The 4-2-4 Method of Korean Cleansing – How to Do it Correctly

Korean beauty has made facial cleansers truly a compulsory part of any routine. They have advanced cleansing technology from just ‘foam’ to a rich combination of oils, exfoliating acids, mechanical exfoliation and lightweight bubble textures. These can be used in combination, in complex formation and have even escalated to cleansing devices, which apply 1 minute of electromagnetic stimulation to your skin for deep pore cleansing. 

The 4-2-4 method first came around over 10 years ago, advertised by Korean idols as the secret to clear and glowing skin. It is a 10 minute routine for cleansing alone, which incorporates patience, meditation and double cleansing to completely wash away impurities and skin products.

Korean beauty is famous for bringing us the art of ‘double cleansing’. It upgrades your routine to the use of two different cleansers (that each have a different purpose). First, an oil-cleanser is applied to dry skin and gently massaged to reach deep into the pores. This helps emulsify sebum that might get trapped and bring it to the surface for a more refreshing clean. It has to be followed, however, with a rich ‘foaming’ cleanser – which helps break apart the oils in an instant and wash away with ease. This leaves the skin feeling softer, brighter and helps reduce pore size for deep skincare. 

This takes double cleansing and adds the fantastical element of ‘time.’ With the busy lives we humans lead, finding time to do your skincare routine can be tough. However, one of the believed secrets of Korean beauty is the time and effort spent on your skin to elevate its natural health and glow. This method incorporates a whopping 10 minutes of cleansing time total, just like this -  

You add 2-3 pumps of oil cleanser to dry hands and gently massage into dry skin. It should lather into a white, thicker foam and incorporates deep into pores. 
Massage well and take a moment of meditation to release all the stress from your face.

Add the amount of a pea of the foam cleanser to your palms and gently mix on top of the oil cleanser, massaging well in circular motions to break up the oil. 
This mixture gives maximal time for both cleansers to work.

Take 2 minutes rinsing with warm water, opening pores and fully releasing impurities from your skin to ensure all the cleanser (and product from your face) is cleared for baby-soft, clean skin. 
Take another 2 minutes of cold water, to ‘wake up’ the skin once more. It tightens your pores, improves circulation and helps bring your cleansing steps to an end.

This method is not beneficial for everyone's skin type. Similar to products, you need to tailor your beauty techniques based on your skin type. 

The 4-2-4 method is designed for deep skin cleansing, especially for those with oily skin and large pores. It's really beneficial for acne-prone skin (with careful cleansing and rinsing) and those who use lots of products during the day (such as make-up and SPF+). 

Not just that, but this technique is too tedious for the everyday. If you have time, go for it - but its best suited for an end-of-the-week refreshment of your skin.

Does this technique actually work? According to the science, there is actually a great benefit in a soft and in-depth cleansing routine (especially in oily and acne-prone skin). 

Having a more complex and in-depth cleansing routine (followed with good moisturizing practice) has been shown to improve microbiome diversity, skin hydration and overall barrier protection and health. It's important to use gentle cleansers that help clear pores, without stripping away natural oils.

For acne/pore care it is vital that cleansers achieve two goals; maintenance of the skin barrier and deep cleansing of pores. This technique works to achieve both, with a gentle format and use of oil cleanser with soft rinsing. 

So, the 4-2-4 method is perfect if you are following the steps carefully and using gentle, low-pH cleansers that are beneficial and soothing to your biome.

If you are cleansing for 10 minutes of time, you need to start out gentle and stay gentle. It's about letting the cleansers do their work with just contact with skin. 

Those using oil cleansers with acne-prone skin often criticize that it causes outbreaks. This comes from poor rinsing of the cleanser off of skin. There should be no residue left from an oil cleanser and it should emulsify easily in water. 
 

If you notice your skin is oily after washing, add a little more foam cleanser and ensure the oil is completely clear from your skin.

Does your skin ever feel too dry or sore after cleansing? It shouldn't! Chances are, you are either using a harsh cleanser (that is giving very little benefit) or water that is too hot.

Water should be lukewarm to prevent skin drying and consider a cold water splash to help soothe and maintain hydration.

Struggling with oily skin and outbreaks? Add a second face wash to your routine to help keep pores clear. This can be as simple as a face wipe in the afternoon, to help gently clear away sebum build-up and give pores a quick refresh.

You'll see the difference quickly!

If you invest in cleansing well, it's important to continue that investment to a good moisturizer or serum post to help rehydrate and seal your skin barrier.

Find a serum/moisturizer that works in harmony with your skin type and those active ingredients will be able to interact deeper with your skin for maximal benefits after cleaning.

Cleansing is the beginning of your routine and can be vital to establish healthier and happier skin. It's important to consider your skin's individual needs and follow advice to get your own skin glowing. 

Want to find the perfect cleanser for your skin type? Check out the range of amazing cleansers available on Arktastic. If you are after advice for your skin type, don't forget to ask Pogi!

Want to learn more about the K-Beauty world? Check out our guide to starting your own Korean beauty routine from scratch (based on your skin type). Or check out our product reviews for honest product testing (complete with before-and-after!)

What is the 4-2-4 Korean Cleansing Method?

The 4-2-4 K-beauty cleansing method is a routine that involves 4 minutes of an oil-based cleanser, followed by 2 minutes of a foam cleanser, then with 4 minutes of gentle rinsing (first with warm water, then with cold) to help deeply remove impurities, thick make-up and SPF.

Does the 4-2-4 Cleansing method work?
If you are struggling to deeply cleanse skin and pores (or tend to use layering of make-up or SPF), the 4-2-4 method can improve skin health and texturing. This technique is a gentle massaging method that helps improve clarity and skin biome health.

Is the 4-2-4 Method good for Oily Skin?
Yes, this method is a great addition for oily skin types. It doesn't need to be used daily, but is a really great way to de-stress the skin after a big event or as an ‘end-of-the-week’ relax. 

How Often Should You Use the 4-2-4 Method?
Considering its time consuming nature, the 4-2-4 method only requires use between 1-3x weekly, but should be based on the user. If you are struggling with sebum and build-up on the skin, you can use this technique every other day for pore care, or just once a week for a deep refresh.

Can the 4-2-4 Method Irritate your skin?
If you are applying the technique incorrectly, there is a risk of irritation and skin inflammation. It's important not to ‘scrub’ skin or massage aggressively, instead using gentle circular motions for deep pore contact without mechanical exfoliation.

It's also vital to use gentle cleansers that are compatible with your skin type for soothing hydration that doesn't strip your natural oils.