What is the 4-2-4 rule?
Rule 4-2-4 is a skin care method that emphasizes time and cleaning method, rather than product quantity. According to Dr. Ruben Bhasin Passi, dermatologist consultant at Birla CK Hospital, Gurugram (India), this rule includes three steps:
4 minutes: Apply oil-based facial cleanser and massage gently to remove makeup, sunscreen and dirt.
2 minutes: Wash your face with a water-based cleanser to cleanse any remaining impurities.
4 minutes: Rinse your skin thoroughly with water, ensuring no more products are left.
The purpose of the method is to deeply cleanse but still gently, while massaging for a long time to help increase blood circulation, bringing radiant and healthier skin.
Why did 4-2-4 become popular?
The 4-2-4 rule attracts thanks to the promise of deep cleansing but not drying skin, suitable for those who often wear heavy makeup or live in polluted environments. Careful massage also helps remove excess sebum and stubborn makeup stains without needing strong scrubbing.
Benefits of the 4-2-4 rule
Temporarily bright and smooth skin: Prolonged massage helps blood circulation better, bringing fresh skin.
Remove dirt and residual products: Helps pores become clear, reducing the risk of obstruction and acne.
However, radiant effect is only temporary and not a long-term solution for problems such as acne, melasma, aging or skin sagging.
Who should be cautious when applying?
Dr. Passi emphasized that excessive cleaning can cause:
Irritation, dry skin, redness, acne.
Dysfunction of the skin's protective barrier, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Exacerbate conditions such as lupus erythematosus, eczema, or dermatitis.
People with oily skin also easily mistake the feeling of skin tightening after washing their face for clean skin, while in reality, the skin may be damaged by protective barriers.
Expert advice
Cleaning time: 30-60 seconds per step is enough for most skin types.
Choose a suitable product: Use a cleanser suitable for your skin type, avoid excessive cleansing.
Use 4-2-4 flexibly: This method should only be applied occasionally, for example after heavy makeup or after events, should not be done daily if the skin is not used to it.
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