No, we are not talking about the order in which to apply your skincare products. While this is important, today, we at Barbie's Beauty Bits are talking about the actual technique to applying your skincare, using motions such as dabbing, rubbing, patting, pressing, etc.
We know you are probably thinking, you're kidding me, Barbie; why does this matter. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but applying your skincare with the wrong technique can cause skin damage, leading to premature aging.
So, if you want to find out the best techniques for applying your skincare, continue reading.
Grandma's Technique Of Rubbing In Your Skincare
How many apply their skincare comes from a tradition they probably learned from their mother, who was taught by her mom the rubbing technique she learned at the makeup counter at a big department store.
But the sad truth is that while many think this will help the skincare penetrate deeper by forcing it in. This forceful rubbing action also pushes the delicate skin into folds, which over time leaves creases and fine lines on the face, like ones caused by repeated facial expressions.
You see, the skin is a delicate organ; yes, it is an organ one of our largest ones, and the way we treat it can either prevent and maintain or induce and inflict damage. Aggressive rubbing causes an inflammatory response underneath the skin, which aggravates skin conditions and may also cause premature skin aging. So, then what should you be doing?
Cleanse Your Face Like A Pro In A Circular Motion
What do you mean, cleanse my face like a pro? How difficult can it be to wash my face? Isn't it straightforward? Well, there is a way to cleanse your skin correctly, and no, this doesn't include using bar soap and water unless you want to mess up your skin's PH balance, which allows for more bacteria and yeast growth, leading to skin irritations and breakouts.
Properly removing makeup and other grime your skin has been exposed to is a difference between healthy, glowing skin and aging, dry, acne-prone skin.
When applying your foaming cleanser, the goal is to apply it in a CIRCULAR motion. Either with a device with soft bristles or with your fingertips. Whatever you do, avoid using a washcloth as these can be too aggressive as most people use them wrong and end up pulling and tugging on the skin (which also leads to premature aging).
You should wash your face for about 30 to 60 seconds. Use semi-circles on the sides of your nose and big circles up and out across your forehead. Rinse with cool water and pat your face dry with a clean towel to avoid irritation.
Another circular motion product is a toner. Toners are excellent at:
- Post-cleansing.
- Helping to remove any leftover residue from your skin.
- Purging excess oil from your skin while balancing its sebum production.
- Soothing, skin tightening, and pore shrinking.
- Prepping the skin for better absorption of your other skincare products with that dampened skin effect.
The best way to apply a facial toner is to use a cotton pad applying in gentle circular motions once again.
Apply Treatment Serums And Moisturizers By Patting Them On
After using a toner, you then want to apply your treatment-focused serums. The trick is to prioritize the most critical active ingredients; these are the ones you want to use first, as these ingredients you want to penetrate deeper into the skin to get the best results. When applying, use your fingertips, patting it on and then smoothing it out, but not thoroughly, as it is best to let the formula absorb on its own. (plus, you do not want to be wasting it on your fingers)
Some other treatment products like Duac for acne or prescription-strength Retinol that helps improve fine lines, texture, and tone need to be carefully applied. Because these products are more focused, you want to dab these in the area of treatment when applying. Personally, I like to use finger cots for these, so I do not waste any product.
You then want to seal these treatments with a moisturizer with firmer pressure by placing your hands in a prayer position, move from the middle of your face outward.
And remember, when selecting a moisturizer, one size does not fit all. Keeping the skin properly moisturized is essential to healthy, younger-looking skin. But what most are not familiar with is what if you are not applying it correctly or have chosen the wrong formula.
Depending on your skin, a poorly chosen product and sloppy application can lead to sagging skin, breakouts, or dry, cracked skin that can allow bacteria to enter the moisture barrier, causing inflammation, redness, and even infections. So make sure you know your skin type (oily skin, sensitive skin, dry skin, etc.)
Show Your Eyes Some TLC By Dabbing On An Eye Cream
The skin around the eyes is much thinner, making it more prone to dryness and quicker to show aging signs. Lack of sleep, squinting, and constant eye movement also hasten the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Because of the delicate skin, applying an eye product is one of the most important as the eyes are one of the first things people see, and it is also one of the first areas to show aging. Hence, we recommend using your ring finger for the softest touch. And apply by DABBING the eye cream with light pressure. A heavy hand can tug and pull on the delicate skin; it can also cause further irritation to the eye area, which is the last thing you want, so be cautious.
Aging Changes In The Skin
Over the years, everyone's skin changes. Hence, when applying your anti-aging skincare products, you never want to pull the skin downwards in quick motions. Instead, you want to use gentle pressure (pressing or patting) in a circular upward direction.
Think of lifting the skin, which is needed for mature skin as the levels of collagen and elastin in the dermis break down, and as a result, the skin is less firm and elastic. Like an old rubber band, it is less able to resist gravity, causing it to sag instead of rebounding.
Any tugging at the skin downward can accelerate droopy skin. Hence applying your skin care products upwards, you will work against gravity and improve elasticity to prevent premature aging.
As we hope you can see, how you apply your skincare products is just as important as what's in them. This goes for other products we did not mention, like a night cream, face oils, cleansing balms, chemical exfoliants, and your SPF 30.
Now, please, go pamper your skin and bask in the glory of skincare knowledge.
