As cold weather arrives, so does the battle against dry, tight, and uncomfortable skin. A viral skincare trend with roots in K-beauty, known as 'slugging', promises an intensely hydrating solution by turning your face into a fortress for moisture.
What Exactly Is Slugging?
Despite
its somewhat unappealing name, slugging is a straightforward and dermatologist-approved technique. It involves applying a thin layer of an occlusive product, most commonly petroleum jelly, as the final step of your nighttime skincare routine. The name comes from the glossy, shiny finish it leaves on the skin, resembling the trail of a slug. While it gained massive popularity on social media, the principle isn't new; dermatologists have recommended using occlusives to protect and repair the skin barrier for decades. The goal is to create a physical barrier on the skin's surface that seals in moisture and the skincare products you've applied underneath it, allowing them to work more effectively overnight.
The Science of Sealing Moisture
Our skin naturally loses water throughout the day and night in a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Cold air, wind, and indoor heating in the winter can accelerate this process, leading to a compromised skin barrier, dehydration, and flakiness. Slugging works by creating an impermeable barrier that significantly reduces this water loss. Petroleum jelly, a key ingredient in many slugging products, has been shown to prevent up to 99% of TEWL. It’s important to understand that the occlusive layer itself doesn't add hydration; instead, it traps the moisture already in your skin and from the hydrating products applied before it, preventing evaporation and allowing your skin to repair itself more efficiently.
Your Step-by-Step Slugging Guide
Incorporating slugging into your routine is simple. For best results, follow these steps as part of your evening regimen: 1. Thoroughly Cleanse: Start with a clean face. Use a gentle cleanser to remove all makeup, sunscreen, and impurities. Slugging over dirty skin can trap debris and lead to breakouts. 2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: This step is crucial. Apply your usual hydrating toners, essences, or serums. Products with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are excellent choices as they draw moisture into the skin. 3. Moisturize: Follow up with your favorite nighttime moisturizer to nourish and soften the skin. Allow it to absorb for a few minutes. 4. Apply the Occlusive: Take a pea-sized amount of your chosen occlusive product (like 100% petroleum jelly). Warm it between your fingers and gently press a thin, even layer onto your face. A little goes a long way. Give it about 20-30 minutes to set before bed to minimize transfer to your pillowcase.
Who Benefits Most from Slugging?
Slugging is a true game changer for certain skin types, especially during harsh weather. You'll likely see great benefits if you have:
Dry or Dehydrated Skin:
A Damaged Skin Barrier:
Mature Skin:
Eczema Prone Skin:
When to Skip or Modify the Technique
Slugging is not a one size fits all solution. Those with oily or acne prone skin should approach this trend with caution. While petroleum jelly itself is non comedogenic (meaning it doesn't clog pores), the thick barrier can trap oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, potentially worsening breakouts. If you have combination skin, you might try a targeted approach, applying the occlusive only to drier areas like your cheeks while avoiding the T zone. It's also critical to avoid slugging on nights when you use potent active ingredients like retinoids or exfoliating acids (AHAs/BHAs), as trapping these can increase their potency and lead to significant irritation.
