What Is Slugging Skincare And How To Do It?

5 MIN READ

Slugging has recently emerged as one of the biggest skincare trends on social media. This Korean-inspired technique involves applying a thick, occlusive moisturizer or ointment as the final step of your skincare routine to seal in hydration and repair your skin’s moisture barrier overnight.

Petroleum jelly, Aquaphor, and other similar products create a protective barrier that prevents trans-epidermal water loss while deeply moisturizing the skin. With its hydrating and healing benefits, it’s no wonder slugging has taken TikTok and Instagram by storm. This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about the slugging skincare trend.

Table of Contents

What is Slugging?

Slugging refers to applying an occlusive, or moisture-locking, product like petroleum jelly as the final step of your evening skincare routine. This creates a protective seal over the skin, akin to how a garden slug leaves behind a shiny trail of slime. The occlusive layer prevents moisture from escaping the skin throughout the night. This allows the skin to reap the full benefits of any serums, moisturizers, or treatments applied beforehand. Though the trend has recently exploded, the origins of slugging can be traced to Korean beauty and Black women’s skin care routines which have long touted the power of petroleum jelly for healing and deeply hydrating the skin.

The main products used for slugging include:

• Petroleum jelly – The OG slugging product touted for its superior occlusion
• Aquaphor – A petrolatum-based healing ointment that also contains glycerin, panthenol, and bisabolol
• CeraVe Healing Ointment – Contains petrolatum, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid
• Plant-based oils like coconut, jojoba, or squalane – These can also provide an effective occlusive layer

The key is to choose an ointment or oil that will create a protective barrier over the skin without clogging pores. Products like Aquaphor and Cerave are popular for their additional skin-repairing ingredients.

Benefits of Slugging

There are many dermatologist-backed benefits to sealing the skin with an occlusive at night:

• Hydration: Slugging traps moisture in the skin and prevents water evaporation
• Skin barrier repair: Petrolatum soothes and strengthens the skin barrier compromised by weather, acne, eczema and more
• Calms inflammation: Creates a protective layer over sensitive or irritated skin
• Heals dryness: Provides intensive overnight hydration therapy for dry, flaky skin
• Anti-aging: Hydration means plumper, more youthful looking skin over time

Research also shows that petrolatum-based occlusives like petroleum jelly enhance wound healing, most likely by providing a moist environment that promotes skin cell regeneration and growth. The same principle allows slugging to aid recovery from acne, eczema, and skin damage.

Does Slugging Work?

Many dermatologists and experts affirm that occlusive products like petrolatum are highly effective at trapping in moisture and strengthening the skin barrier. They recommend slugging for:

• Dry, dehydrated skin
• Compromised moisture barriers
• Severely irritated or inflamed skin
• Eczema and very dry patches
• Post-procedure skin healing

One study found that lotions with petrolatum significantly improved hydration and skin barrier function compared to those without. However, some experts note that long-term use of occlusives may reduce the skin’s own natural oil production. Most recommend slugging as a temporary treatment of 2-4 weeks.

Potential Concerns and Considerations

Slugging may not be suitable for all skin types. Potential side effects include:

• Clogged pores – Caution for acne-prone skin. Avoid putting petrolatum on active breakouts.
• Irritation – Discontinue use if increased redness or irritation occurs
• Excess oil – Can exacerbate oiliness in some

Those with oily or acne-prone skin should focus just on dry areas or use lighter oils like jojoba or squalane. Introduce slugging slowly, 2-3 nights per week at first. Make sure to wash your face thoroughly in the morning to remove any residue.

Recommended Slugging Products

Here are some top-rated slugging products:

Budget-Friendly Options

• Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly
• CeraVe Healing Ointment
• Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Premium Options

• La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume
• Avène Cicalfate Restorative Cream
• First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Ointment

Oils

• The Ordinary Squalane Oil
• PURA D’OR Organic Jojoba Oil
• Sky Organics Organic Coconut Oil

Make sure to patch test any new products before full slugging. Seek hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic options if you have very sensitive or acne-prone skin.

How to Start Slugging

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to slug your face:

1. Cleanse and apply your regular evening skincare routine (serums, moisturizer, treatments) as normal. Make sure skin is hydrated but not damp.
2. Dispense a pea-sized amount of your slugging agent, whether an ointment like Aquaphor or a few drops of facial oil like jojoba or squalane.
3. Gently pat the product into your skin, focusing on any dry or irritated areas. Avoid rubbing excessively.
4. Go to bed! Let the occlusive sealant work its magic overnight.
5. Rinse thoroughly in the morning – no harsh scrubs required. Moisturize and apply SPF as usual for daytime.

Some additional slugging tips:

• For an extra moisture boost, you can apply your slugging agent over slightly damp skin
• Limit slugging to dry patches if acne-prone or introduce gradually
• Slugging likely not needed if you already use a very rich night cream
• Avoid using slugging if you applied strong acids or retinol to prevent irritation

The great thing about slugging is it can be customized for your specific skin conditions and needs!

To sum it up

Slugging with an occlusive moisturizer or oil is an easy way to provide intensive overnight hydration to repair your skin’s moisture barrier, prevent water loss, and combat dryness. Focus the thick occlusive layer on dry areas or during times of severe dryness and irritation to see the best results. The Korean-inspired slugging trend offers a simple but powerful way to wake up with soft, supple, hydrated skin. Just be sure to tailor the technique to your unique skin type and concerns. Give slugging a try and watch your skin transform!