So, what exactly is ‘patting’ and what does it do?

“Rather than rubbing product on to your skin patting allows the formula to be fully absorbed,” says Sharif. “If you think about it, when rubbing something in you’re almost moving the product around in the same place. You’re layering product over product, it doesn’t make sense. Particularly for something like moisturiser, toner or serum.”

The benefits of patting over rubbing go much further than efficient product distribution. “Patting boosts circulation and gets the blood moving around the face. This is only going to help make your complexion brighter and less fatigued.”

Why is rubbing such a big beauty no-no?

Some skincare experts say that using this type of motion can cause stress to the delicate layer of skin and can lead to minor trauma, revealing itself in the form of broken capillaries, spots and irritation. “For some products this type of motion can lend itself,” says Sharif. “I would never suggest rubbing though as it sounds so harsh. For something like a foam cleanser then a gentle circular massage technique is fine. It’s about being super careful and delicate with the skin. For instance you should never, ever, rub your the delicate 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 sort of trauma to that area.”

Why ‘patting’ is the Japanese skincare technique you need to know