Does the term “slugging” or “slugging skincare” ring a bell? If not, well, you aren’t alone. It’s one of those terms that just started buzzing in the beauty community and spread like wildfire. At first, I must admit that I wasn’t so sure about it myself. But waking up with that fresh, hydrated glow? Tempting, right? So, let’s dive into what slugging is, how it works, and why it just may be that missing piece in your skincare routine.
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What is Slugging?
Slugging does sound funny, doesn’t it? The actual name comes from the way your skin looks after you do it — a little shiny and “slug-like” because you’re laying on a protective barrier. But don’t let that put you off! It’s just that slugging consists of covering your face with a thick layer of occlusive-product (like petroleum jelly) as the last step in your nighttime routine, tending to lock in moisture after everything and really create a shield over your skin.
Originally popularised by Korean beauty enthusiasts, this has since gained traction with people literally around the globe. And why? Pretty simple: inexpensive, easy, and works. The goal of slugging is deep hydration, especially during the colder months or if you have particularly dry skin. And the best part? You don’t have to buy an expensive serum or do some kind of fancy routine to do it. Just a basic, pure petroleum jelly product will do the trick.
How Slugging Works
So, how does this slugging fit into your routine? It’s easy, I promise! Here’s a breakdown in steps:
1. Begin with Clean Skin: This goes without saying, but the skin should be clean before anything else. Slugging works easier that way, since the dirt, oil, and makeup have been washed off. I like to use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip my skin too much.
2. Apply Your Regular Products: Once your face is clean, apply all of the regular stuff. This could range from a hydrating serum and moisturizer to any type of active treatment. Slugging doesn’t replace any of those other products; it just seals the deal.
3. Apply Occlusive Layer – the “Slug” Part: And now, the magic happens. Take a little petroleum jelly and pat it lightly onto your face. Really, a little is enough, as this is a very potent occlusive. It will act like a barrier to lock in the moisture and not let anything that you applied underneath evaporate.
4. Sleep and Let It Work: And there you have it! Now, go to bed and let this slugging layer do its magic. Come morning, your skin should feel soft, hydrated, and happy.
The underlying idea is to prevent “transepidermal water loss”. All it means is stopping the moisture from escaping your skin while you sleep. You are helping the skin’s natural barrier get stronger and wake up with a fresh complexion.
Skin Slugging Benefits
You may wonder if the slugging frenzy is worth the hype. Well, I was curious too. Well, once you understand the benefits, you will see why people love it. Here are some key points that explain why slugging is making a great difference in your skincare:
1. Deep Hydration: Slugging is like giving your skin one big, long drink of water. It traps the moisture. Hence, all those hydrating products you put on don’t just disappear at night but stay on your skin to do their magic until morning.
2. Soothes Dry, Cracked Skin: Anyone who has ever had some dry patches of skin or chapped skin knows slugging can be a real lifesaver because the protective layer prevents irritation, giving it time to heal. It is especially helpful in winters when the air is super dry and really helps in maintaining soft, smooth skin.
3. Supports the Skin Barrier: Your skin barrier is what keeps the outside world out and your skin healthy. Slugging strengthens that very important barrier, which is crucial in keeping irritants at bay and retaining moisture. When your barrier is strong, your skin just feels better overall.
4. Amplifies Your Skin Care: Sealing in your usual products, slugging just helps them to work better. Think about it: like amplifying your moisturizer, serum, or whatever it is you’re using. It’s like getting more bang for all your bucks you place on your face!
5. Suitable for Sensitive Skin: Petroleum jelly is non-irritating and hypoallergenic; hence, it is safe on sensitive skin. It also has no fragrance or active ingredient that might cause any reaction. If you want extra moisture without the risk of irritation, slugging might be just the thing.
Possible Cons and Who Should Refrain from Slugging
Slugging can be amazing for many skin types, but not all. Let’s go over a few situations where doing it might not constitute the best option.
Oily or Acne-prone Skin: Slugging isn’t your friend if you’re breakout-prone or have skin that’s oily. The thick layer of petroleum jelly will block pores for some people because your skin by itself produces enough oil.
Daytime Use: Slugging is for nighttime, really. During the day, the layer may feel a bit heavy, and quite frankly, you just don’t want to look all shiny and “slug-like” when you’re out in the world.
Certain Skincare Products: Avoid slugging atop active ingredients like retinol or exfoliants – which can become much stronger under an occlusive layer and lead to irritation. Instead, opt for gentler, more hydrating products.
If you’re not sure, try slugging on a small part of your face and see how that goes. Always good to test before going all-in.
Product Recommendations for Slugging
If you’re ready to give slugging a try, you’ll need a reliable petroleum jelly. Here are three options I’d recommend:
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly Original
That is probably the most popular petroleum jelly on the market right now, and for good reasons. Vaseline’s formula is triple-purified, meaning it was refined multiple times to remove impurities. So it is quite safe and pure. It is also hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, so this makes it perfect if you have sensitive skin.
What I also like best about Vaseline is the fact that it is dermatologist-recommended, and it even bears the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance. That’s huge if you have sensitivity or eczema on your skin. Secondly, Vaseline is available almost on every corner, so easy to access.
Amazon Basics Petroleum Jelly White Petrolatum
Amazon Basics can be much more affordable for those on a tighter budget. This one is also 100% pure petrolatum, which is what you actually need to get the job done in slugging. Unscented simply means that no added fragrance has been used; for creating that moisture barrier without having to spend a lot.
The cool bonus with this option is it doubles as an eye makeup remover. I just love that this is one of those kinds of products you can have on hand for multiple uses-especially one that’s this affordable, but still does the job well. This is a great place to start in case you’re really on a tight budget or wanting to try slugging for the very first time.
Also Read: Jergens Cream for Fair Skin: Your Complete Guide
CareAll Petroleum Jelly
CareAll Petroleum Jelly is another excellent option, especially for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free and hypoallergic, it’s designed to be gentle enough for any age. This is one of those winter skincare essentials that protects against chapping and dryness like magic.
CareAll does indeed work magic, be it for dry patches, chapped lips, minor cuts, or anything of this sort. I like having something in my skincare cabinet where I know if my skin needs just that little extra TLC, I can always reach for it. For me, it’s having that sort of staple product in your routine that you can always count on for various uses.
How to Incorporate Slugging Into Your Routine
Adding slugging to your skincare routine is pretty easy, but here are a few tips that will help you get the most out of it:
Don’t Overdo It: Slugging is great, but you really don’t need to do it every single night. As a matter of fact, for most people, two to three times a week is ample to reap its benefits without overwhelming your skin.
Use a Light Hand: A little petroleum jelly goes a long way. You don’t need to layer it on super thick. A thin coat is usually sufficient to lock in moisture and protect your skin.
Pair with Hydrating Products: Slugging works best when you layer it over hydrating products, like serums or lightweight moisturizers. It’s best not to pair this with active ingredients, as that might encourage irritation.
Start Slow if You’re New: If you’re a first timer, do this on a small patch of skin before covering your whole face with it-so you would know that it’s meant for you.
Conclusion
And that’s all you need to know about slugging and why it has become such a beloved skincare practice. In the first instance, it does sound rather odd to smear on a thick layer of petroleum jelly before bed, but the bottom line results speak louder. Slugging keeps your skin hydrated, soft, and shining with minimum effort involved and at super reasonable costs, particularly during those dry months.
Slugging can be done for those who have dry patches or want that dewy look in the morning. Keep in mind, it’s all about trial and error to see what works best for you. Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned pro, slugging will be the game-changer in your routine. Now, are you ready to give it a go?
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