Not sure if slugging improves the appearance of the Skin

Despite not being a recent practice, slugging has gained popularity on the internet and has become a top beauty hack to reveal a healthy and supple skin overnight. Although it’s a K-Beauty trend, this term first appeared years back on Reddit, but eventually went viral on TikTok and has since become a household skincare routine. In case you feel left behind on this skincare trend, basically, slugging means coating your face with petroleum jelly or Vaseline as your last skincare routine at night. The general idea behind this practice is that applying a liberal amount of the jelly overnight leaves your face well moisturized the next day.

While the essence of the routine is to moisturize dry skin, to reveal healthy and supple, however, people with other skin types tried it and couldn’t stop talking about transformation after trying. What is slugging skincare?

As mentioned before, while it is an old practice, slugging is the act of slathering your face with moisturizers to enable deep absorption into the skin. The main purpose of this is to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL) to increase hydration. This method is more suitable for dry skin types. Ever since this beauty hacks went viral, a lot of questions are being asked about the right way to do it and its benefits to the skin. Let’s take a look at the frequently asked questions on slugging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Slugging

 Why is everyone slugging?

Having radiant skin is a common skin care goal and with this hack, it has become a general knowledge that it is easy and possible to have not just healthy skin, but a glowing one.

 

How do I slug my face?

This routine involves a basic step; all you need to do is slather an occlusive product such as petroleum jelly during your evening routine- usually the last step before going to bed. Then leave it on till the morning and wash off thoroughly. However, for best results, it is suggested that you apply a treatment serum firstly to enhance penetration of active ingredients and for a better outcome.

Is this routine suitable for all skin types?

No, it is not. The occlusive used; usually petroleum- based products are heavy and greasy on an oily and acne- prone skin type. While slugging these skin types has not proven to clog facial pores, still, this routine is more ideal for dry or normal skin. Because slugging involves coating the skin, it may cause acne for oily and acne- prone skin, hence, you need to be cautious if this applies to you.

Should I give slugging a try?

When it comes to beauty hacks and a viral one at that, it’s normal to want to join in the trend. Still, if you have skin concerns, it is recommended that you visit a dermatologist. However, since slugging works by creating a moist environment that supports the skin barrier and repairs itself. If you have dry skin or eczema, it is suggested that this method can work by trapping moisture within the cells. Also, while it’s rare, some people can be allergic to petroleum; hence, ensure that you do a patch test to confirm for any reaction. 

Why are Vaseline or petroleum- based products used?

Technically, occlusive such as Vaseline is applied because it’s a moisturizer that helps create a physical barrier on the skin to lock in moisture. As a moisturizer, it protects the skin barrier and keeps it well moisturized.

How do I slug my face?

Typically, there are two ways to go slug the face which is: the overnight method also known as the traditional method, and short- contact is also known as a wash-off face mask method.

1. Overnight slug: The skin works more when you sleep to repair it; hence, this regimen is usually done lastly at night and before going to bed. However, the only downside is that you are more likely to smear your pillowcase with the occlusive. Here is how to slug overnight: follow your evening skincare routine, minus your spot treatments. Use a clean hand to fetch a pea-size occlusive and gently slather on slightly damp skin (you don’t need a thick layer to slug). You can try sleeping on your back to avoid smearing. In the morning, cleanse your face thoroughly to get rid of excess occlusive).
2. Short-contact slug: While the overnight method is the most popular, this method is only for a few hours every night before taking your shower. Although this method is not as effective as the known one; still, it can help heal damaged barriers without costing you sleep. To do this, after the day’s work, remove your make-up and wash your face thoroughly. While your face is still damp, scoop a pea-size occlusive or Vaseline using a clean finger and gently massage it on your face. You can go about your normal evening activities for a few hours and then wash it off once it’s time. Then follow it up with your evening skincare routine.

How often should I slug?

How often you decide to slug depends on you and the degree of dryness. While people with compromised skin barriers may slug for a month or more (remember seeing a dermatologist is better). If you are experiencing a little form of dryness, slugging for a week can improve your skin health.

You need to know that slugging is not a miracle for treating skin concerns such as severe dryness or other issues.  This method is not a form of skin treatment.

Is the routine age specific?

Once you are an adult who feels the need to have healthy and supple skin, it is okay to try this method.

Conclusion

Slugging has become a widely accepted method to have soft and luminous skin. This regimen is not ideal in cases of severe dryness or other skin concerns that require the attention of a dermatologist. Although it is great for dry skin, still, you need to be sure of your skin type before trying it out and if you are allergic to petroleum.

Ever tried slugging your face; share your experience?

Written by: Damilola Elewa