Taking care of sensitive skin at night is just as important as in the morning. At night, your skin goes into repair mode, making it the perfect time to nourish and soothe your sensitive skin with the right products. A nighttime skincare routine designed for sensitive skin can help reduce irritation, calm inflammation, and promote healthier skin over time. In this guide, we’ll dive into what causes sensitive skin and how to build an effective and gentle night skincare routine to protect and nourish your skin while you sleep.

What Causes Sensitive Skin? 

Sensitive skin is more prone to irritation, redness, and discomfort due to various internal and external factors. It reacts to ingredients, environmental changes, and even stress more easily than other skin types. Understanding the causes of sensitive skin can help you make better skincare choices.

Key Causes of Sensitive Skin: 

1. Compromised Skin Barrier: The skin barrier acts as a protective shield, keeping moisture in and irritants out. When this barrier is weakened or damaged, your skin becomes more susceptible to irritation. Research published in The Journal of Dermatology highlights that a compromised skin barrier leads to increased sensitivity and irritation.
   
   
2. Genetics: Sensitive skin often runs in families. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in determining skin sensitivity and is associated with conditions like eczema or rosacea.
   
   
3. Environmental Factors: Sensitive skin is highly reactive to environmental factors like temperature changes, pollution, and wind. Harsh weather conditions, such as cold or dry climates, can aggravate sensitive skin, causing redness and discomfort. Studies have shown that these environmental stressors contribute to the irritation and inflammation of sensitive skin.
   
   
4. Product Ingredients: Harsh chemicals, fragrances, and alcohol-based products can irritate sensitive skin. A study in Contact Dermatitis suggests that many skincare products contain allergens that can exacerbate sensitivity.
   
   
5. Over-exfoliation and Overuse of Products: Excessive use of exfoliating products or active ingredients like retinoids can lead to a breakdown of the skin barrier, making the skin more sensitive. Studies indicate that sensitive skin can be worsened by aggressive skincare routines that strip the skin of its natural oils and protection.
   
   

Step-by-Step Night Skin Care Routine for Sensitive Skin 

Step 1: Makeup Removal 

How to Do It:

• Use gentle cleansing balm to melt away daily makeup, such as Dot & Key’s Strawberry Dew Cleansing Balm.
• Massage onto dry skin
• Add water to emulsify & rinse off thoroughly with zero residue
• Make sure to remove all traces of makeup, especially from your eyes and lips.
• Be careful not to rub too hard; sensitive skin can become easily irritated by excessive friction.

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Step 2: Cleanser 

After removing makeup, the next step is cleansing. Cleansing helps remove any remaining impurities, dirt, and oil that may have accumulated throughout the day. A gentle, sulfate-free cleanser is ideal for sensitive skin, as it cleanses without stripping away moisture or irritating the skin. A study in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology supports the use of mild, hydrating cleansers for sensitive skin to maintain its pH and moisture balance.

How to Do It:

• Wet your face with lukewarm water to avoid aggravating your sensitive skin.
• Apply a small amount of a gentle cleanser, like Dot & Key’s Cica Salicylic Face Wash.
• Massage it into your skin using circular motions for 20 seconds focusing on areas prone to buildup.
• Rinse thoroughly and gently pat dry with a soft towel.
  
  

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Step 3: Exfoliation (Twice a week) 

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, promoting smoother and brighter skin. However, with sensitive skin, it’s important to exfoliate gently and not more than once or twice a week. Over-exfoliating can damage your skin’s barrier, making it more sensitive. Opt for mild, natural ingredients-based exfoliants like cica or chemical exfoliants like Salicylic Acid, which are gentle on sensitive skin.

How to Do It:

• Use a gentle exfoliant, like Dot & Key’s Cica Salicylic Green Clay Mask, 1-2 times a week.
• Scoop out a generous amount & apply evenly on a clean face, focusing on areas that feel rough or congested.
• Avoid harsh scrubs or over-exfoliation, which can worsen sensitivity.
• Leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
  
  

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Step 4: Toner 

A toner can help to hydrate and prepare your skin for the next steps in your routine. For sensitive skin, use an alcohol-free toner with calming ingredients like Cica or Salicylic acid. These ingredients help soothe redness and irritation. Studies suggest that soothing toners help maintain hydration and reduce inflammation in sensitive skin.

How to Do It:

• After cleansing, apply a toner onto a cotton pad or directly onto your hands.
• Gently pat it on your skin, avoiding any rough rubbing motions.
• Let the toner absorb before moving on to the next step.
  
  

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Step 5: Serum 

Serums provide concentrated ingredients to target specific skin concerns. For sensitive skin, a soothing ingredient like salicylic acid or an anti-oxidant like niacinamide can help reduce inflammation, and dark spots while increasing skin’s moisture retention. Research in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology shows that niacinamide helps reduce redness and irritation.

How to Do It:

• Apply 2-3 drops of serum, such as Dot & Key’s Cica + 2% Salicylic Serum.
• Gently press the serum into your skin, focusing on areas that tend to feel dry or irritated.
• Allow the serum to fully absorb before applying moisturizer.
  
  

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Step 6: Moisturizer 

Moisturizing is essential for sensitive skin to lock in hydration and help repair the skin barrier. Look for a fragrance-free moisturizer with soothing ingredients like ceramides & Hyaluronic. These ingredients help strengthen the skin barrier, fight dryness & reduce inflammation & redness. Even a Night gel infused with cica & niacinamide helps soothe inflammation, reduce dark spots & keep skin calm. A study in The Journal of Drugs in Dermatology emphasizes the importance of ceramides in repairing the skin barrier for sensitive skin.

How to Do It:

• Apply a generous amount of moisturizer, like Dot & Key’s Barrier Repair Moisturizer with Ceramide + Hyaluronic.
• Gently massage it into your skin using upward circular motions.
• Focus on areas that tend to feel drier, such as your cheeks and forehead.
  
  

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Step 7: Treatment (Optional) 

For those with specific skin concerns like redness, irritation, or rosacea, adding a treatment product can help address these issues. Products containing Centella asiatica (cica) or salicylic acid can reduce inflammation and calm the skin. According to studies, salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that benefit sensitive skin types.

How to Do It:

• If needed, apply a small amount of your treatment product to targeted areas of your skin.
• Gently pat the product onto your skin and allow it to absorb completely before moving on to the next step.
  
  

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Step 8: Eye Cream 

The skin around your eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your face, making it more prone to dryness and irritation. Using an eye cream specifically formulated for sensitive skin can help hydrate and protect this delicate area. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, or caffeine to reduce puffiness and soothe the skin.

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FAQs 

1. What kind of cleanser should I use at night for sensitive skin? 

Choose a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that hydrates while removing dirt and impurities. Look for calming ingredients like cica, salicylic or ceramides to avoid stripping the skin’s natural oils.

2. Should I use a moisturizer at night if I have sensitive skin? 

Absolutely! Use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer with soothing ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration and repair the skin barrier while you sleep.

3. How often should I exfoliate at night if I have sensitive skin? 

Limit exfoliation to 1-2 times a week using a gentle, non-abrasive exfoliant like a cica + salicylic acid clay mask that exfoliates without over-drying. Over-exfoliating can irritate sensitive skin and weaken the skin’s barrier.

4. Can I use treatments like retinol or active ingredients at night on sensitive skin? 

Yes, but use lower concentrations and introduce them gradually. Products formulated for sensitive skin with mild retinoids or niacinamide can help without causing irritation.

5. What should I do if my sensitive skin feels irritated at night? 

Apply a calming serum or toner with ingredients like cica or niacinamide. A cool compress can also help soothe redness and inflammation quickly.