Why You Shouldn’t Pat Your Skin Dry After Cleansing

When it comes to skincare, we often focus on what we use — but how we use it can make just as much of a difference.

One piece of advice you’ve probably seen over and over again on cleanser bottles or in beauty routines is: “rinse off, then pat dry.” It’s one of those skincare instructions that has been repeated for years, not necessarily because it’s the best advice, but because it’s what brands have always said. The truth? It’s more of a marketing habit than a skin necessity.

Here’s what you really need to know: your skin loves being damp.

Unless your face is dripping after a shower (in which case, yes gently blot so you can actually see what you're doing), there’s no need to pat your skin dry. 

Why is that important?

Damp skin is more permeable, which means it absorbs products better. When you apply your toner, serum, or face oil straight after cleansing, while your skin is still damp, you help lock in hydration and boost the effectiveness of your products.

Think of it like this, applying skincare to damp skin is like sealing water into a sponge. When the sponge (your skin) is dry, it won’t hold onto that moisture as well. But when it’s already a little wet, it soaks everything up beautifully.

So skip the towel. Go from cleanse to care, without the pause.

Your skin will thank you for it.