Skincare Slugging!

Skincare Slugging!

What Is It & Does It Work?

The viral sensation known as “slugging” skin has nothing to do with the shell-less mollusks that secrete a slimy mucus. It is, however, where the current trend of slathering a petroleum-based occlusive product on the face overnight to seal in moisture derives its name. It also gives the skin a shiny, slimy appearance, hence the name “slugging.”

Even though the process has been recently popularized on Reddit and TikTok, that’s not where it originated. In fact, slugging has been around for years and is widely used in the K-beauty (South Korean skincare) world. Unlike many online skincare and beauty hacks that are quickly debunked by professionals, this one is actually highly recommended by dermatologists and estheticians.

So, what exactly is slugging, how does it work, and who should try it?

What Is Slugging?

Slugging is the simple process of coating your skin with a petroleum-based product, such as Vaseline, as the last step of your pre-bed skincare routine. Petroleum-based products are occlusive, meaning they form a barrier that locks moisture in and keeps environmental substances out. Sealing the skin helps it repair, rehydrate, and rest while keeping serums and moisturizers securely in place, enhancing their benefits.

How To Slug

As with any night-time skincare, it is important to start with a clean face, so cleanse your face well first. Otherwise, the occlusive layer will just trap, and potentially lock-in, the day’s dirt and oil.

Next, continue with your normal bedtime skincare routine of toning, applying serums and moisturizer, etc. Optimally, this step should be done 30 minutes before bed to allow products to fully absorb.

On nights that you slug, avoid using any products with active ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), retinols, or retinoids. Slugging can trap these products, increasing their strength and leading to possible skin irritation and unpredictable results.

Instead, opt for products with hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or aloe. Rotating nights between using actives and slugging is another option.

Apply the slugging layer last. It does not have to be slathered on as thick as many TikTokers demonstrate; a thin layer fully covering your face will form a barrier and yield the same benefits, plus it’s less messy.

Speaking of messy, pull back your hair while sleeping and be prepared to change your pillowcase more often, or cover it with a fresh towel. Waiting 15 minutes after applying the occlusive layer before getting into bed will also result in less mess. This may seem inconvenient, but the results are worth it.

In the morning, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and enjoy the reflection of a softer, dewier, glowing complexion. Though some people report immediate results, it will take up to four or six weeks of consistent slugging to see full results.

Who Should Try Slugging?

How often to slug and how it benefits different skin types does vary.

Although it can be applied to a product-free, clean face for a protective seal, slugging itself is not moisturizing, but rather it locks in moisturizing products and prevents transdermal water loss while allowing the skin to repair its barrier. Therefore, it works best over serums and moisturizers, making it perfect for those with normal, dry, aging skin types, those dealing with eczema, or anyone living in cold or dry climates.

For those with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, slugging may not be for you. Even though petroleum jelly is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores as the molecules are too large to be absorbed), it can trap dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil, which may lead to breakouts.

For those with these skin types, you may want to try a targeted approach to slugging. Use a lighter, creamy moisturizer that allows oil to escape in place of petroleum jelly (see recommendations below), or spot treat the drier or dehydrated areas.

How Often Should You Slug?

How often to slug really depends on your skin and how it reacts. As always, listen to what your skin is telling you: Try a test patch first to see how it affects your skin before attempting a full-face slugging.

For those with normal, dry, very dry, or eczema-prone skin, you may want to incorporate slugging into your nightly, or every other night, routine. For those with oilier, combination, and acne-prone skin, once a week may be enough.

Slug skin only as needed. Slugging only during winter months when the face tends to be drier will suffice, and test and monitor different variations until you find one that best works for your skin.

Slugging is also not just for the face. Try it anywhere the body is experiencing dry patches as it works wonders on hands, feet, knees, and elbows. It also works especially well on the lips and eyelids, which have the thinnest layer of skin, making them more susceptible to drying.

There must be something to the slug life with more than 189 million views on #slugging, pages of glowing reviews, plus the endorsement of skinfluencers and dermatologists alike. Now that you know what slugging is and how to do it, get slugging!

Below are my recommendations for product options other than Vaseline to try slugging with.