Ten minutes for a clean face. That sounds thorough. Maybe even a little too thorough.

The 4-2-4 rule is a common cleaning method in the beauty sector: four minutes of cleansing oil, two minutes of water-based cleanser and four minutes of rinsing. It is often associated with Asian skincare. It is not a dermatological norm.

What do the numbers mean?

• 4 minutes: Massage cleansing oil onto dry skin. It is said to dissolve makeup, sunscreen and fat-soluble residues.
• 2 minutes: Cleanse with a water-based cleanser.
• 4 minutes: Rinse very thoroughly. Some variants alternate between lukewarm and cooler water.

The rule is therefore primarily a schedule for double cleansing . However, the numbers say nothing about whether the method suits your own skin.

Does cleaning have to take so long?

No. Longer is not automatically better when it comes to facial cleansing.

Dry, sensitive or already irritated skin can react to long massages, lots of water and two cleansers with a feeling of tension or burning. The Korean Dermatological Society specifically mentions excessive washing as a possible stress factor for the skin barrier.

If you wear make-up or hard-to-remove sunscreen, a quick double cleanse may make sense: first an oil or balm cleanser, then a mild water-based cleanser. Without such residue, a gentle cleaning step in the evening is often enough.

The better rule is therefore smaller: thorough enough, but as gentle and brief as possible.

What we know for sure

• The 4-2-4 rule describes a process, but not a medically defined standard.
• Dermatological recommendations recommend using a mild cleanser, lukewarm water and cleaning without vigorous rubbing.
• Washing too frequently or aggressively can remove components of the stratum corneum and further irritate dry or sensitive skin.
• Double cleansing is an option, not a mandatory program. Sun protection, make-up, skin condition and tolerance are crucial.
• If the skin feels tight or burns after cleansing, this is not a sign of particular cleanliness.

Sources

• Korean Dermatological Society: Healthy skincare and consequences of excessive cleansing
• American Academy of Dermatology: Face washing 101