What if we told you that it only takes 60 seconds to make a noticeable improvement in your skin? One minute is, apparently, enough to achieve a cleaner, brighter, and more hydrated complexion according to pharmacist Lena de Pons. De Pons, who recommends to her clients to cleanse for just 60 seconds, believes that cutting down on your daily cleansing routine can help your skin improve as well as making you more mindful of other self-care moments.
How does the “one-minute rule” work?
First, De Pons says you need to choose the correct cleanser. “Surfactants can be too strong [in exfoliating cleansers], so look to use milder ones,” she continues: “Strong surfactants remove all the dirt and grease they come across, and on the surface of the skin we have the hydrolipidic film, which is a mixture of water and fats produced naturally by our skin to keep it hydrated, as well as performing many other functions. When we use soaps that are too strong, you might remove the dirt, but you’ll also take away the hydrolipidic film which leaves the skin exposed. This is when the skin will feel dry and tight and, in some cases, cause flaking and redness.”
After choosing a gentle cleanser, you’ll realize something important—these cleansers take longer to remove makeup, dirt, and grime: Thus, the effectiveness of the “one-minute rule.” “When we use cleansers suitable for our face, we should give them time to actually cleanse the skin. However, you may not feel squeaky clean because you won’t give the surfactants enough time to emulsify and wash away all the dirt on the skin. That’s why I always recommend that you spend a minute massaging and emulsifying the soap with the water before rinsing it off. Sometimes it’s not a matter of trying new routines or getting expensive products; it’s enough to invest time in correctly applying the products we already have.”
60 seconds of self care
Dedicating 60 seconds to ourselves and our skincare can also help our mental and emotional well-being. “Many of my patients take advantage of the 60 seconds of facial cleansing to do other self-care activities that require a similar amount of time; mindfulness exercises or Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor. In the end, associating a beauty routine with other activities that generate wellness will increase adherence to both activities… You may find the minute of facial cleansing initially strange, but take it as time with yourself; a moment of pause and a time of reflection.”
Water, water, and more water
“For soap to work well you must use it with lots and lots of water—too much is not possible! Think of a bubble bath: no matter how much water you add, the soap will not stop foaming. That’s why I always recommend applying the cleanser with wet hands and a wet face,” says de Pons. “It’s easy —dispense the soap into your hand and put it in the shape of a bowl, then refill it with more water. Rub your hands together vigorously to create a lather and apply all over your face in circular motions. Keep massaging the product in for those 60 seconds, and don’t be afraid to add more water to the mixture if needed. Finally, rinse with plenty of (lukewarm) water and pat your face dry with a clean towel.”
What should we take into account when choosing our cleanser?
“That it delivers what you need based on your skin type. If you are not clear about your needs, my advice is to opt for formulas that claim to be for sensitive skin: in the end, they have just enough to cleanse the skin and soothe it at the same time,” explains the pharmacist.