A 5-Step PM Skincare Routine For Sensitive Skin

Already checked out our morning skincare routine for sensitive skin? Now’s the time to get your evening routine sorted. While sensitive skin isn’t technically a skin type – everyone’s skin experiences a certain degree of sensitivity (some more so than others). You might find that your skin sensitivity increases at different times of the month or year, or after you’ve used active ingredients like retinol or acids. Sensitive skin is prone to redness and easily irritated, leading to small bumps, and uneven tone and texture. These flare ups can be triggered by things like removing your makeup too aggressively, trying a new product or a treatment, or visiting somewhere with a new climate. 

If you find your skin is particularly reactive and identifies with the characteristics above more than the other common skin types, you’ll need to use products that are suitable for sensitive skin. If you’re trying to figure out how to build a skincare routine for sensitive skin, this will be a good one for you to follow. 

When it comes to removing makeup on sensitive skin, less is more. Skip the micellar water and double cleanse and instead use a single product to melt away your makeup. A balm or oil cleanser will be gentle and nourishing, breaking down makeup without the need for scrubbing. Ensure that you use warm (not hot) water and a gentle cloth or sponge to wipe skin clean.  

Once your skin is clean, a mist will help to soothe any irritation or redness that may have occurred – no matter how gentle you are, if your skin is very sensitive then it probably will feel a little tight and tingly after cleansing. As well as calming this irritation, this step also helps to hydrate your skin. Plus, if you find your cleanser leaves residue on yor skin, you can spritz your mist onto a cotton pad and use it to remove. 

Look for serums that contain soothing ingredients like oat, mushroom, and cica as well as hydrators (such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin) and ingredients that will help to strengthen and balance your skin, such as probiotics. Apply your serum to damp skin in gentle pressing motions. 

A nourishing fragrance-free moisturiser will go a long way in helping to soothe and support your sensitive skin. Oat is an ingredient frequently used in treatments for eczema, so is a great one to look out for in a moisturiser. Don’t shy away from rich, thick creams (as long as they’re free of artificial fragrance and essential oils) – your skin barrier needs all the support it can get. 

You don’t need to do a treatment every night. Less is always more when it comes to treating sensitive skin, so the best thing you can do is build a simple skincare routine and stick to it. Don’t be tempted to try out the latest popular product or technique just because it’s trending on TikTok… A mask, used once a week is a great way to target a flare-up. Look for products with cooling gel textures or sheet masks which contain soothing ingredients like cica or cucumber.