Have you heard of the 60-second rule? No, we’re not talking about how long it’s okay to leave a Mini Egg on the kitchen floor before you pick it up to eat – this is a skincare rule, and it’s hugely popular on social media.
The 60-second rule is in fact a cleansing method created by aesthetician Nayamka Roberts-Smith, also known as LABeautyologist. Her cleansing technique went viral when she shared it on Youtube, mainly because it’s a method hardly any of us use, but once you hear it, it seems like a no-brainer.
Basically, her theory is that most of us aren’t cleansing our skin for long enough. Think about the length of your own routine – it’s possibly a 15 or 20 second job right? However, the #60secondsrule involves using your fingers to gently massage your cleanser in for one minute every time you wash your face, rather than just giving it a quick rub before removal. Supposedly, this will lead to a better cleanse and ‘change your life forever’.
The #60secondsrule has led many to change their skincare routine
After spreading like wildfire across Instagram and TikTok, the 60-second rule has been a key cleansing trend amongst consumers and professionals for quite a while. But does it work? We asked dermatologist Dr Mazin Al-Khafaji of Dermatology M for his thoughts.
‘The “60-second cleansing rule” suggests that cleansing the face for a full minute allows the cleanser to effectively dissolve dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities while providing additional benefits like improved circulation,’ he explains. And, from his dermatologist’s point of view, it ‘does have some merit’.
‘Cleansing for a full minute gives the product enough time to break down impurities, sunscreen, and makeup, especially if they are oil-based or water-resistant,’ he says. ‘Many people rush through cleansing, leaving residue that can clog pores or interfere with the effectiveness of other skincare products. A minute ensures that every area of the face is properly attended to, reducing the chance of neglecting areas like the jawline, hairline, and nose.
It’s not just about getting a super clean face either. ‘The act of gently massaging the cleanser for 60 seconds can promote blood flow, giving the skin a healthy glow and supporting overall skin health,’ says Dr Mazin Al-Khafaji. ‘Taking time to focus on cleansing can turn the routine into a self-care ritual, reducing stress, which is beneficial for overall skin health.’
‘A minute ensures that every area of the face is properly attended to.’
However, not everyone will benefit from following this rule. While ‘makeup wearers, those with oily or acne-prone skin types, and normal skin types will benefit the most from the 60-second rule’ for those with ‘sensitive or compromised skin (e.g. eczema, rosacea, psoriasis) prolonged cleansing or vigorous massaging can lead to irritation. In such cases, a shorter, gentler cleansing is recommended.’
‘As well as this, if the cleanser contains harsh or drying ingredients, a 60-second application could cause more harm than good by stripping the skin of its natural oils.’
So for most of us, putting a bit more effort into the cleansing process will pay dividends. However, as with most things, it’s not a one-size-fits-all rule.
