You’ve put time and trust into your skin with cosmetic treatments. Now, it’s time to keep that glow going through summer and beyond. Between rising temps, longer days, and spur-of-the-moment beach plans, your skin needs a little extra care to stay smooth and photo-ready. Dr. Desman and the team at Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery know that post-treatment maintenance sets the stage for your best skin in every season. Let’s start with the non-negotiables that matter most once the sun comes out to stay.
Why Post-Treatment Care Matters More in Summer
Non-surgical cosmetic treatments like laser resurfacing, microneedling, and chemical peels work by encouraging skin turnover or triggering collagen production. That means your skin is temporarily more sensitive to things like heat, sun, and pollution (which summer serves up in spades). Without the right aftercare, you’re more likely to deal with uneven tone, unwanted pigmentation, or delayed healing.
This is where timing and tailored skincare make all the difference. Dr. Desman and the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery team help patients prepare for warmer weather by adjusting routines and recommending treatments that pair well with the season. For instance, some lasers are better suited for winter recovery, while others, like microneedling or exosome therapy, can be summer-friendly with proper planning.
If you’re getting skin treatments this time of year, the next few tips will help you get the most out of them, while keeping your complexion calm, balanced, and photo-ready!
How to Keep Your Skin Happy After Treatment
Summer skin care hits differently after a cosmetic treatment, and a little smart planning can go a long way. With the right habits at home, you can extend the benefits of your visit with Dr. Desman and the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery while keeping yourself ready for every summer snapshot. Here’s what we recommend:
- Use sunscreen daily. Choose a broad-spectrum, mineral-based SPF of 30 or higher and reapply often, especially after swimming or sweating.
- Hydrate like it matters. Drink water throughout the day and layer on a lightweight moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or glycerin to keep your skin looking fresh.
- Skip the scrubs. If you’ve had a resurfacing treatment, microneedling, or dermaplaning, avoid exfoliants until your skin fully recovers. Dr. Desman will let you know when it’s safe.
- Stay cool. Skip steamy environments like hot yoga or saunas during the first few days of healing.
With a little care, your results will last longer and look even better. Up next, we’ll look at how to build a skincare routine that works with the treatments you’ve already had.
The Afterglow Game Plan
Once your treatment is done, the real magic happens at home. The right habits and products can keep your skin looking smooth, calm, and beautifully balanced. That includes a few staples you can count on, like Dr. Desman’s VCPS Néos collection, built for daily care that works:
Let your skin breathe easily
Alexandria summers can be steamy, so look for lightweight moisturizers that support your skin without weighing it down. Products with hyaluronic acid or glycerin (like Néos Moisture Boost) give your skin what it needs without the heavy feel.
Think of sunscreen as your skin’s daily armor
A formula like Néos Blend and Protect defends against UVA and UVB rays and also wears well under makeup, so you can maintain your results long after your appointment!
Be smart about exfoliation
A few times a week is plenty. Products like Néos Clear It pads or the Refining Cleanse give your skin a smooth reset without being harsh.
Make retinol work for you
Dr. Desman’s Néos Gentle Retexture Gel is perfect if your skin is sensitive but could use a little extra smoothing power.
The full Néos skincare line from Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery is designed to work hand-in-hand with your treatments. Next up, we’ll look at how to avoid common skincare mistakes that can undo your hard work.
Skip the Setbacks
You’ve invested in treatments, built a routine, and started to see results. Now’s not the time to let simple slip-ups undo all that progress. Summer skincare doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require consistency and a little extra care.
Here are a few habits worth avoiding:
- Over-exfoliating: More isn’t better. Too much exfoliation can strip the skin and cause irritation, especially after treatments. Stick to what Dr. Desman recommends.
- Sleeping in makeup: It happens, but leaving product on overnight clogs pores and slows healing. Clean skin at bedtime makes a big difference.
- Using the wrong products post-treatment: Some ingredients, like retinoids or strong acids, can be too harsh too soon. Dr. Desman and the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery team will help you time things right.
- Skipping SPF and Hydration: We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again! Reapply sunscreen often and keep your skin quenched with water and lightweight moisture. It’s simple, but it’s what keeps all the other steps working.
Before we wrap up, there’s one more thing that ties it all together: knowing when to book your next appointment for the best results.
Summer’s Here, So When Should You Book Your Next Treatment?
If you’re thinking about booking your next peel, microneedling session, or laser treatment, timing is key. Summer sun can complicate healing, so Dr. Desman may recommend spacing out certain treatments or choosing options that are safer year-round, like exosome therapy or dermaplaning. Planning around vacations, weddings, or major events? Let the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery team know so they can tailor your schedule. That way, your skin looks its best when it counts, and you get the most out of every visit!
Keep That Glow on the Go
Your skin doesn’t take the summer off, and neither should your care plan! With smart habits, seasonal timing, and a little help from Dr. Desman and the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery team, you can keep your post-treatment results going strong long after the poolside photos fade. Contact us in Alexandria today to schedule your consultation so your skin will shine all summer long.