Are you Team Pat or Team Rub?
No, it’s not a new reality show. I’m talking about how you apply your skincare products. Should you rub them in or pat them on?
I used to be a rubber. Once that cream was in my hands, I’d scoop up a tiny bit and automatically rub it all over my skin. It was as natural as brushing my teeth.
Only… worse. Turns out, rubbing ain’t all that good for your skin. Patting your moisturizer in, like you’d pat your cat, is a much more skin-friendly way to go about it. Why?
Here are three science-backed reasons why patting your skincare on is better than rubbing it in:
1. Patting Is Gentler On The Skin
I made the switch to patting when I realised rubbing gives you wrinkles. For real.
Rubbing stretches the skin. All those extra movements ain’t good for it. They break down collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and elastic. Without them, skin can’t snap back to its original, smooth place as easily as before. So, it wrinkles and sags.
That’s even more true for the eye area. The skin there is so thin, you have to be ultra delicate. Any rubbing there is a no-no.
Related: 8 Science-Backed Ways To Replenish Lost Collagen
Struggling to create an anti-aging skincare routine that really works? Download your FREE “Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine” to get started. It features product recommendations + right application order:
2. Patting Enhances Penetration (But Not In The Way You Think)
It’s not like if you pat it on, the cream gets through and if you rub it in, it stays on top. Skin doesn’t work that way.
Skin is a trusted friend that never lets much enter through its doors (unless it’s broken – then anything can get in). If it lets something in, it’s because it’s small enough or cos it has the extra help of a penetration enhancer, like alcohol or propylene glycol.
But skin couldn’t care less if you pat or rub your moisturizer in. If an ingredient doesn’t fulfill its entry criteria, it won’t get in.
So, how can patting enhance penetration?
Here’s the thing: have you ever rubbed something in so hard or for so long, you’ve actually rubbed it off your face rather than in? If half your moisturiser won’t stay on your face, not many of its goodies will get in.
Patting fixes this. It’s much harder to pat something off your face. The goodies stay on your skin, slowly sinking in.
WARNING!
NEVER rub sunscreen in. If you do, you won’t create an even layer all over your skin. Rubbing creates tiny holes that are impossible to see with the naked eye. But those pesky UV rays spot them immediately, finding their way through them and causing all sorts of sun damage.
Related: 4 Ways To Help Skincare Products Better Penetrate Your Skin
3. Patting Is A Multi-Tasker
When you gently pat your moisturizer in, you’ll get that moisturizer all over your skin AND still leave enough of it on your hands.
See how soft those are too, now? And wirhout compromising its application on your face. Win win.
The Bottom Line
Rubbing your moisturizer in is so automatic, but your skin doesn’t like it. Pat it in with love and tender care: it keeps wrinkles off your face and makes your lotions and potions work much better.
I have to admit: I’m a rubber. But definitely not vigorously or with a lot of pressure. I don’t think I’ll ever change, either…
Trisha, rubbing has its benefits too. It can give skin a nice glow. 😉
I’m a patter 🙂
Anubhuti, me too! 🙂
I’m a patter when it comes to applying concealer/highlighter. I just pat gently until it’s blended in and I can’t really “see” it any more.
Moisturizer, BB or CC Creams, tanner, etc. are all applied by rubbing into the skin…just enough pressure to move the product around and blend, blend, blend, blend!
Bianca, rubbing is easier, isn’t it? I prefer to pat, but it takes a bit more time. But that’s definitely better for concealer. You get a more natural result. 🙂
I’m a rubber, but a gentle one! I will try patting though, because I have redness in my skin! Wow I didn’t know that about sunscreen! x
Stavroula, patting takes a bit more time, but it is worth it, especially if you have redness. Let me know how it works for you.
I think I’ve always been a rubber. Somehow patting SEEMS not to get the product into the skin.
Didid, patting feels quite awkward at first, I agree. You just need to get used to it. But rubbing works well too. 🙂
Hi! This was such a good post, thank you! I’m a gentle rubber (since I use sunscreens that glide across effortlessly), but I want to try patting now 🙂 I have a couple questions about it though!
1.) When you pat your sunscreen, how exactly do you do it? Do you spread it across your hands first and then pat/press your face? Wouldn’t that leave some on your hands, though? (So perhaps you’d need to apply even more to compensate for the amount lost on your hands.)
2.) Or do you think it’d be similar enough to still apply it on your face (rather than using your hands), and then use a dabbing motion to spread it, instead of rubbing?
Thank you!
Airi, I just put some on my hands and then gently pat it on. Yes, some will stay on your hands, but then they need protection too, so it doesn’t really go to waste. 🙂
Oh yes, I do love protecting my hands! It’s just that there seems to be a lot left on my hands, so I was worried I wouldn’t actually be applying the full 1/4tsp on my face. 🙂
Airi, I use a mineral sunscreen, so I can apply less than 1/4tsp. Mineral sunscreens provide a shield on the skin, so as long as you cover every inch, you’re fine. But I apply a bit more for good measure.
Thank you for finally explaining. I’ve been seeing it in my feed a lot. AND I’ve been trying it for the past week.
The main difference I can perceive is that it’s made my tinted moisturizer seem much much dewier. Almost like it was a thin layer on top of my face.
But, that was basically it. So thank you for clarifying!
Angela, you’re welcome. Glad you find it useful.
Wow that sunscreen one really scared me! I usually pat but now that I think about it, I always rub in sunscreen D: Also, I’ve seen a lot of buzz about face massaging and actually thought it sounded promising lol but… that’d be rubbing, right? Do you have any info on that topic? Like would it actually turn out to be worst for skin? Btw I love your posts, you do a really great job here! Thanks for giving us the science behind the BS (:
Faby, I know it’s shocking right? I used to rub in my sunscreen too – not anymore!
Facial massages can be beneficial to boost circulation, which in turn brings oxygen and nutrients to the skin faster. But they need to be performed very gently so as not to rub and stretch the skin too much. Also, they’re not suitable for anyone with rosacea, eczema or other inflammatory condition.
Thank you!