Morning Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

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Morning Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

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Updated on December 21, 2025

What's sensitive skin?  |  Sensitive skin in the morning  |  Choosing skincare for sensitive skin  |  Preparation  |  Morning skincare routine

moisturising baby skin

Sensitive skin is a common skin condition affecting more than half the world’s population1. The telltale signs of sensitive skin are tingling, stinging and itching, and this irritating condition can have a big impact on a person’s quality of life1. In the morning, the sensations of skin tightness and tingling can be worse due to the higher moisture loss overnight2, which can result in drier skin, more irritated skin2. A gentle morning regime with hydrating skincare products tailored for sensitive skin can help to soothe dry-skin symptoms. 

What's sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin is a collection of unpleasant sensations that occur in response to an external factor that normally shouldn’t trigger skin, such as soap or pollutants3. Sensitive skin can occur anywhere on the body, but mostly affects the face3.

Sensitive skin in the morning

Our skin cells, like all cells in our bodies, have their own circadian ‘clocks’ that tune into the cycle of day and night2. Throughout the day and night, your skin naturally changes in temperature, blood flow and water loss. The morning is an ideal time to help restore your skin's hydration levels by applying a moisturiser particularly for those with sensitive skin.

Choosing skincare for sensitive skin

When selecting skincare products, seek out gentle formulations that effectively cleanse, protect and hydrate skin without disrupting the skin barrier function. Avoid common irritants such as soap, alcohol, fragrance and colour and choose products that are pH balanced and non-comedogenic.

Ingredients to avoid:

  1. Fragrance - fragrances are common irritants, so fragrance-free skincare is a good option as it helps reduce the risk of potential irritation and contact allergy4.
  2. Alcohol - as a preservative in skincare, alcohol can disrupt the skin barrier and cause skin dryness,4 which can make sensitive skin symptoms worse.
  3. Soaps - sodium lauryl sulfate can cause skin irritation,4 so soap-free cleansers are a good option for sensitive skin types.

Ingredients to look for:

  1. Niacinamide - supports sensitive skin by helping to reduce skin itchiness5 and supports skin suppleness and elasticity6.
  2. Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5) - a gentle moisturising ingredient that helps to support skin barrier function, is calming and increases skin smoothness5.
  3. Avena Sativa (Oat Extract) - creams or serums with oat extract can help improve skin hydration and also help soothe itching5.

Your morning skincare routine preparation

Firstly, wash your hands before you begin your skincare routine. Washing your hands will help prevent more bacteria transferring to your face and irritating sensitive skin.

Next, opt for lukewarm water when you cleanse your face. Hot water can have a drying effect, increase redness and can weaken your skin's protective barrier.

Simple Morning Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

The goal of your morning skincare routine is to prepare and protect your skin from the environment, including sun and pollution, by cleansing, hydrating and applying sunscreen.

Step 1: Cleanse

Gently lift impurities and sweat that may have settled on your skin overnight, with a lightly foaming cleanser. Choose a soap-free, fragrance-free formula enriched with plant oils like QV Gentle Facial Cleanser, to clear dirt without disrupting the skin’s natural oils. Gently pat skin dry, so as not to cause more irritation. 

Tip: Extend your gentle cleansing ritual to your body! Use QV Gentle Wash in the morning shower to cleanse your skin without stripping its natural protective oils, leaving your whole body feeling soft and prepared for the day.

Step 2: Soothe

In the morning, soothe and hydrate skin with a gentle moisturiser that locks in moisture using nourishing ingredients like plant oils, vitamin B5 (panthenol), and skin-loving lipids. QV Face Ultra Calming Moisturiser boasts all these ingredients for a soothing moisture boost. Soothe and hydrate the delicate eye area with the QV Face Revitalising Eye Cream which has a low-irritant formula that’s ophthalmologically tested so it's suitable for use around the eye area. 

Tip: Don't forget the rest of your skin! Applying QV Skin Lotion after your shower in the morning helps lock in moisture and provides all-day hydration and protection for your body before you get dressed.

Step 3: Protect

Protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation with a broad-spectrum cream with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more — even if you’ll be inside most of the day. Apply QV Face Moisturising Day Cream SPF 30*, a low-irritant and fragrance-free sun protection.

*Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear to further reduce risk. Frequent re-application is required.

By making this gentle morning ritual a consistent part of your day, you empower your sensitive skin with the protection and hydration it needs to stay comfortable and glowing.

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References

1. Jiang C, Guo C, Yan J, Chen J, Peng S, Huang H, Wu W, Nie Y, Pei Y, Sun H. Sensitive skin syndrome: Research progress on mechanisms and applications. J. Dermatol. Sci. Cosmet. Technol. 2024 [Internet] [cited 9 April 2025] Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950306X2400013X.

2. Yosipovitch G, Xiong GL, Haus E, Sackett-Lundeen L, Ashkenazi I, Maibach HI. Time-Dependent Variations of the Skin Barrier Function in Humans: Transepidermal Water Loss, Stratum Corneum Hydration, Skin Surface pH, and Skin Temperature. J. Investig. Dermatol. 1998 [Internet] [cited 9 April 2025] Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15373590.

3. Misery L, Ständer S, Szepietowski JC, Reich A, Wallengren J, Evers AW, Weisshaar, E. Definition of Sensitive Skin: An Expert Position Paper from the Special Interest Group on Sensitive Skin of the International Forum for the Study of Itch. Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 2016 [Internet] [cited 9 April 2025] Available from: https://medicaljournalssweden.se/actadv/article/view/4894/7443.

4. Goh C-L, Wu Y, Welsh B, et al. Expert consensus on holistic skin care routine: Focus on acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and sensitive skin syndrome. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023 [Internet] [cited 9 April 2025] Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.15519.

5. Ferreira, Marta & Lobo, José & Almeida, Isabel. (2021). Sensitive skin: Active ingredients in the spotlight. Int. J. Cosmet. Sci. 2021 [Internet] [cited 9 April 2025] Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356500663_Sensitive_skin_Active_ingredients_on_the_spotlight.

6. Matts PJ, Oblong JE, Bissett DL. A review of the range of effects of niacinamide in human skin. IFSCC 2002;5(4):285–9.