For years, we treated face washing as a quick task—a 30-second splash and scrub. But what if the secret to glowing, youthful skin wasn't in the expensive serum you bought, but in the time you dedicated to the very first step?
The world of K-Beauty (Korean Beauty) and Asian skincare philosophy teaches us that cleansing is the most important step of any routine. It’s not just about removing dirt; it’s about deep purification, boosting circulation, and preparing the skin for treatment.
Here, we dive into the viral, time-based cleansing routines that are proving that mindful cleansing is the ultimate anti-aging secret.
What is the Korean Cleansing Method?
The Korean cleansing method is fundamentally built on Double Cleansing and hydration.
The traditional Western routine often uses a single foamy cleanser to remove everything. This approach can strip the skin of its natural, healthy oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and overproduction of oil.
The Korean method solves this with a two-step process:
- Oil-Based Cleanse: Uses an oil, balm, or milky cleanser to dissolve oil-based impurities like makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum (oil). Oil dissolves oil.
- Water-Based Cleanse: Follows up with a gentle foam or gel cleanser to remove water-based impurities like sweat, dust, and any residue left from the first step.
This meticulous approach ensures every type of impurity is gone, leaving the skin barrier intact and perfectly balanced.
What is the 4-2-4 Method of Skin Care?
The 4-2-4 method is the most disciplined and comprehensive version of the Korean double cleanse. It is a 10-minute ritual that emphasizes time spent on each phase for maximum physical benefit, not just cleanliness.
The name 4-2-4 reflects the specific duration of each step:
Phase 1: Oil Cleansing (4 Minutes)
- The Action: Apply a cleansing oil or balm to a dry face. Gently massage your entire face for four full minutes.
- The Benefit: This extended massage is crucial. It gives the oil time to deeply dissolve stubborn grime, lift oil plugs from your pores, and break down heavy SPF. Crucially, the massage motion stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which reduces puffiness and gives your face an immediate, healthy glow.
Phase 2: Water-Based Cleansing (2 Minutes)
- The Action: Apply a small amount of a gentle foam or cream cleanser directly over the oil on your face. Add a few drops of water to create a light lather and massage for two minutes.
- The Benefit: This step emulsifies (mixes) the oil, ensuring all oil residue and water-based impurities (like sweat) are thoroughly lifted. This second cleanse guarantees no pore-clogging film is left behind.
Phase 3: Rinsing (4 Minutes)
- The Action: This is the most underrated step. Rinse your face for four minutes, specifically using warm water for the first two minutes and then switching to cool water for the final two minutes.
- The Benefit: The warm water helps to fully rinse away the cleansers and flush the pores. The transition to cool water tightens pores, soothes the skin, and boosts circulation even further, locking in a firm, refreshed feeling.
What is the Suzy 424 Method?
The 4-2-4 method gained international fame when it was revealed to be the personal cleansing secret of the South Korean actress and idol, Bae Suzy.
Often simply referred to as the Suzy 424 method, this endorsement turned the detailed cleansing routine into a massive social media trend. Suzy, known for her exceptionally clear and radiant complexion (often called "glass skin"), attributed her successful skincare not to a magic product, but to this meticulous, time-consuming cleansing ritual.
- Its Impact: The popularity of the Suzy 424 method showed that consistency and technique could be more powerful than any expensive product. It encouraged people to view their cleansing time not as a chore, but as a mini at-home facial and a moment of self-care.
What is the 60 Second Ritual to Get Rid of Wrinkles?
While the 4-2-4 method is intensive, the 60 second ritual is its minimalist, accessible cousin, made popular by esthetician Nayamka Roberts-Smith. The 60 second ritual is simply a direct command: wash your face for a full 60 seconds.
The Problem it Solves
Most people spend only 10 to 20 seconds actually rubbing their cleanser onto their face. This isn't enough time for the cleanser's active ingredients (like salicylic acid, gentle exfoliants, or moisturizers) to fully dissolve sebum, makeup, and dead skin cells.
The 60-Second Magic
- Deep Dissolving: Spending the full minute allows the cleanser to soften the skin and dissolve oil blockages deep within the pores.
- Thorough Coverage: It forces you to cover your entire face, including often-missed areas like the hairline, chin, and around the nose.
- Improved Texture: Consistent application of this method dramatically improves skin texture, unclogs pores, and allows your serums and moisturizers to absorb much better.
Does it Get Rid of Wrinkles?
The claim that the 60 second ritual to get rid of wrinkles is direct is an oversimplification. No cleansing method can eliminate deep wrinkles. However, it provides powerful anti-aging support in two key ways:
- Maximizing Product Absorption: A perfectly clean, debris-free canvas allows your anti-aging serums (like retinoids and peptides) to penetrate more effectively, making your expensive products work better.
- Boosting Elasticity: The gentle, prolonged massage encourages blood flow and oxygen to the skin cells. This improved circulation helps maintain skin plumpness and elasticity over time, thereby minimizing the appearance of fine lines and preventing dullness.
Conclusion: The Power of Time
Both the 4-2-4 method and the 60 second ritual deliver the same essential message: slow down your cleansing.
Whether you commit the full 10 minutes to the Suzy 424 method in the evening, or simply dedicate 60 seconds to your morning wash, giving your cleansing process the time and attention it deserves is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to immediately improve your skin's clarity, texture, and long-term health.