Let’s be honest, sometimes our skin feels parched no matter how much water you chug down or use hydrating serums! That tight-flaky feeling, especially in the winter, when the skin is begging for mercy, just doesn’t go away. Enter slugging - the term might sound weird, but it is a surprisingly simple and incredibly effective skincare hack that’s like an overnight SOS hug for your parched skin. What is slugging, did you ask? Slugging is an affordable hack, rooted in some seriously smart skin science. We’ll explain this skincare hack in detail so that you can rescue your parched skin with slugging easily.
So, What Exactly is Slugging?
Let us clarify one thing first: slugging has nothing to do with slugs! Yeah, so no need to worry about slimy creatures roaming around your face! Let’s understand what is slugging!
Slugging is a viral skincare hack in which a thick layer of petroleum jelly is applied to your skin and left overnight for intense hydration. This skincare technique gets its name as it mimics the feeling when your skin is covered in slimy slug mucus!
Imagine your nighttime skincare routine as an intense hydrating therapy applied in layers.
You’ve got your humectants (like hyaluronic acid or glycerin) that act like little moisture magnets, pulling water into the skin.
Then you’ve got your emollients (hello, moisturizers and night creams!) that smooth and soften the surface, filling in cracks like spackle.
In this occlusive method, there’s a thick, protective layer that sits on top of everything else.
Its sole job? To create a physical barrier that slams the door shut on Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) – the fancy term for moisture evaporating out of your skin into the dry air. It’s like putting a lid on a simmering pot; all the good stuff stays inside, working its magic!
Benefits of Slugging for Dry Skin
Slugging is not just a passing skincare trend. This occlusive method may actually be a god sent trick to get rid of the tight and flaky feeling in skin. Dry skin girls, we understand your struggles!
Let’s check how slugging helps in hydrated skin.
1. Slugging creates an Impermeable Seal - The occlusive physically blocks water from escaping into the environment.
2. Traps Active Ingredients - Slugging locks all your previous hydrating and nourishing layers of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, underneath, giving them hours to penetrate and work effectively without evaporating.
3. Supports Barrier Repair - By preventing further water loss and creating a protected micro-environment, slugging gives your skin’s natural repair processes the ideal conditions to work overtime. It helps your skin help itself.
4. Provides Immediate Comfort - That occlusive layer instantly soothes dry, tight, irritated skin. It’s like a cool drink of water for your skin barrier.
What do You Wake Up with After a Night of Slugging?
We’re talking about waking up to skin that feels softer, smoother, plumper, and infinitely more comfortable.
For people with extreme dry skin, slugging is pure, unadulterated relief!
Say bye to that tight, uncomfortable feeling and flaky skin.
How to do Slugging at Home? Your Step-by-Step Guide to Slugging Salvation
Ready to give your thirsty skin the overnight oasis it deserves? Here’s how to slug like a pro.
#1 Start with a Clean Canvas - Cleansing
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Choose a gentle cleanser as the first step of your nighttime skincare routine. Pick a hydrating foaming face wash that doesn’t strip your skin of natural oils. Remember, for any skincare routine, a clean face is a basic requirement.
#2 Apply Your Treatment & Hydration Layers - Serum & Moisturizers
Serums - Apply face serums for targeted treatment for your skin, depending on your requirements. This may include hydrating serums like hyaluronic serum for hydration, and niacinamide serum for dark spots.
Night Creams - Follow up with a hydrating night cream of your choice. This is a non-negotiable layer. This is what the occlusive will seal in. Choose one rich in emollients and skin-identical ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Apply it while your skin is still slightly damp from previous layers for maximum absorption.
Important to Note: Avoid strong actives (like high-percentage AHAs/BHAs, or vitamin C) directly under your slug layer.
#3 The Slugging Step - (The Protective Lid)
Choose your occlusive. The OG choice is a petroleum jelly; however, you can also choose a thick, waxy skin balm.
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Less is More - You only need a pea-sized amount for your entire face! Warm it slightly between your fingertips.
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Apply Gently - Press and pat it onto your skin, focusing on the driest areas (cheeks, around the nose, forehead). Avoid rubbing. You want a thin, even film, not a thick, gloopy mask. Your skin should feel protected, not suffocated!
#4 Most Important Step - Waiting
Hit the pillow. Yes, you will be shining like a glazed donut at this time, but it is good to embrace the slug life! Wait for the occlusive to work through the night.
You might want to use a soft satin pillow case to avoid messing up. You can also try "short-contact slugging" – apply 1-2 hours before bed and gently blot off any excess before sleeping.
That’s it. Wake up with more plump and radiant skin.
Who Shouldn’t Try Slugging?
Slugging is helpful for dry and parched skin, but it isn’t for everyone. Avoid slugging if you have
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Oily skin - Oily skin has adequate lipids in the skin and doesn’t require intense hydration of the slugging technique.
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Acne-prone skin - Slugging can worsen your acne, so if you have acne-prone skin, you should avoid this skincare hack.
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Inflammed active pimples or infections - Infections and active pimples may not clear our with slugging. So better to avoid slugging.
How Often Should You Do Slugging?
Slugging should be based on the individual needs of the skin. For very dry skin, you can do slugging 3 to 4 times a week. For very dry skin in winter, slugging can be done more frequently. You can slug 2 nights in a row, take a break for one night, and repeat two more nights in a row in a cycle.
Take Away
Think of slugging as giving your skin a quiet, protected night off to heal. Slugging is the ultimate act of skin kindness for those times when your skin feels utterly depleted. So grab your trusty serum and moisturizer by Earthraga, add a tiny dab of your chosen occlusive shield, and enjoy the shiny, restorative power of the slug life. Your parched skin will thank you with a newfound glow and comfort you can actually feel. Now that’s a skincare win worth its weight in hydration.
