In the era of 10-step skin care routines, double cleansing regimens and 7 skin methods, washing our face with a simple bar of soap is no longer an option. But sometimes our demanding nighttime beauty regimen can give us anxiety instead of the glowing skin we’re after. What if we told you there’s an easy 10-minute skin care routine that only uses two products, but promises beautiful skin? Even better, you don’t have to do it every day.
We’re talking about the Japanese 4-2-4 cleansing routine. The method involves deep, and we mean seriously in-depth, cleansing. It mainly focuses on keeping circulation up via massaging — and it even works with your daily drugstore brands.
The 4-2-4 method basically entails four minutes of massaging your face with a cleansing oil, two minutes of massaging with a water-based cleanser (preferably creamy), then two minutes of rinsing with warm water and two minutes with cold water. The 4-2-4 method should ideally be done before bedtime and before you apply your regular nighttime serum-moisturizer-night cream trio. But it can be done whenever you feel like your skin is in need of some detoxing.
According to In Fiore founder Julie Elliott, poor circulation is the reason behind most of our skin issues, like dryness and acne. We sometimes just pile up one product after another and the congestion may hold back their effectiveness. Elliott says the 4-2-4 method flushes out the toxins, allowing skin to look healthy and plump.
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Everything You Need to Know About the Japanese 4-2-4 Cleansing Method
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Step 1: Oil Cleansing
Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil, $48 at Sephora
The 4-2-4 method is a great way to introduce cleansing oil into your regimen. Cleansing oils are usually made up of botanical oils, like grapeseed or almond, which draw out dead skin cells, residual makeup and other impurities from your pores.
Take two to three pumps of cleansing oil in your hands and massage it on your face for four minutes. After a minute and a half or so, you will find the oil has already been absorbed, but you must keep massaging for four minutes for the method to work. Set a timer if that helps.
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Step 2: Cream Cleanser
Lancôme Crème Radiance Gentle Cleansing Creamy-Foam Cleanser, $26 at Sephora
Elliott suggests a creamy cleanser, preferably water-based, as it doesn't strip the natural oils away. Use two pumps of cleanser and massage onto skin for two minutes.
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Step 3: Rinse
The most difficult part of the 4-2-4 regimen involves rinsing your face for four whole minutes. First with warm water, then with cold. The warm water helps with blood flow and boosts circulation, which is the main goal of the routine, while the cold water closes up your pores. Yes, it gets tedious washing your face for four minutes, but you can put on some music or your favorite Netflix show in the background to keep the rhythm going.
Image: Imaxtree
