When applying skincare products, it's generally recommended to pat them onto the skin rather than rubbing them in. Patting can help to ensure that the product is evenly distributed across the skin without causing any unnecessary friction or irritation. Additionally, patting can also help the product absorb better into the skin, which can lead to better results.
Rubbing skincare products onto the skin can create friction, which can cause irritation and even damage to the skin. It can also cause the product to pill or ball up on the surface of the skin, which can prevent it from being fully absorbed.
That being said, some skincare products may be better suited for rubbing rather than patting, such as exfoliants or cleansers.