Perfect pre-vacation pick-me-up
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers add volume and definition to features such as the cheeks, lips, jawline, and under-eyes. They’re also great for restoring hydration and plumpness to the skin.
Why it’s great for summer:
- Not sun-sensitive
- Immediate results
- Ideal for facial contouring without invasive downtime
EMFACE: Non-Invasive Lift with Zero Downtime
This cutting-edge facial treatment combines synchronized radiofrequency and HIFES™ muscle stimulation to tone, tighten, and lift the face—no needles, no sweat, and no sun sensitivity.
Why it’s great for summer:
- Non-invasive, no downtime
- No risk of photosensitivity
- Delivers natural-looking lift for special events or vacations
- Safe even if you’ve had previous injectables or fillers
Facials: Boost Your Glow Without the Downtime
Summer is a perfect time to treat your skin to a deeply nourishing facial. At 8 West Clinic, our skilled medical aestheticians offer results-driven options designed to hydrate, exfoliate, and clarify the skin—without harsh aftereffects.
Our most popular summer-safe facials:
- HydraFacial: A multi-step, medical-grade facial that deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses antioxidants and hydrating serums—leaving your skin looking instantly refreshed.
- Biologique Recherche Facial: Known for its customized, layered approach using highly active, pharmaceutical-grade French products tailored to your skin’s exact needs.
Both options are non-invasive, suitable for all skin types, and offer an instant glow with no downtime—perfect before a summer event or getaway.
Skincare: Protect, Hydrate, and Brighten
Your at-home skincare routine plays a critical role in maintaining skin health through the warmer months. We recommend a regimen focused on sun protection, antioxidant support, and gentle renewal.
Top recommendations from our favourite lines:
- SPF is non-negotiable: Use a broad-spectrum, high-quality sunscreen daily—especially when using active ingredients. We carry top picks from ZO Skin Health, SkinCeuticals, Biologique Recherche, EltaMD, and more.
- Antioxidants: Serums like SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic defend against sun-induced oxidative stress and environmental damage.
- Gentle exfoliation & hydration: ZO Exfoliating Polish and Biologique Recherche’s P50 range help maintain clarity and radiance while respecting your skin barrier.
Need help tailoring your summer routine? Our team offers personalized skincare consults to ensure your regimen is effective—and safe for the season.
Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation): Heal, Restore, Repeat
At 8 West Clinic, our LED light bed is the only bed to offer six frequencies in one, and is specially designed using the most accurate measurements of irradiance to ensure maximal therapeutic benefit. This allows patients to receive truly tailored and effective treatments with deeper impact than standard LED options, making it an ideal, non-invasive option for supporting skin and body health safely during summer.
Our bed encompasses red light, green light, blue light, and three wavelengths of invisible infrared light that penetrate deeply into the body, reaching all tissues down to the bones. Whether you're looking to calm post-sun inflammation, brighten dull skin, or support full-body recovery, red light therapy offers a seasonally smart solution with no downtime.
Our summer-safe treatment modes include:
- Restore (Red): Includes all three infrared frequencies, targeting a wide range of conditions from inflammation, pain, and recovery to collagen building and anti-aging. Excellent to help with post-treatment or post-surgery healing, especially during active summer months.
- Calm (Green): A unique green light mode combined with the invisible infrared light frequencies. Studies have shown that green light can help reduce migraines and sensitivity to light. It may also help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and concerns like melasma, which are often aggravated by sun exposure.
- Cleanse (Red + Blue): Offers a combination of red and blue light, designed to help clear the skin. This is one of the first whole-body applications using red and blue light combined to treat acne across the body - making it a fantastic option for those experiencing summer breakouts on the back, chest, or shoulders.
With no downtime and safe for all skin types and tones, our LED therapy bed is a standout choice for maintaining skin clarity, calming inflammation, and supporting wellness—all summer long.
Treatments to Pause (or Plan with Care)
Do you ever wonder what products and treatments you should take a break from in the sun?
While many treatments are summer-safe, some are best delayed or approached cautiously:
- Ablative Laser Treatments: Can increase sun sensitivity and the risk of pigmentation.
- Deep Chemical Peels: Require strict sun avoidance during recovery.
- Retinol & Retinoids: These can make your skin more vulnerable to UV damage. If you’re using them, consider reducing frequency, switching to a gentler formula, and always pair with SPF.
The good news? We’ll help you build a customized year-round treatment plan so you can schedule these skin-transforming options when it's safest to do so.
Want a Custom Summer Plan?
At 8 West Clinic, we create personalized treatment calendars based on your skin goals, lifestyle, and the time of year. Whether you’re seeking preventative care, a refreshed look, or major transformation, our expert team will guide you toward safe, effective results.
Book your complimentary consultation today and let’s build your summer glow strategy together.
