Nighttime Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

Nighttime Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

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moisturising baby skin

Adopting an evening skincare routine with gentle products can help ease sensitive skin symptoms such as stinging, itching, and discomfort. Sensitive skin is a common condition, affecting over half the global population – and a variety of factors can trigger sensitivity — from sun exposure and temperatures to ageing and even diet1.

What is 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 pollutants2. Sensitive skin can occur anywhere on the body, but mostly affects the face2. You can’t always recognise sensitive skin just by looking at it, as it usually appears fairly normal, sometimes the face may have redness2.

Sensitive skin in the evening

Our skin cells, like all the cells in our bodies, have their own circadian ‘clocks’ that tune into the cycle of day and night3. Throughout the day and night, your skin naturally changes in temperature, blood flow and water loss3. For instance, in the evening your skin permeability is higher, leading to more water loss3 which may lead to increased itchiness, particularly in sensitive skin.

Choosing skincare for sensitive skin

When selecting products, seek out high-quality moisturisers with occlusives to help seal in moisture overnight and gentle cleansers that won’t disrupt the pH balance of your skin.  At night, an alcohol- and fragrance-free moisturiser is suggested, ideally with a rich, soothing texture, to help rejuvenate dehydrated skin for a smooth and supple finish. We also recommend looking for products that are dermatologically-tested, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, ph-balanced and free from fragrance, colour, parabens.

Ingredients to look for:

  1. Niacinamide - supports sensitive skin by helping to reduce skin itchiness4 and supports skin suppleness and elasticity5.
  2. Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5) - a gentle moisturising ingredient that helps to support skin barrier function, is calming and increases skin smoothness4.
  3. Avena Sativa (Oat Extract) - creams or serums with oat extract can help improve skin hydration and also help soothe itching4.

Your nighttime skincare routine preparation

Firstly, wash your hands before you attend to your face. Washing your hands will help decrease germs transferring to your face and irritating sensitive skin. Next, wash your face with lukewarm water. Hot water can have a drying effect, increase redness and can weaken your skin's protective barrier.

Simple Nighttime Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

The goal of your evening skincare routine is to refresh your skin from the day’s activities and exposure, by gently removing impurities and layering on hydration for overnight replenishment. 

Step 1: Cleanse

To remove the impurities of the day and create a clean canvas for skincare, it’s a good idea to double cleanse. This technique involves an initial application of an oil-based cleanser or using gentle wipes to remove makeup, then a facial cleanser for your evening cleanse. Try QV Face Cleansing Wipes designed for sensitive skin, followed by QV Face Gentle Foaming Cleanser enriched with Pro-vitamin B5 and Vitamin E.

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: Replenish

After gently patting your skin dry, apply a hydrating serum with soothing ingredients to replenish your skin’s hydration levels, and help alleviate any nighttime itchiness4. The QV Hydrate + Renew Serum has oat extract designed to boost hydration levels and help soothe sensitive skin.

Step 3: Rehydrate

Next, apply a rich and luxurious moisturiser to seal in hydration and help support skin barrier function with occlusive ingredients. The QV Face Nurturing Night Cream has occlusive ingredients along with Vitamin B3 to help support the skin barrier. Soothe and hydrate the delicate eye area over night 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: Apply QV Skin Lotion for soothed and hydrated skin top to toe.

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