Weird Skincare Ingredients That Work

Slugging is the latest skincare trend that has taken the beauty world by storm. Originating in South Korea, this method involves applying a thick layer of an occlusive product, typically petroleum jelly, over your entire face as the last step of your nighttime skincare routine. The goal? To lock in moisture, enhance hydration, and improve the overall health of your skin. But does it work, and is it right for you? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about slugging, including its benefits, how to do it, and who should (or shouldn’t) try it.

What is Slugging?

Slugging is the process of applying a thick layer of an occlusive agent (like petroleum jelly or a similar product) over your skincare routine at night to create a protective barrier on your skin. This layer helps seal in moisture and active ingredients from the previous steps, preventing them from evaporating overnight. By trapping hydration, slugging can help repair the skin’s barrier and leave you with softer, more hydrated skin when you wake up.

Benefits of Slugging

Locks in Moisture: The key benefit of slugging is its ability to keep moisture trapped in the skin. If you have dry skin, slugging can help keep your skin nourished throughout the night.
Enhances Product Absorption: By sealing in the products you applied earlier, slugging helps ensure that serums, oils, and moisturizers are absorbed more effectively.
Repairs Skin Barrier: If your skin’s protective barrier is compromised due to over-exfoliation, harsh products, or environmental stressors, slugging can provide relief and promote healing.
Improves Skin Texture: Regular slugging can help smooth rough patches and reduce dryness, leaving your skin looking more supple and even.

How to Do Slugging: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin

Start by thoroughly cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, makeup, and impurities. This ensures that your skin is clean and ready to absorb the next steps of your skincare routine.

Step 2: Apply Toner (Optional)

If you use a toner in your skincare routine, apply it now. This step can help balance your skin’s pH levels and add an extra layer of hydration.

Step 3: Apply Serum or Treatment

Next, apply any serums, treatments, or active ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or retinol). These products should be absorbed into your skin before you apply the occlusive layer.

Step 4: Moisturize

Follow up with a regular moisturizer to add hydration. This helps prep the skin for the occlusive layer that will lock in the moisture.

Step 5: Slugging with an Occlusive Product

Now comes the slugging step: apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly (or a similar product, like Aquaphor or a slugging-specific balm) to your entire face. Make sure to apply it evenly, but don’t overdo it. You want to create a thin, protective barrier, not a thick mask.

Step 6: Sleep and Let the Magic Happen

Let the occlusive layer sit overnight as you sleep. This allows the product to seal in moisture and prevent any water loss, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and hydrated by morning.

Who Should Try Slugging?

Slugging can be especially beneficial for people with dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin. If you struggle with moisture retention or have a compromised skin barrier, slugging can provide a much-needed boost to restore hydration. Additionally, slugging may be beneficial for people living in dry climates or those who use strong acne treatments that can dry out the skin.

Who Should Avoid Slugging?

While slugging can work wonders for many, it’s not suitable for everyone. Those with oily or acne-prone skin should be cautious when trying slugging, as the thick occlusive layer can trap excess oil, potentially leading to clogged pores and breakouts. If you have acne or are prone to breakouts, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist before introducing slugging into your routine.

Additionally, slugging isn’t recommended if you’ve recently had an aggressive treatment, such as a chemical peel or strong exfoliation, as the thick layer could irritate freshly exfoliated skin.

Tips for Successful Slugging

Use a Thin Layer: You don’t need to overapply petroleum jelly or the occlusive product. A thin, even layer is enough to lock in moisture and protect the skin.
Patch Test First: Before applying slugging products to your entire face, patch test them on a small area of your skin to ensure you’re not allergic or sensitive to them.
Hydrate Well Before Slugging: Make sure your skin is well-hydrated with your regular skincare products before applying an occlusive layer.
Don’t Skip Your Regular Skincare Routine: Slugging should be done as a last step, not as a substitute for your usual skincare routine. Continue using your regular moisturizers, serums, and treatments.

Final Thoughts

Slugging is a simple but highly effective skincare method for adding intense hydration and repairing the skin barrier. If you’re looking to boost moisture levels, smooth rough patches, or lock in the benefits of your skincare routine, slugging might be the answer. However, it’s important to consider your skin type and personal skincare needs before jumping into this method. With the right products and proper technique, slugging can leave your skin feeling nourished, glowing, and more resilient than ever.