In the quest for flawless, poreless 'glass skin', a ten-minute Korean beauty ritual has taken the digital world by storm. Promising transformative results, the method demands a precise, timed sequence of cleansing. But as it infiltrates bathroom routines globally, a pressing question emerges for beauty enthusiasts, particularly in India: is this meticulous practice a necessary act of devotion, or simply an over-engineered version of washing one's face?
The Allure of the 4-2-4 Rule: Timed Perfection in the Bathroom
The ritual, famously championed by South Korean actress Bae Suzy, breaks down into a strict 10-minute choreography. It begins with four minutes of massaging an oil cleanser onto dry skin. This is followed by two minutes of working a water-based foaming cleanser into a lather. The final act is a four-minute rinse with lukewarm water. The process is intentional, slow, and demands full attention, transforming a mundane task into a quiet performance of self-care.
For many, the appeal lies in its structured promise. In a chaotic world, the ritual offers a clear beginning, middle, and end. The slow, circular motions are meant to do more than just cleanse; they're designed to soothe the mind, offering a meditative pause. The glow of the phone timer in a late-night bathroom becomes a dare to dedicate time solely to oneself, a rarity in urban Indian lives where time is a premium commodity.
When Skincare Rituals Cross the Line into Work
On good days, the ritual feels rewarding. Skin appears softer, clearer, and more 'rested'. The method can be deeply effective for those with oily or resilient skin, or for removing heavy makeup and pollution buildup common in Indian cities. The act itself can feel like a nurturing pause.
However, the other side of the coin reveals a potential for overkill. For individuals with dry, sensitive, or reactive skin—a common concern in various Indian climates—ten full minutes of cleansing can be excessive. The constant friction, even if gentle, can compromise the skin's natural barrier, leading to tightness, irritation, and dryness by morning. The fleeting 'glow' may come at the cost of longer-lasting sensitivity. This highlights a crucial truth: more care is not always better care.
The Hidden Cost of Optimised Self-Care
The ritual subtly reinforces a modern anxiety: that not doing enough is the root of our problems. It suggests that exhaustion or skin issues might stem from 'insufficient devotion' rather than lifestyle, environment, or genetics. The ritual feels responsible and productive, while simpler acts like rest can feel indulgent. We surrender time willingly to 'fix' ourselves, often prioritizing effortful routines over genuine ease.
In Indian homes, where bathroom time is often shared and hot water supply can be inconsistent, carving out ten uninterrupted minutes is a luxury in itself. The practice can become another item on a mental scorecard, with users negotiating—'just two minutes tonight'—turning self-care into another source of gentle pressure.
Finding Balance: Ritual Versus Simple Necessity
The core insight from the 4-2-4 experiment may not be about its efficacy, but about understanding one's own skin. The ritual works best when it is not a rigid, daily demand. Perhaps it is a Sunday treat for a deep reset after a week of pollution and stress. But for a regular Monday, a simple, effective wash might be all your face truly needs.
What lingers after the water stops is the fundamental question: when did being gentle with ourselves start to feel like not enough? The true tenderness in skincare might lie in the ability to listen to your skin's daily needs—sometimes that means a ten-minute ritual, and sometimes it means a two-minute cleanse followed by rest. The ultimate luxury is not in the complexity of the routine, but in the permission to adapt it, or even skip it, without guilt.
