by BR Amelia
It's the newfangled skincare craze that all the Tik Tok and Reddit kids are talking about... and a skin care treatment that dermatologist's have know about since forever. It has a gross sounding name, but promises to give your skin a hydration boost. Welcome to the world of Slugging.
So what is 'slugging'? What does it entail? What are the pros? What are the cons? Read on...
Slugging 101
Slugging is the act of finishing off your nightime skin care routine of cleansing and moisturising (toning/serums are up to you!) by applying a layer of an occlusive (think Vaseline or Aquaphor - generally something patroleum based) on top of your face. How much to use? A pea sized amount is generally recommended for the whole face.
And the point of slugging is?
Slugging works to lock moisture in, so that you wake up with beautifully hydrated skin. It also works to repair and protect the skin barrier. Oh and it leaves your skin feeling lush the next day!
How the heck did the name come about?
This was my big question because... ew. Basically slugging became slugging because it looks like a slug has slipped all over your face leaving it looking slimy. Delightful.
Who is it good for?
Slugging is good for those with dry skin or for those whose skin barrier has been upset due to use or overuse of harsh products, damaged by sun and/or other environmental factors.
Who should avoid it?
If you've acne/pimple prone skin or super oily skin, we would avoid slugging as it can only make matters worse. Even those with dry skin might only like to partake every now and then as the likes of Vaseline is comedogenic and can contribute to breakouts.
Can you slug here and there if not everywhere?
Absolutely! If you've combination skin but still have areas prone to sensitivity/dryness, you can apply a thin layer of an occlusive to those spots and let it work its magic overnight.
And there you have it! Slugging in a nutshell! So will you be giving in a go? Have you been slugging since forever? Or is this one step in your skin care routine you'll be happy to skip?
Chat below!
Been doing this for a while! It’s doing wonders for my skin!!