Selecting a cleanser tailored to your skin's needs, while beneficial, is not enough. To achieve perfectly clean skin, one must also invest more time. It is often reported that a minimum of 60 seconds should be dedicated to cleansing your face, also known as the "one-minute rule" that has gone viral on social media. But do we really need that much time to wash our faces?
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The 60-second rule: what is this trick for cleaning your face?
Summary
Published July 12, 2024,
updated on October 30, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
3 min read
60 seconds to wash your face: should we really adopt this rule?
Beyond the common mistakes of using an unsuitable cleanser and washing the face multiple times a day, many of us would rush the process. While most brands suggest 20 to 30 seconds, which seems to be based on hand washing recommendations, it is estimated that most people would only do it for a maximum of fifteen seconds. However, this time span apparently would not be sufficient for a cleanser to do its job.
Recently, a Los Angeles-based esthetician invented the "60-second rule". She encourages her followers to spend a full minute, twice a day (morning and evening), gently massaging (not scrubbing) and emulsifying the cleansing product with water using their fingertips (without any tools) across their entire face before rinsing with warm water. According to some testimonials on social media, individuals who have implemented this rule report noticeable improvements in their skin, such as a softer texture, a brighter complexion, less visible pores, and fewer blemishes.
According to her, this full minute would allow enough time for the surfactants to break down and effectively dissolve all skin impurities, thus providing a deep cleanse to the skin. The longer contact time with the skin also gives the active ingredients, present in the formulation, more time to penetrate the skin and take effect. Not to mention that skincare products applied afterward will be better absorbed by the skin. However, it should be noted that there is no scientific study that has verified the duration of face washing. The listed results are based solely on individual experiences.
Another advantage of this technique is that extending the cleaning time helps to minimize the risk of overlooking certain areas, thereby enhancing the parts of the face that have been previously neglected.
Despite the lack of data, it is possible that this simple method leads to beneficial effects for the skin, by more effectively removing dirt from the skin through intentionally prolonged washing. However, not all skin types may potentially adopt it. Individuals with skin prone to blemishes or dullness will likely benefit, as it will help to cleanse and unclog pores, and eliminate excess sebum and dead cells.
On the other hand, washing the face for 60 seconds may seem too long and excessive for dry, sensitive, reactive skin, and those suffering from skin conditions (rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, etc.). For these skin types, increasing the skin cleansing time can lead to skin dryness and inflammation.
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