By now you have probably heard of the ever trending new way to moisturize. Skin Slugging is all over Tik-Tok and the hashtag alone has over 189 million views and counting. But does it actually work? And who should avoid this new way to get that sought after glassy skin? Lets break it down. 

Explain the concept please

What actually is skin slugging? To put it in simple terms, it’s basically slathering on a heavy-duty occlusive like petroleum jelly as the last step of your skincare routine. It may have been a while since you last put petroleum jelly on your face, but according to Dr. Alexis Parcells, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon, the technique called ‘slugging’ can be an effective part of your nighttime routine. It can get a bit messy, but slugging helps to lock in moisture and the other products you’ve used on your face. Parcells further explains that the slimy film produced by the petroleum jelly “resembles a slug,” which is how it got its name.

What are the advantages exactly?

Apparently there are some nice perks to this technique. The advantages of slugging are more than just a softer complexion. One of the most significant benefits is the repair of the skin barrier. According to Dr. Sheilagh Maguiness, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder, slugging is a cost-efficient and successful way to bring back moisture and make the skin soft and hydrated. It also allows for serums and moisturizers to penetrate deeper into the skin.

But wait, won’t doing this majorly clog my pores?!

It makes sense right?  And according to Dr. Maguiness, taking part in a slugging routine can be intimidating for those with oily skin. However, the petroleum-based ointments are typically non-comedogenic. The important factor is the products used before the occlusive petrolatum layer–if they are oil-based or comedogenic, it could potentially lead to clogged pores and blemishes. So it’s all about the ingredients.

OK, who shouldn’t skin slug then?

The slugging skincare technique can be beneficial for many skin types, especially during winter when dry skin is prevalent, according to Dr. Maguinuss. Nevertheless, those with active acne breakouts or blackheads should opt for topical ingredients designed to treat acne, like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids, she advises. So if you are in the middle of a breakout or have extremely acne-prone skin, unfortunately skin slugging isn’t for you.

Which items are best to steer clear of when engaging in the practice of “slugging”?

According to Dr. Parcells, active ingredients such as AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids should be avoided when slugging at night. She explains that when trapped in the skin, the strength of these ingrediants can be intensified beyond what was intended, resulting in unexpected effects. As an alternative, she recommends pairing slugging with hydrating ingredients such as honey or aloe vera. Dr. Parcells adds that slugging itself is not hydrating, but rather it helps to prevent the products you have applied from evaporating.

How to properly slug

1.Begin with a clean face 

Before applying any products to the skin, it is essential to begin with a clean face. According to Dr. Parcells, “slugging itself does not cause acne, however, if there are blocked pores or leftover makeup, it could lead to an infection or breakout by trapping those particles beneath the occlusive layer. Thus, it is vital to ensure your skin is completely clean before sealing it. Exfoliation is recommended.”

2. Scrub

Like we just said, you want to make sure all makeup and residue is completely gone for this technique to work best. So make sure to exfoliate!

3. Moisturize

Don’t forget to moisturize before the last step. Just make sure you’re using humectant-based products.

4. Apply the Occlusive.

That’s it. It’s pretty simple really, just follow these 4 steps and get your slug on!