Rubbing, Patting, or Pressing? The Best Method for Applying Skincare Serums Correctly

Why Rubbing is Superior to Patting or Pressing

Contrary to popular belief, pressing or patting serum onto the skin doesn’t allow for deep penetration. While these methods may be gentler, they often leave the serum sitting on the outer layer of the skin. This prevents it from reaching the deeper layers where it can provide the most benefits. For active ingredients like Bakuchiol, Hyaluronic Acid, or Vitamin C, this is a crucial distinction.

Rubbing, on the other hand, offers more than just applying the product—it enhances blood circulation. Increased blood flow means better oxygenation of the skin’s surface and more effective absorption of the serum. Rubbing helps push the product deeper into the skin, ensuring that the active ingredients penetrate into the areas where they are needed most. Moreover, the warmth generated from rubbing encourages faster and more efficient absorption of the serum into the skin.

The Benefits of Active Ingredients Like Bakuchiol and Hyaluronic Acid

Serums are designed to deliver concentrated doses of active ingredients to the skin. Understanding how each ingredient works can help explain why proper application is so essential:

• Bakuchiol, a natural retinol alternative, is known for its anti-aging and skin-smoothing properties. For Bakuchiol to be effective, it needs to be absorbed into the skin’s deeper layers, where it can promote collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Simply patting it onto the skin may not allow for adequate penetration.
• Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful humectant that helps the skin retain moisture. While this ingredient hydrates the outer layer of the skin, its effectiveness is greatly enhanced when it penetrates the deeper layers, plumping the skin from within. Rubbing the serum in can ensure that the product doesn’t just sit on the surface but is absorbed where it can deliver long-lasting hydration.

Common Myths About Serum Application

Many believe that patting or pressing is the best way to be gentle with your skin, especially if it's sensitive. However, this can result in an ineffective application process. While it’s important to avoid aggressive rubbing, a gentle yet consistent massaging motion can be beneficial.

There’s also a misconception that rubbing might irritate the skin or lead to wrinkles. While this is possible if you're overly aggressive, using light to medium pressure with your fingers can actually stimulate the skin without causing damage. The key is to apply a balanced approach—enough pressure to increase absorption, but not so much that it leads to irritation.

How to Properly Apply Your Serum

Now that we understand why rubbing is the superior method, here’s a step-by-step guide to applying your serum effectively:

1. Start with clean skin: After cleansing and toning, your skin is prepped to absorb the serum. Make sure your face is completely dry before application of oil serums or leave it wet if your next product is a water-based serum such as Hyaluronic Acid.
2. Apply a small amount directly onto the face: Instead of applying serum to your hands, drop a small amount—usually 2-3 drops—directly onto your forehead, cheeks, and chin. This reduces the chances of wasting product on your palms.
3. Gently rub in upward motions: Using clean fingertips, gently rub the serum into your skin in upward, circular motions. Focus on areas that need more attention, such as around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead.
4. Be mindful of sensitive areas: For delicate areas, such as around the eyes, use a lighter touch to avoid irritation while still ensuring the serum penetrates the skin.
5. Wait for the serum to absorb: Give the serum a minute or two to fully sink in before applying your moisturizer or other products. Rushing this step can cause the serum to mix with other products before it’s properly absorbed.

Additional Benefits of Rubbing Serums

Besides improving absorption, rubbing serums into your skin offers added benefits:

• Enhances your overall skincare routine by ensuring your expensive serums work as effectively as possible.
• Stimulates circulation, which can lead to a healthier-looking, radiant complexion.
• Encourages better product absorption, ensuring active ingredients reach deeper layers of the skin.
• Improves skin elasticity over time, helping to maintain a youthful appearance.

When Patting or Pressing Might Work

Although rubbing is ideal for most serums, there are instances when patting or pressing can be helpful, particularly with more sensitive or reactive skin types. If your skin reacts to friction, you may opt to press in hydrating or calming serums. These lighter serums, which are meant to sit on the top layer, can benefit from gentle pressing.

Make Your Serums Work Harder

Skincare is an investment, and understanding how to apply your products properly is key to making that investment pay off. By choosing to gently rub in serums like Bakuchiol or Hyaluronic Acid, you ensure that these powerful active ingredients reach where they need to—deeper into your skin for maximum results.

So, next time you reach for your serum, skip the trendy pressing method and let a gentle rub enhance your skincare experience. Your skin will thank you for it!