What is #SkinSlugging?

What lengths would you go to for smooth, soft, and hydrated skin? Would you consider skin slugging? Now, despite the term skin slugging, it's not actually as unpleasant as it sounds. No slugs were harmed in the making of this latest skin care trend! Slugging is just a catchy phrase coined to describe applying a layer of Vaseline, Aquaphor or another occlusive agent, all over your face overnight, to wake up to baby soft skin. Wait, Vaseline? That thick, sticky and gunky stuff you find in your grandmother's bathroom? Yep, the very same! Vaseline and Aquaphor are emollient agents (oil or wax based) and act as a protective barrier to the skin, locking in moisture overnight to prevent transdermal water loss. It’s basically sealing in your moisture to keep your face from drying out while you sleep. Now the act of slugging itself isn’t what hydrates and heals your skin. It is just the process of retaining in the moisture that you applied from your skin care routine. And we know a hydrated and moisturized base, means a smoother, clearer, brighter and more youthful complexion.

TikTokers tried #Slugging

The term slugging came from the fact that the products can be thick and messy mimicking a slug or snail slime texture. Made popular by the K-beauty community, this TikTok trend of slugging has actually been around for ages and is a common practice in many different communities of people. Only now, it has a catchy hashtag and funky name to go with it. The hashtag #slugging has racked up more than 150 million views on TikTok and everyone from dermatologists to beauty TikTok-ers @thatdermlife and @drdrayzday, have given it their thumbs up and stamp of approval to this viral skin care trend.

Is #Slugging for Everyone?

Now is #slugging a trend for everyone? Dry and sensitive skin beauties will love this hack to keep their skin hydrated and moisturized. Beauties with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis may also see benefits from this hydration retention technique. However, oily skin beauties may want to consider slugging in targeted dry patches only. Slathering a heavy emollient agent all over oily skin might lead to further clogged pores and build up, which ultimately leads to acne and breakouts.

#Slugging skin care routine

Ok, so what is the process of #skinslugging? First step is to cleanse your face with your favorite cleanser. Next, apply any toners, essences, and serums. Avoid using any sort of active ingredients such as AHA’s, BHA’s and retinoids because locking in these types of ingredients into the skin intensifies the effects and can produce unpredictable results. Next, apply your favorite night time moisturizer. And as the final step, reach for your Vaseline, Aquaphor, CeraVe Healing Ointment, or any oil based emollient cream and apply a thin layer all over your entire face. Get a good night’s rest and wake up to that desired baby smooth skin!