Ever wondered why Japanese women appear not to age and always boast flawless skin? You won’t be surprised to hear it’s down to a tradition Japanese skincare is famous for.
Japanese Skin Care Secrets
Famed for their smooth skin and youthful complexions, Japanese women know a thing or two about looking fresh-faced and incredible beauty, so it’s no surprise that the world of cosmetics is turning to Asia for all things beauty-related. Many ladies are buying Japanese products and saying they have given them the best skin they have ever had.
Skincare has always played an important part in Asian culture, and Asian beauty is enjoying enormous popularity today thanks to its inspiration and the influx of new ingredients. The Japanese were among the first to create skincare treatments and are famous for their high-quality products, which is why Japan is one of the most prominent skincare markets in the world today.
Is ‘Skin Patting’ The Answer?
It is not only down to the quality of the products that Japanese ladies use, but more importantly, it is also down to how they are applied. So, if you are not getting the expected results from your skincare products, it may because you are implementing them all wrong.
Partly, it comes down to a strict regime that Japanese women adhere to every day. Japanese beauty regimens consist of about 7 to 8 steps, from cleansing to using a foam wash, toner, serum, emulsion, brightening serum, and cream. The repetition of daily care is the basis of the beauty secret.
In Asia, skin care is a lifestyle; not only does what you put on your skin matter but also treating your skin carefully and delicately is an essential part of the daily ritual.
Skincare specialists in Japan say that ‘patting’ on lotions, serums, and creams is the correct method for perfect skin – rather than rubbing.
For centuries, Japanese women have been praised and even coveted for their beautiful skin, and this is one of the reasons why.
Most, if not all women in Japan are careful not to rub their skin. They even refuse to use cotton pads on their faces and avoid using face wipes. They also do not like to rub their face with a towel to dry it off. Instead, they prefer to pat it dry.
Japanese Skin Care Secrets – Why Is ‘Skin Patting’ Beneficial?
Often referred to as the ‘skin patting’ method, the technique encourages people to pat on their skincare products – to encourage blood flow and promote collagen.
Some skincare experts say that ‘rubbing’ and ‘spreading’ products, using this type of movement can stretch the delicate layer of skin and this can lead to minor trauma, showing itself in the form of broken capillaries, spots, and irritation. If you are using something like a foam cleanser, then a very gentle circular massage technique is fine. It’s about being super careful and delicate with the skin. For instance, you should never, ever, rub the sensitive 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 trauma to that area.
Ladies in Japan begin by warming the lotion before applying it by rubbing between the palms of the hands and then repeatedly patting on the face and neck is the recommended application.
By doing this the technique ‘enhances absorption,’ and used with a circulation-boosting massage and other indulgent routines, it yields luxuriously striking results.
Patting is more beneficial than spreading or rubbing in skincare products because you minimize the chances of pulling or dragging on the skin, and is more gentle especially on sensitive skin. Using the patting technique is not only less damaging on the skin structure, but it also enhanced the absorption and effectiveness of the ingredients of the product as well as stimulated the blood flow, giving a delicate glow to the skin.
Gently patting skin uses less pressure, so you’re not as likely to inflict damage on your skin. Additionally, patting limits the possibility to mess with the flow of your lymphatic system. If you spread on your cream, you can inadvertently push against the flow of your lymphatic system, which can make your skin puffy.
The simple matter of rubbing in your skin-care products, especially around your eye area can be problematic. Rubbing generates a lot of frictional forces on your skin, which can be irritating and create unnecessary inflammation around the eyes.
So if you want to ensure your skincare regime is helping your skin, and not contributing to the creation of fine lines, replace rubbing your skin with patting.
Video – 10Yrs of Tatcha
What Are The Benefits?
Patting the skin creates a relaxing ritual of skin-care application that becomes very calming and second-nature.
Many people find that it minimizes redness after application on sensitive skin and helps to speed up the absorption time, and for many, it’s very relaxing. It creates a relaxing ritual of skincare time that becomes quite meditative and second-nature. Patting prompts you to take a deep breath and relax during your morning and night-time routine, which can only be a good thing.
There are two ways to ‘pat’ your skin. Neither ‘patting’ technique is right or wrong; it comes down to each individual’s preference. Some, like to tap their hands in quick motions around their face as they pat in their skin-care products. Others, prefer to press the lotions in slowly, with palm-heavy movements.
My preference is to pour a small amount of product into one of my hands before lightly rubbing my hands together to warm it and to distribute the product evenly. Then, I gently press my hands against my face, with both hands placed vertically on either side of the nose and cheeks, then horizontally over the forehead and chin.
Tatcha – Japanese Products For Beautiful Skin
Tatcha – From Tokyo To The World
How To ‘Pat’ Your Skincare Products
I’m sure you are eager to give it a try. So, here’s what you need to know when applying different types of skin care products to your face:
Facial serum: Facial serums are already capable enough; vigorous rubbing isn’t necessary to make them work any better. Instead, you can focus that energy on patting them onto your face.
Moisturizer: If you have dry skin it is likely you are willing to try almost anything to get your moisturizer to be absorbed better and here’s your chance, so instead of massaging into your delicate skin, pat it in. Why not think of the extra time you’re spending patting your moisturiser into your skin as a new form of self-care.
Read – Skin Management – Learning Good Habits
Eye Cream: If you choose just one place to pat in your products, it is around your eyes. As the skin circling your eyes is thinner and more fragile than the skin on other areas of your face, it’s easily damaged by repeating rubbing motions when you apply eye cream. Dab the Eye Treatment on under your eyes, then use your ring finger to ‘pat’ the product into the skin.
Toner: You might think that patting isn’t suited to skin care products with liquid consistencies, but think again. There’s no law saying toner has to be applied by a cotton pad. The truth is that cotton pads and makeup wipes are absolute no-no’s by supporters of skin patting; instead, you can pat toner on just like the rest of your skin care products! Next time you use your toner, pour a little into the palm of your hand, then dabble it on to your face, and finish by patting your skin.
So, ladies, when in doubt, pat it out. ‘Patting’ your skin doesn’t have any downsides, so you might as well try one of the Japanese Skin Care Secrets.
Have you tried ‘Skin Patting’? Have tried any Japanese Skin Care Products? Please leave any comments or questions below, and I will be happy to discuss them with you.
jo@yourskincarehelp.com