If, like us, you usually find yourself slapping on moisturiser any old how when you’re either in a rush or completely exhausted, then listen up because it turns out that we’re probably all guilty of a big application mistake.
And it’s potentially ruining our complexions, according to one expert.
Yep, if you’re guilty of rubbing your skincare products into your face then you could inadvertently be damaging your skin, potentially causing spots, irritation and even broken capillaries, skincare expert Amanne Sharif of Japanese beauty brand DHC told Stylist.
‘For some products this type of motion can lend itself,’ Sharif said. ‘I would never suggest rubbing, though, as it sounds so harsh.
‘For something like a foam cleanser then a gentle circular massage technique is fine. It’s about being super careful and delicate with the skin.
‘For instance you should never, ever, rub your the delicate area around your eyes. The skin on your eyelids is the thinnest anywhere on your body. You don’t want to stretch or cause any sort of trauma to that area.’
Instead, Sharif recommends adopting the Japanese ‘patting’ technique, where you gently tap product into your skin using the pads of your fingers, as it will ensure it absorbs properly…
‘Rather than rubbing product on to your skin patting allows the formula to be fully absorbed.’ she said.’If you think about it, when rubbing something in you’re almost moving the product around in the same place.
‘You’re layering product over product’ it doesn’t make sense. Particularly for something like moisturiser, toner or serum’
And, beyond this, Sharif says patting can ultimately improve your complexion…
‘Patting boosts circulation and gets the blood moving around the face,’ she added. ‘This is only going to help make your complexion brighter and less fatigued.’
So now we know!
