Expert Advice on How to Build a Skincare Routine

We spoke to our in house certified Esthetician Joyce Waiharo to share her expertise on where to begin when building a skincare routine

New to the world of skincare? Or just want to level up your skincare routine? Then you are on the right post at the right time. First things first, before diving into a routine, you should know your skin type and identify your skin goals, need help? We got you covered, take our skin quiz to figure out your skin type and receive personalised product recommendations and advice according to your skin concerns  here.  

So, why should you even have a skincare routine? Doesn’t skin just produce enough oil for moisture and cleanse itself? Well, it would have been great if it were that simple. Skin can actually be complicated, we always suggest taking a holistic approach to skincare, this is because your hormones, lifestyle, diet all have an effect on your skin. Skincare products act as the support system for healthy skin working in tandem with our lifestyle choices. 

Read more to see how you can easily support your skin health with a basic beginners skincare routine. 

Back to basics 

The golden rule of a basic beginners skincare routine lies in these 3 steps:

1. Cleanse 2. Moisturize 3. Protect. 

Let’s Uncover more: 

1. Cleanse

Cleansing your skin is the first step of a skincare routine, a good cleanser gets rid of excess sebum build up, unwanted debris and dirt from your skin. The results? Fresh, clear, supple skin, that will absorb products that you layer on your skin better. In other words, cleansing your face sets the ideal base for product layering and absorption and of course, prevents oil or dirt build up which could potentially result in clogged pores and acne. 

So how do you pick the perfect cleanser for your skin? Knowing your skin type helps. If you need some guidance on picking the perfect cleanser or understanding your skin, you can always schedule a one-on-one consultation with Joyce Waiharo here.

Joyce recommends avoiding alcohol based cleansers when you have dry skin as alcohol over dries skin even more, “The same notion applies to sensitive skin types, avoid harsh ingredients.” Joyce Waiharo, Skincare Esthetician. 

In general it would be a good idea to opt for gentle cleansers with soothing ingredients that remove excess dirt, oil and debris well. We would recommend our Beausta Cica Recipe Cleansing Foam, infused with soothing Centella asiatica, which removes skin impurities and pollutants from your skin without stripping off moisture, plus it’s gentle enough to use everyday. Shop our curated by Uncover Skincare Beausta Cica Recipe Cleansing Foam here. 

How to properly cleanse your face 

1. Wash your hands thoroughly, then rinse your face with lukewarm water 
2. Take a dime sized amount of cleanser and gently lather it onto your face, cleansing for about 60 seconds 
3. Rinse with lukewarm water then pat dry with a soft towel 

Joyce’s Pro Tip: Avoid scrubbing your face and washing your face with hot water to prevent it from drying out.  Wash your face twice a day and after sweating. 

2. Moisturise 

There are varied schools of thought as to whether some skin types actually need moisturizer, oily or combination skin types in particular, the reason being that oily or combination skin types produce excess sebum which tends to make you think your skin is already moisturized enough, plus your whole new level of shine proves it. So using moisturizer would make your skin look even shinier and greasier, right? NO, “What most people don’t understand is that when we don’t moisturize, the skin produces excess sebum to compensate for the lack of moisture, resulting in a greasy, shiny complexion”. Joyce Waiharo,  Skincare Esthetician.  Excess sebum is a breeding ground for acne bacteria and could potentially cause clogged pores, pimples or acne if not managed well. That’s why it’s important for every skin type to moisturize, including oily and combination skin types. Moisturizing also helps keep your skin smooth, clear and wrinkle free. 

Our top tip for finding a great moisturizer is to begin with one that is non-comedogenic, i.e doesn’t clog pores, then according to your skin goals, dive into the ingredients. Our curated by Uncover Skincare, Squalane Desertica Moisture Cream or what we like to call ‘The All in One’ moisturizer is perfect for all skin types including sensitive skin, it doesn’t clog pores, protects and rejuvenates the skin barrier, leaves skin feeling moisturized and contains antioxidant properties. Experience the goodness of squalane here.

How to properly moisturise your face 

1. Once you cleanse your skin, pat it dry softly, then use a nickel- sized amount on your face and neck and spread evenly. 
2. Say hello to smooth, moisturised you

Joyce’s Pro tip: Apply moisturiser on slightly damp skin for better absorption.

3. Protect 

We say this all the time, SPF is your BFF. We mean it. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is like a signature at the end of a contract, your skincare routine isn’t really worth anything without it. Why use it though? UVA and UVB rays from the sun cause premature ageing, age spots and even skin cancer, so we need this skin protection that no other ingredients can give us. 

“Use SPF daily, even on rainy, cloudy days and when you’re indoors. That’s because UVA and UVB rays can penetrate through the clouds, and more than 50% of UVA rays (the main cause of premature skin aging) can penetrate through glass.” Joyce Waiharo, Skincare Esthetician.

Here’s some tips from Joyce for picking the right sunscreen: 

1. Look for a non-comedogenic sunscreen 
2. Make sure it’s broad-spectrum to protect your skin from both UVA & UVB rays,  water-resistant and with an SPF 30+ for maximum protection

How to properly use SPF: 

1. Use it everyday
2. Apply on all exposed skin
3. Apply enough sunscreen- the equivalent of the length of 2 fingers, or just over a teaspoon for your face and neck
4. Re-apply every 2-3 hours to keep your skin protected

That’s your basic skincare routine covered. If you want personalized products and advice for your skin concerns or skin type take our skin quiz here and again, you can book a one-on-one consultation with Joyce,  here.

Have any questions? Drop them in the comments below.