Applying cream not along massage lines but haphazardly, squeezing out 5 drops of serum instead of the recommended 3-4, mixing up the timing of retinol and vitamin C application. Sound familiar? I suggest we all take a deep breath!
One of the popular tips from renowned cosmetologists is to apply serums and creams with light patting motions using your fingertips. The rationale is that gently patting the product into the skin prevents stretching it, thereby avoiding wrinkles and creases. Famous dermatologist Dr. Sam Bunting claims that products should be applied with confident massage movements. In her videos, she demonstrates very active rubbing of the cream into the face – a technique that would cause panic among proponents of gentle patting. But Bunting insists that only such application ensures the product absorbs into the skin. If rubbed less vigorously, it will remain on the surface and irritate the epidermis. By the way, if you’re starting to get a headache at this point, I recommend not watching tutorial videos on the proper application of Biologique Recherche acid toners.
So, what happens if you start applying toner from the forehead instead of the neck? What if you pat in the cream? What if you rub it in? And, finally, what if you habitually rub the cream between your palms and apply it all over your face at once?
Attention, a shocking answer: nothing bad will happen.
Strict instructions, sets of strange rules, and “signature techniques” for applying face cream are reminiscent of magical rituals in fortune-telling salons. It seems that by following all these quirky procedures, we increase our chances of success. Unfortunately, these practices are often aimed specifically at women. While men in advertisements briskly slap lotion on their cheeks and head off, women methodically rub in product after product in circular motions. As if the fear of aging skin, persistent acne, or sagging cheeks isn’t enough – these doubts plant seeds of insecurity about whether we’re doing enough to avoid these issues. And it turns out there is no right way: pat the cream in – get irritation; rub it in – get wrinkles; don’t apply it at all – how do you even live like that?
In reality, no matter how you apply cream, if it contains components of the right molecular size, they will penetrate where needed. If the serum packaging says to apply three drops, but you’re comfortable with four or even five – it’s all perfectly fine. And if you enjoy rubbing the cream into your skin – it’s unlikely to be the deciding factor in the formation of wrinkles (lack of SPF has a much greater impact on that).
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