There is nobody on this planet who does not want clear, glowing skin and will go to any length to achieve it. What if we told you that there is a simple skincare rule which can be a gamechanger for your skin? You heard that right. It is called the 60-second rule - a self-explanatory method of washing your face - for a full 60 seconds or one minute instead of your usual 15-20 seconds. The cleansing method comes from Nayamka Roberts-Smith of LABeautyologist, an esthetician who first espoused the technique to her followers on social media. And though the technique might sound obvious and basic, it is also beneficial for your skin, so much so, that it's earned the hashtag #60secondrule. On X, formerly Twitter, Roberts-Smith talked about the reasoning behind the rule. "Cleansing your face (with your fingers) for 60 seconds allows the ingredients in the cleanser to actually work," she wrote. "Most people wash their face for like 15 seconds max. (Sixty seconds) softens the skin and dissolves sebum blockages better. Texture and overall evenness improves," she added. The idea behind it is to make sure you are thoroughly cleansing your skin. By gently massaging your face with a face wash or cleanser for 60 seconds, you can get rid of excess oil, dust, and allergens and prevent the clogging of pores. Talking about the same, Dr Navya P, consultant-dermatologist, Manipal Hospital, Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore said, "60-second rule is the cleansing of the face with fingers to massage the cleanser onto your skin for 60 seconds allowing products to work effectively. It should be done twice daily using gentle hand motions and a suitable cleanser should be used. Follow this up with a moisturiser application". She noted that this method helps remove the stubborn buildup of dirt and oil on the skin. "For those who wear makeup, this is a great way to get rid of the makeup ingredients which could induce certain skin issues. It also helps penetrate active ingredients (like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide) into the pores and thereby increases its efficacy," however, she stressed that it is not going to do any magic to clear all your skin problems where an active ingredient or other treatment modalities would be needed. Is it suitable for everyone? Not all skin types are created equally, and it's essential to keep yours in mind when setting the cleansing clock. It is important to notice how your skin reacts at the moment. "If skin feels red and itchy or tight and dry after cleansing with this method, then it might not be suitable for you, and better to stick to the good old 20- or 30-second cleansing. Though it should be kept in mind that it could also be the result of using harsh cleansers," said Dr Navya. Moreover, the expert advised that for people with very dry skin or sensitive skin and those having rosacea, it is better to skip this method and stick to regular cleansing as this method could over-irritate your skin and cause more problems. But if you really want to give it a try, increase the amount of time you wash your face gradually. By doing this, you'll allow your skin more time to become used to the new routine. 📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don't miss out on the latest updates!
