Somewhere in the deep depths of the internet recently, I discovered a San Francisco-based Thai masseuse who offers no-holds-barred, face-slapping treatments to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, shrink pores, and slim the face. Her method is extreme...but in a less dramatic sense, there really is a method to her madness. In fact, a good face pummeling is endorsed by the K-beauty world.
When I spoke to Glow Recipe co-founder Christine Chang, she explained that it's a technique used in Korea to help absorb skincare more efficiently or to help dry skin after cleansing.
"Face slapping is something you learn from your mother ," explains Chang. "One of my early memories is watching my mother at her vanity, meticulously patting on each skincare step. It helps with micro-circulation, keeping the skin firmed and toned. I use it after cleansing versus a towel as I find that it leaves skin plumped and a perfect canvas for applying skincare."
To "slap" your moisturizers and serum into place, start by using the finger tips to gently and briskly pat the skin in an upwards and circular motion. "It may sound loud, but you actually shouldn't be using too much pressure," she instructs.
It may create a little more work during your daily skincare routine, but remember: Proper application is just as much part of the K-beauty routine as products—and while tedious, the K-beauty way is nothing if not instantly gratifying.
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