Post-Summer Skin Reset: After Sun Care with Dopo Sole

As summer gradually gives way to autumn, it’s the perfect time to shift gears and prepare for a slower season filled with self-care. The change in seasons brings a fresh start—cozier temperatures, beautiful shifts in nature, a different wardrobe, and an updated skincare routine. But how do you take care of your skin during this transition period? What does a post-summer skin reset look like? Which areas should you focus on, and which products can help?  

Recognizing the Early Signs of Sun Damage

During summer, we spend more time outdoors, increasing our risk of sun overexposure. Sun damage can manifest in several immediate ways—from the familiar sunburn to more severe conditions like sun poisoning and heat rash. These forms of sun damage require immediate attention, as repeated sunburns significantly increase the risk of skin cancer and accelerate the skin’s aging process.

Even if the effects aren’t immediately visible, UV exposure can accumulate over time. UV damage is the single biggest cause of premature aging. The signs of cumulative sun damage, or photoaging, may start appearing around age 30, though they can show up as early as late 20s. 

What does cumulative sun damage look like?

• Fine lines and wrinkles. UV rays break down collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to the early appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 
• Hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Sun exposure can cause an overproduction of melanin, leading to uneven skin tone, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation on the face, hands, and chest. 
• Rough texture and dryness. UV damage can alter the skin’s texture, making it feel rough, dry, and less smooth. This happens as the outer layer of the skin thickens in response to repeated sun exposure, often resulting in a leathery appearance. 

Sun Protection Myths 

Common misconceptions about sun protection contribute to many of us struggling with sun damage later in life: 

• “Sun protection is for summer.” UV rays don’t take a break in winter and can even be more intense when reflected off snow. Applying sunscreen year-round is essential to protecting your skin from UV radiation. Remember, windows let UV rays through, so even if you spend a lot of time indoors, sun protection is still necessary. 
• “Sun protection is for sunny days.” Did you know that two-thirds or more of UV rays can penetrate through clouds? This means your skin is just as susceptible to sun damage on a cloudy day as on a bright, sunny day. Check the UV index in your weather app—World Health Organization (WHO) recommends protection when the UV index is three or higher. 
• “Sun protection is for light skin.” Many believe that darker skin tones don’t require sunscreen. While melanin does provide some natural protection, it doesn’t make one immune to UV damage. People with darker skin are still at risk of skin cancer and premature aging caused by sun exposure. 

What Is After Sun Care? 

We often discover after sun care products when we have a sunburn. These products are designed to soothe, hydrate, and repair the skin following overexposure to the sun. Often enriched with ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants, such as hydroxytyrosol, they work to replenish lost hydration, calm inflammation, and support the skin’s natural healing process.

Did you know that you can incorporate after sun care into your regular skincare routine to help maintain the health and appearance of your skin all year round? Everyone who spends time outdoors can benefit from after sun care, regardless of whether they’ve experienced a sunburn. UV exposure, even on a mild day, can deplete your skin’s moisture, accelerate aging, and lead to irritation. 

While you should still use regular sun protection such as a broad spectrum sunscreen, after sun care products support a holistic UV care approach. Regular use of these products can help counteract the effects of UV damage before they become visible, reduce signs of premature aging, and support the skin’s barrier function. 

Introducing Dopo Sole by Beauty Thinkers 

By making after sun care a consistent part of your skincare routine, you’re proactively supporting your skin’s health. Beauty Thinkers created Dopo Sole (Italian for “After Sun”), an after-sun cream that absorbs quickly to relieve dryness and sensations of irritation instantly. Dopo Sole has an extremely lightweight texture, making it perfect for daily use. 

Other than soothing ingredients below, Beauty Thinkers Dopo Sole features high levels of hydroxytyrosol for skin, an olive-derived antioxidant powerhouse, and the world’s only Enzymatic Extra Virgin Olive Oil that harnesses the natural power of olive oil without greasiness while nourishing the skin barrier. 

• Aloe Barbadensis: A natural and soothing emollient that enhances the appearance of dry or damaged skin by restoring suppleness. 
• Shea Butter: A nourishing moisturizer that improves the appearance of skin and helps keep it soft. 
• Panthenol: A highly effective humectant known as provitamin B5 that helps maintain the skin barrier. 
• Squalane: An emollient known to prevent moisture loss, soothe, calm, and protect the skin barrier.

Post-Summer Reset Skincare Routine  

At Beauty Thinkers, we believe less is more when it comes to skincare. Our skin minimalist philosophy and preventative skincare routine focus on the three core needs of your skin: Hydration, Moisturizing Nourishment, and UV Protection and Care. When these three basic needs are met, many common skin concerns can be effectively managed or avoided. 

All Beauty Thinkers products are rich in antioxidative hydroxytyrosol, derived from olives and olive oil. Hydroxytyrosol benefits in skincare include neutralizing free radicals, calming inflammation, moisturizing and supporting skin barrier, and helping manage early signs of aging. 

For your post-summer skin reset, particularly to counter the effects of UV damage, swap Hydrator or Antioxidant Cream in your Beauty Thinkers skincare routine for Dopo Sole and use it in the morning and evening for 3-4 weeks. 

After cleansing, spray your face and neck area with AQVAM SPA Hydrating Mist to rehydrate your skin. Apply Dopo Sole and seal in hydration with a few drops of Antioxidant Boost Face Oil. Repeat twice a day, morning and evening. Don’t forget to use Beauty Thinkers UVA UVB SPF30 Mineral Filter for sun protection in the morning.