Does anyone else feel like there’s a new ‘breakthrough skincare solution’ overtaking the media every second day? From widespread trends, to TikTok hacks, to skincare ‘rules’ that people follow religiously.
Seriously, how do people stay up to date with all of these ‘advice channels’?
Oh, and you know what’s even more overwhelming? Skincare terminology. A new word has to be added every minute, right? Or should we have been searching all this time for microblading, icy, flooding, plumping, laminating products that promise to make our skin look like glass or milk or velvet or glazed-donuts?
While some of these trends may have merit, most will unfortunately just be hype – short-lived and ultimately a waste of money.
But let’s break it down, because here at Lemon Myrtle Fragrances, we know how overwhelming it can get to learn what’s actually good for your skin. Plus, when adding our unique Australian climate into the mix (which is a must to get good skincare results), advice that may work for many, actually doesn’t extend across the seas.
In this blog, we’re going to go through three of the biggest skin-care trends sweeping the internet at the moment, from overloading products to staying away from natural solutions, to unpack whether they are the miracles they claim to be, or mere myths to avoid.
TL;DR (too long, didn't read 😉)
Not all skincare rules are created equal. The 4-2-4 routine, over-cleansing, and product layering often create more hype than results. What really works is keeping your skin balanced, nourished, and supported with natural ingredients — like the powerful, native lemon myrtle.
1. The 4-2-4 Rule: Trend or Trouble?
What is the 4-2-4 rule in skincare?
The 4-2-4 rule is a Japanese/Korean-inspired ritual in which you cleanse your face for 4 minutes with oil, 2 minutes with foam, then rinse for 4 minutes. Some sources believe in this 4 minute rinse, you should alternate between warm and cool water.
Does the 4-2-4 rule in skincare work?
While it is based on removing two common types of grime we collect over a day: oil-based, like makeup and sebum, a natural oily secretion from our skin, and water-based, like dirt and sweat, it is too hard-core for many skin types, stripping natural oils and potentially making the skin even more dry or flair up sensitive skin.
From a climate perspective, rinsing your face for 4 minutes is overkill, wasting a precious resource many in the world still don’t have access to. Instead, rinsing your face until your product is gone, which should take less than a minute, is all you need.
What to use instead of the 4-2-4 rule in skincare?
When it comes to skincare, gentle = the way to go. Use a natural, plant-based cleansing product to get the best results. For example, our cleanser gets the best of both worlds, foaming and naturally antibacterial to remove general skin pollution, and incorporating lemon myrtle oil to strip make up and excess oil without depleting our healthy, and necessary, stores. Click here to see our Lemon Myrtle Foaming Face Cleanser.
Should I cleanse for 4 minutes?
Finally, when it comes to the time you should spend cleansing, it doesn’t really matter. Instead, you should focus on having clean hands (or even better, a fresh wash cloth) and massaging a cleanser gently into your neck, cheeks, and forehead. The general rule is 30 seconds - 1 minute, but if you have the time and enjoy the practice, feel free to continue on a little longer. Just ensure you’re not taking too long so the cleanser starts to dry out on your skin.
2. Natural Skincare Isn’t as Effective as Synthetic Products
Is natural skincare effective?
For some reason in the beauty world, ‘natural’ has become synonymous with a product being weak or ineffective. However, when it comes to skincare, there is nothing that beats trends better than ingredients that have been proven their worth since the dawn of time. And with natural skincare products, you get the added benefits of antimicrobial and antioxidant properties without the risk of harm to your skin.
What is the harm of synthetic skincare products?
Unnatural or synthetic skincare products, aka the products with the ingredient lists that seem like an undecipherable alien language, are made with chemicals, preservatives, and artificial fragrances that are more likely to harm our skin than natural ingredients. They may make us red or itchy, or even result in allergic reactions, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Natural products, however, are as the name states: natural, with benefits and ingredients that many people, such as Indigenous Australians, have been harnessing for as long as can be remembered.
What are the best natural Australian ingredients for skin?
Lemon myrtle will always be a game changer when it comes to skincare. As a native Australian botanical, it is jam-packed with antimicrobials, antioxidants, antibacterials and so much extra goodness that has proven to have great effects on even the most sensitive skin types. Grown here in its natural habitat, it doesn’t create an extra tax on the earth, and buying products that have locally sourced ingredients like lemon myrtle is highly effective to combat unique environmental stresses like soothing light damage from the sun, tackling drying heat, or even keeping away bugs with its natural citrus odour.
Beeswax and olive oil are also great natural ingredients used in skincare, such as in our nourishing Lip Balm. When used in skincare, these ingredients provide moisture and protection for dry skin, with the beeswax soothing skin and olive oil helping rejuvenate it without any potentially harmful methods.
3. 10-Step Routines: Necessary or Just Hype?
Do I need a 10-step skincare routine?
Shifting into the ‘flooding’ phenomenon, this trend considers more steps = better skin. Yet this idea is a full-blown myth because overloading your skin means products can’t actually work effectively, and in some cases, this excess can cause irritation and backtrack your skin progress. Instead, minimal, high-quality ingredients (like lemon myrtle) often work better, save money, and help reduce overconsumption.
How many steps do I need in my skincare routine?
In a world where elaborate skincare routines appear like you have a better grasp on your skin health, you really only need three items in your everyday skincare routine: a cleanser, a moisturiser, and some form of sun protection.
With a cleanser (oil, milk, foaming – it depends on your specific skin type), dirts, oils, and impurities are removed, keeping your pores from being clogged and resulting in breakouts.
After that, using a moisturiser means your skin is hydrated and its natural barrier function is promoted.
Finally, ending with sun protection that goes directly onto your skin, like sunscreen, protects your skin from harmful UV rays that increase the risk of premature aging and skin cancer.
Once you have these bases covered, you can include some extra steps like toners, exfoliators, or serums, but these are highly individualised steps and should not be used on a daily basis.
Best minimalist skincare products Australia
When it comes to minimalist skincare, natural, multifunctional products are the way to go. For example, our Lemon Myrtle Face Moisturiser, accessible by clicking here, incorporates aloe vera and vitamin E to provide an extra hydrating effect on the skin. With the calming and regenerating properties of these ingredients, this product also works as a soother, nourishing and de-irritating the skin. The antibacterial properties of lemon myrtle also help reduce pimples – win, win, win!
Wrap-Up: What’s the Real Rule?
Remember: Not everything that tingles, layers, or foams is doing your skin a favour – especially if you live in Australia’s unique climate.
When it comes to online advice about skincare, or even claims trending products make, it’s best you always double check the information, reading the ingredients, learning the science, and seeing how it might translate to your local context.
If that all seems like too much effort, just keep in mind when it comes to something as important and sensitive as our skin, simple, plant-powered routines that support the skin’s natural functions are the way to go. These routines and ingredients have been around forever, so they don’t make great trends, but they do make for good results!
Also, when in doubt, go for lemon myrtle. It’s a native skincare MVP – antibacterial, calming, fresh-smelling, and proudly Australian.
Now, want to find out if your skincare routine is myth-proof? Use this quick yes/no checklist to find out now. Just tally the amount of ‘yes’ answers you get and see the score chart below. (Though we’ll warn you now, the more ‘yes’ responses, the more your routine may be driven by myths):
I follow every new skincare trend I see online.
I use more than 6 products in my daily routine.
I think tingling or burning means the product is working.
I avoid all essential oils because they clog pores.
I believe natural skincare is less effective than synthetic.
I’ve never checked if my products suit the Aussie climate.
I use harsh cleansers or double cleanse for long periods.
I don’t know what’s actually in my skincare products.
Score 0–2: You’re myth-proofed! Keep it simple, natural, and informed.
Score 3–5: You’re halfway there. Time to rethink and refine.
Score 6–8: Your skincare routine might need a detox – start fresh with nature-led, Aussie-grown care.
Not the best score? Explore our natural skincare range powered by Australian lemon myrtle by clicking here to fix up your routine today.
FAQs
What is the 4-2-4 skincare rule?
It’s a routine that recommends cleansing for four minutes with oil, two minutes with foam, and rinsing for four minutes. While it sounds thorough, it can strip the skin and isn’t suitable for everyone.
Is double cleansing necessary every day?
For most people, no. Over-cleansing can disrupt your skin barrier. Gentle cleansing with the right natural ingredients is usually enough.
Does layering lots of products give better results?
Not always. More products can actually irritate the skin. The focus should be on quality ingredients - not quantity.
Why is lemon myrtle good for skincare?
Lemon myrtle is a native Australian botanical known for its refreshing scent and skin-balancing properties. It helps keep skin clean, calm, and nourished without harsh chemicals.
What’s the best skincare routine for Australian skin?
A simple, consistent routine with natural products that suit our climate - focusing on hydration, sun protection, and balance.