What is Slugging Skincare?
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Are you wondering ‘What is skin slugging?’ Well, you’re in the right place, because I love anything that can boost my skincare products for a beautiful complexion.
Skincare slugging is the latest K-beauty sensation promising ultra-radiant ‘glass skin’ while you sleep. This straightforward method involves applying a thick protective layer – like Vaseline – over your face, locking in your facial products for deeper penetration into skin cells.
Affordable and effective, slugging is your gateway to achieving a dreamy, hydrated glow with minimal effort.
The Sluggling Skincare Trend
Fun fact: Koreans have a 10-step skincare routine and they decided to add another step – slugging.
This Korean technique will help you achieve deeply hydrated and luminous skin by sealing in facial products and stopping them from evaporating or wiping off. It involves applying a thick barrier cream (typically petroleum jelly) over your entire face before sleeping.
The slugging skincare trend has rapidly gained popularity worldwide, celebrated for its simplicity and effectiveness.
Slugging Process
The process is so simple yet so transformative. After completing your nightly skincare routine, you take the final step of slugging by generously applying an occlusive product over your face. This layer acts as a sealant, locking in the moisture and active ingredients from your previous skincare steps, ensuring they work more effectively throughout the night.
Why is it called Slugging?
The name is as unique as the method itself, inspired by the glossy, slick layer on your skin, reminiscent of a slug’s trail. While the imagery is pretty gross it does wonders for your beauty regime. So, let the results speak for themselves – plump, hydrated and glowing skin come morning.
Slugging Benefits
Profound Hydration
Slugging skincare boosts moisture in the skin, combatting dryness and leaving the skin supple and plump. It’s particularly beneficial for dry skin winter skincare or for those in hot, dry climates where the skin is prone to dehydration.
Enhanced Skin Barrier
By forming a protective layer, slugging supports the skin’s natural defences, aiding in the repair, and maintenance of the skin barrier. This is crucial for healthy skin as it reduces vulnerability to irritants and infections.
Reduction in Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)
One of the benefits of slugging with Vaseline is that it reduces TEWL, the process through which water evaporates from the skin, helping maintain its natural moisture balance and preventing dryness and flakiness.
Soothing Sensitivity and Irritation
For those with sensitive skin, this trend can provide a soothing effect, reducing redness, itching, and irritation by shielding the skin from environmental aggressors and irritants.
Diminished Signs of Aging
Regular skin slugging and locking in those retinol products can dramatically diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by keeping the skin hydrated and elastic, contributing to a smoother, more youthful complexion.
Improved Skin Texture
Over time, slugging skincare leads to softer, smoother skin by ensuring continuous hydration and protection, making it easier for the skin to regenerate and maintain a healthy, even-looking texture.
Prevention of Acne Scars and Marks
By keeping the skin hydrated and protected, slugging may aid in the prevention of acne scars and marks by promoting a healthier healing environment for the skin.
Amplification of Other Skincare Products
Applying an occlusive layer as the last step in your skincare routine can enhance the efficacy of previously applied products by ensuring deeper penetration and reduced evaporation.
Protection Against Harsh Elements
If you want extra protection in winter, this trend acts as a shield against wind, cold and indoor heating, which can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it vulnerable to damage and dehydration.
Boosted Radiance
Get the ultimate glowy complexion with skin slugging. The intense hydration and protection contribute to a radiant complexion, known as glass skin, which is highly sought after in today’s beauty circles.
Relief for Eczema and Psoriasis
For individuals suffering from conditions like eczema or psoriasis, slugging can offer relief by locking in moisture and protecting the skin from triggers that can exacerbate these conditions. Make like Kim Kardashian and wrap your occlusive layer in cling film for extra sealing, letting your products work their magic!
Versatility and Affordability
Slugging can be done with various products, letting you customize based on skin type and preference. Additionally, many effective balms are budget-friendly, making this practice accessible to a wide audience.
The Best Products for Slugging Skincare
- Vaseline
Number one on the list is Vaseline Healing Jelly for an epic overnight glow. It’s cheap, cheerful and changes your complexion with minimal effort. Lock in all of your nighttime skincare with a thick layer of this clear jelly and enjoy the results.
- CeraVe Healing Ointment
A little pricier than Vaseline, CeraVe Healing Ointment excels in slugging, offering extra skin barrier protection and healing while you sleep. Packed with moisturizing hyaluronic acid and peptides, this is the ultimate addition to a dry skin nighttime routine.
- Eucerine Aquafor
Similar to the brand Aquafor, this Eucerin Soothing Skin Balm takes your slugging strategy to the next level. Infused with glycerin you can expect to be deeply nourished with or without your other skincare products. This product is ideal for those with sensitive skin.
- Glossier After Baume
This barrier-boosting balm is expensive but worth it! Glossier After Baume is thick and buttery making it a better alternative for those who don’t want to use petroleum jelly on their face.
How Often Should I Slug?
The frequency of slugging in your skincare routine can depend on several factors, including your skin type, the climate you live in, and how your skin reacts to the process. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine how often you should slug your skin:
For Dry Skin
- Ideal Frequency: If you have dehydrated skin, slugging can be particularly beneficial, especially during colder months. You might find regular nightly slugging helpful for maintaining moisture levels and improving skin texture.
For Normal Skin
- Ideal Frequency: Those with normal or combination skin might benefit from slugging 2-3 times a week. It can help maintain hydration without overwhelming the skin, particularly if you focus on areas that tend to be drier.
For Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
- Proceed with Caution: If your skin is oily or acne-prone, slugging might not be suitable for regular use, as it can potentially clog pores and exacerbate acne. However, you may still benefit from occasional slugging, particularly if you’re using drying acne treatments. Start with once a week or less, and observe how your skin responds.
Seasonal Adjustments
- Adaptation to Climate: Your slugging frequency might also change with the seasons. Many people find slugging more beneficial during winter when the skin is more prone to dryness and irritation. In humid or hot weather, you might reduce the frequency or skip slugging altogether.
Listening to Your Skin
Ultimately, the best approach is to listen to your skin. Start with a lower frequency and gradually increase as needed, paying close attention to how your skin responds. If you notice any adverse effects, such as breakouts or excessive oiliness, reduce the frequency or consider discontinuing.
Keep an eye on how your skin reacts over time. Some people might experience initial improvements but later find that their skin doesn’t respond as well. Adjusting the frequency of slugging or experimenting with different occlusive products (e.g., lighter oils for those with oily skin) can help find a balance that suits your skin best.
