Face Washing: What is the 60-Second Rule & Should You Try It?

We all know how important face washing is in maintaining healthy-looking skin. And while it may seem like a simple, straightforward process, many of us are not doing it right or long enough. Apart from the common mistakes of washing too often and using the wrong product, many of us are also guilty of rushing into the process or doing it for just a few seconds.

So, how long should you wash your face? The Internet became obsessed with the 60-second rule, which basically means washing your face for a full minute. It is said to give your skin a proper clean, allowing the ingredients in your product to work what they are intended to do. 

Continue reading as we dive more into this rule and if you really should wash your face for a full 60 seconds.

More about the 60-second rule

As previously mentioned, this rule simply refers to washing your face for 60 seconds, instead of your usual 10 to 15 seconds. This was coined by LA-based esthetician Nayamka Robert-Smith, who encouraged her (Twitter now X) followers to wash their face twice a day (morning and night) for a full minute each time. 

The full minute is said to let the ingredients in your cleanser penetrate the skin. This will also give the product enough time to break down and dissolve oils, dirt, and impurities, giving your face a proper cleanse. The 60-second rule, furthermore, allows you to be present or mind what you’re actually doing as you cleanse every crevice there is. 

Should you follow the 60-second rule?

Some of the people who’ve tried this rule report seeing visible improvements on their skin, such as softer texture and fewer blemishes. So, should you adopt this rule and spend a few more seconds washing your face? Will this benefit you or give you the skin you deserve? 

There are, for sure, benefits to washing your face for a full 60 seconds, but you have to take note that not every skin type is created equal. You need to keep your skin type in mind before you follow this rule. Those who have blemish-prone or dull skin are likely to benefit, as it can help wash away oil and dirt and clean the pores.

If you’re thinking of giving this rule a shot, it is advisable to notice how your skin reacts after cleansing for 60 seconds. If it feels stripped, dry, or tight, 60 seconds is probably too long. If you have easily irritated skin or issues such as rosacea, a 20- to 30-second cleanse may be ideal.

What to keep in mind when following the 60-second rule

One important thing is to make sure that you aren’t scrubbing your face too hard or too long. Here are a few other things you might want to keep in mind:

• Use a gentle cleanser – Always go with a mild formula. Avoid facial scrubs or exfoliating cleansers, as they aren’t meant for daily use. And while some cleansers with chemical exfoliants may claim to be gentle enough for everyday use, a full 60 seconds may still be long for your skin. See the manufacturer’s instructions and pay attention to how your skin reacts. 
• Use your fingers and gently massage your skin –Tools such as facial sponges, cleansing brushes, and silicone scrubbers aren’t meant to be used every day. Just use your fingers and gently massage your skin to avoid damage or making your skin issues worse. 
• Check what’s in your cleanser – One important goal when choosing a face cleanser is to avoid those with harsh ingredients, such as alcohol and sulfates. If you’re in the market for new cleansers, Dr. Sylvia Skin Care line has medical-grade formulations that deliver multi-layer fortification to the skin without drying it out. 

For further reading: You’re Probably Cleansing Your Face the Wrong Way

How Cutis can help

Apart from our own skincare line, we also have a number of aesthetic procedures that can improve the tone, smoothness, and clarity of your skin. Whether you’re worried about enlarged pores, dull complexion, or signs of aging like sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles, we can help. 

• Meso-Peel – this is a combination of Dermapen 4 microneedling and Über Pro Peel (a chemical peel designed to enhance skin needling procedures). This helps promote cellular turnover, stimulate collagen growth, as well as lighten dark spots, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
• Meso-Tox – this combines Dermapen 4 microneedling and small doses of botulinum toxin with MG-Collection serums. This can give you a glass-like glowing complexion by reducing sebum production and pore size, tightening the skin, and improving wrinkle appearance. 
• Pearl Fusion – this combines Pearl Laser Resurfacing and Pearl Fractional. The former helps renew the skin’s surface while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation while the latter is an ablative treatment that can treat sun damage or aging skin on the face. This can also help stimulate collagen regrowth and give the skin a more youthful appearance. 
• Pico Laser – this uses a picosecond laser device that delivers laser energy (high peak power but short pulse duration) to shatter pigments into smaller particles. These pigments are gradually removed over time, which then lightens the discoloration. The device can also stimulate collagen growth for overall skin rejuvenation.

Make positive changes in your skincare routine and use products that agree with your skin. Don’t hesitate to consider aesthetic treatments but make sure to choose a reputable aesthetic clinic in Singapore. We invite you to contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics to learn more or book a consultation with our aesthetic doctor.