What is the 4 2 4 cleansing method?

Author: Ewald Williamson  |  Last update: Saturday, November 22, 2025

The 4-2-4 cleansing method is an ideology based on massaging cleansing oil into the skin for 4 minutes, then a cream cleanser for 2, then rinsing for 4. Yes, you read that right.

What is the 4-2-4 rule in skincare?

The 4-2-4 rule is a detailed cleansing routine that involves a four-minute oil massage, a two-minute cleanse with a water-based cleanser and a four-minute rinse with warm and cold water. Read ahead to know about the Japanese double cleanse routine, and what experts have to say about it.

What do dermatologists think of double cleansing?

Dr. Lal recommends double cleansing for those who wear a lot of makeup or have very oily skin, in particular. “If you're wearing makeup every day, tinted sunscreen, or you're wearing things that are occlusive, then you should be double cleansing,” he says.

What is the correct order to clean your face?

  • Wet Your Face: Use lukewarm water to dampen your skin (about 10-15 seconds).
  • Apply Cleanser: Use a gentle cleanser appropriate for your skin type and massage it into your skin for about 20-30 seconds.
  • Rinse: Thoroughly rinse your face with lukewarm water (about 10-15 seconds).
  • Dry: Pat your face dry with a clean towel.

What is the correct order of cleaning?

Following a systematic order for cleaning your house can make the task more manageable and ensure a thorough job. By starting with decluttering and moving through dusting, disinfecting, vacuuming, mopping, and specific room cleaning, you create a clean and organized living space.

5 at-home skincare tips to really improve your skin! | MY BEST SKIN EVER!

What is the healthiest thing to wash your face with?

These are the cleansers that were most recommended to me by the doctors I consulted:
  • Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for All Skin Types. ...
  • Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser. ...
  • Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser. ...
  • J&J Purpose Gentle Cleaning Wash. ...
  • Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser. ...
  • Elta MD Foaming Cleanser.

Do dermatologists recommend oil cleansing?

“While it may seem counterintuitive, oil cleansing can help balance the skin's natural oil production. It can also thoroughly clean the pores to avoid clogged pores and acne breakouts.” Dr. Chang recommends paying attention to your skin type for best results.

What are the disadvantages of oil cleansing?

They can cause dryness.

Oil based moisturizers and cleansers can seal in or smother you skin and inhibit your body's natural process of hydrating your skin based on the surrounding humidity around you. The drying effect on your skin can be a double-whammy because dry skin leads to wrinkles and an aged appearance.

Should you use a washcloth to wash your face?

The verdict: We recommend skipping the washcloth for face cleansing. The risk of spreading acne-causing bacteria and clogging pores with debris is high, and dry areas can form from daily friction. If you love using your washcloth for showers, then Dr. Schlessinger recommends reserving it for use on the body.

How to get glass skin?

Here are a few clear skin tips to help you on your journey toward healthy-looking glass skin.
  1. Double cleanse. ...
  2. Use an exfoliator. ...
  3. Apply a hydrating serum. ...
  4. Reach for a sheet mask. ...
  5. Layer on a lightweight moisturizer. ...
  6. Always finish with sunscreen.

What is an alternative to double cleansing?

But if you're looking for a way to help remove all the makeup, there's another option. “Using a micellar water to remove makeup before a water-based cleanser is a great alternative to double cleansing,” suggests Dr.

How do Japanese wash their face?

I did some further research and came across the concept of the 4-2-4 method; it's a system where you start with an oil and you massage your skin for four minutes, then you layer your skin with a cream cleanser on top and you massage for two minutes to emulsify the oil, and then you rinse for four minutes—which for some ...

What is the 4-2-4 method?

The 4-2-4 cleansing method is an ideology based on massaging cleansing oil into the skin for 4 minutes, then a cream cleanser for 2, then rinsing for 4. Yes, you read that right.

What is the finger rule in skincare?

✌️☀️ The 2 Finger Tip Rule: Your secret to flawless sun protection! Here's a pro-tip for applying sunscreen right: take two fingers, draw that sunscreen line on each, and massage it into your face and neck until it's seamlessly absorbed.

Do you purge from oil cleansing?

Yes, for some people, oil cleansing can cause an initial skin purge.

What's the best Korean cleansing oil?

Our top picks for the best Korean oil cleansers of 2025
  • Best Overall. ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean. Read more.
  • Best for Acne-Prone Skin. Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil. Read more.
  • Best for Sensitive Skin. Peach & Lily Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser. Read more.

Who should avoid oil cleansing?

Oil cleansing might not work for every skin type. People who have very oily skin might need to use a gentle cleanser after oil cleansing to remove residue from the face. People who have peanut allergies should be careful if using peanut oil for cleansing.

Is CeraVe an oil-based cleanser?

CeraVe's oil-based cleansers

The ultra-foaming formula, containing hydrating squalene oil, is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, suitable for allergy-prone skin, dry skin and baby skin.

What does jojoba oil do for skin?

Jojoba Oil has anti-inflammatory properties which help to tame chaffing and chapping, reduce redness caused by drying, ease the effects of eczema and rosacea, and keep skin calm and comfortable. The Vitamin E and B-complex vitamins in the Jojoba Oil help in skin repair and damage control.

Which is the number one face wash in the world?

Our top picks
  • Best for sensitive skin: Tower28 SOS Gentle Hydrating Gel Cleanser, shop for $20.
  • Best for oily skin: La-Roche Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser, shop for $17.
  • Best for dry skin: Bubble Soft Launch Hydrating Creamy Cleanser, shop for $17.
  • Best for hormonal acne: Differin with 5% BP, shop for $12.

Is it better to wash your face with or without a washcloth?

If you use a cloth, make sure that it's soft and isn't doing more harm than good. While washcloths might do a good job getting dirt and oils out of your pores, they are very likely to collect bacteria. A wet towel is a prime spot for bacteria to thrive.

What is the best facial cleanser for mature skin?

Our Top Cleansers for Mature Skin
  • Best for Uneven Texture: Trinny London Be Your Best Enzyme Balm Cleanser, $45.
  • Best Sensorial: Shiseido Future Solution LX Extra Rich Cleansing Foam, $70.
  • Best for Minimizing Pores: Blithe Pore Cleansing Balm, $22.
  • Best Brightening: Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser, $88.

Previous article
Does glycolic acid fade age spots?
Next article
Is lifting 225 strong?