We’ve all experimented with our routines, whether it’s the soap-and-water variety or an intricate K-beauty inspired routine with multiple toners and treatments. What if I told you that one of the single best things I’ve ever done for my skin was to skip a step in my daily skincare routine? And that this step wasn’t a product, but an action that many of us absentmindedly do right after cleansing – towel drying?That’s right, I haven’t used a towel to dry my face in well over a decade.Let’s start off with why I started to forego the towel.I’m a big proponent of being gentle with your skin and minimizing any rubbing, pulling and friction in general – I didn’t like the feel of the towel on my skin, even if I was patting my skin dry to minimize friction.Another important reason is hygiene. As much as we try, there’s no guarantee that towels are completely clean and bacteria-free. If it’s been hanging in your bathroom, and is anywhere in a 6 to 20 feet radius of your toilet, there is some risk that the toilet is transferring bacteria to your towel. One way to get around this would be to use a fresh facial towel each time after you cleanse, though this would add to your laundry load!The best part of about skipping the towel-dry is that it sets the tone for your entire routine – patting your skin and skincare from start to finish. Along with SPF, this was one of my mother’s core skincare tenants. I still remember her standing at the sink, her face freshly wet from a double cleanse. She would use her finger tips to pat and wick the moisture away until her skin was left slightly damp. She would then move on to her skincare routine, carefully and gently patting in each step. View this post on Instagram Try patting your skin dry with your fingertips versus using a towel to avoid potential friction and hygiene issues (if you do use a towel, dab the skin gently rather than rubbing, plus make sure your towel doesn't hang near your toilet) It only takes a few more seconds and it leaves the perfect, slightly damp canvas 💦to start your skincare👍. #christineglowtipsA post shared by Christine Chang (@christine_glow) on May 21, 2017 at 7:41pm PDTIt only takes a minute or two more overall, but I find this gentle patting action to help with product absorption, and my skin continues to feel hydrated and plump long after my routine. (which is currently simplified to the Blueberry Cleanser, the ID.AZ Dermastic Toner, LJH Vita Propolis Ampoule & J.One Jelly Cream) Many of us have seen the remarkable benefits of gentle patting with the 7 skin method and it’s high time to extend this simple yet effective application gesture to the rest of our routine.Will you #ditchthetowel with me this summer? Let me know in the comments!Get your glow on,Christine