Kim Kardashian is dividing fans with her skincare technique

Social media has its perks, there's no doubt about it. I mean, in need of some hair-spo? No one knows the power of social media better than the queen of Insta, Kim Kardashian, herself. But, as with most things, it does come with its pitfalls *collective sigh*. A major red flag, if you will, with social media and the beauty industry, in particular, is the spread of misinformation – just take the Jones Road foundation hype as a prime example.

Now, unfortunately, a similar case has occurred with Kim Kardashian's latest Instagram post. In the video where she is seen to be applying her regular skincare routine, she shares with us her technique for application. The caption reads: "Technique matters. Rubbing in your products can stretch the skin, break down collagen and elastin, and prevent proper absorption.

"Instead, applying your toner, serums, and moisturisers with a patting motion is not only less damaging to the skin structure, but it also stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage, and helps prevent pilling."

While this may sound helpful at first read, some social media users have spoken out against Kim, disagreeing with her statements. One person on Twitter, Tiara Willis, who is also an esthetician wrote: "Rubbing in your skincare is NOT gonna stretch your skin out," followed by a series of tweets speaking out against the technique.

That's a lot of conflicting information, right?!

Well, if you're just as confused as I am, no need to fret because we spoke with a dermatologist to get the lowdown.

Up first is Dr Elif Benar, dermatologist and founder of Dr Elif Clinic who explains that "rubbing in your products can not stretch the skin and break down collagen and elastin. However, rubbing the skin aggressively could cause skin irritation, acne, and dermatitis". Interesting...

Continuing, he says to always "be gentle when applying skincare products and use circular motions to avoid dragging the skin, especially around the eye area where the skin is thinner and more sensitive".

In terms of Kim's claims that patting can stimulate blood flow and lymphatic drainage, Dr Benar agrees, to an extent, saying that "applying products with tapping can increase blood and lymphatic circulation," but with the caveat that "the effect will be minimal".

So, for those of us whose life (read: skin health) flashed before our eyes when hearing of the patting technique, no need to worry – keep on rubbing in those moisturisers and serums but with ease, ofc. You're doing amazing sweetie!

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