If you’re looking to take your skincare routine to the next level, slugging might be the secret weapon you’ve been missing. Slugging is a Korean skincare technique that involves sealing your skincare products with a layer of occlusive ingredients, such as petroleum jelly or Aquaphor. Sounds simple enough, but the benefits are anything but.
Skincare Routine with Slugging
From intense hydration to improved skin barrier function, incorporating slugging into your skincare routine can work wonders for your skin. So why not give it a try?
Key Takeaways
- Slugging is a Korean skincare technique that involves sealing your skincare products with a layer of occlusive ingredients.
- Slugging can provide intense hydration and improve skin barrier function.
- Petroleum jelly or Aquaphor are commonly used occlusive ingredients for slugging.
- Slugging is typically done as a nighttime routine.
- It’s important to properly prep your skin before applying the occlusive layer for maximum effectiveness.
Understanding A Skincare Routine with Slugging: The Nighttime Routine
So, you’ve decided to try out slugging for your skincare routine. Great! Now, let’s delve into the specifics of a nighttime slugging routine.
Nighttime slugging routine:
Cleanse:
Start by cleansing your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser. This will help remove any makeup, dirt, or residue on your skin, allowing the products you use to penetrate deeper into the skin.
Exfoliate:
Next, exfoliate your skin using a chemical exfoliant, such as glycolic or lactic acid. This will help to remove any dead skin cells and unclog your pores, allowing the slugging technique to work even better.
Tone:
After cleansing and exfoliating, tone your skin with a hydrating toner to balance your skin’s pH levels and prepare it for the next steps.
Serum:
Apply a hydrating serum to your face and neck. This will help to provide your skin with a boost of hydration and prepare it for the slugging technique.
Moisturize:
Now it’s time for the slugging technique! Apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly or a heavy-duty moisturizer all over your face and neck, gently massaging it in until it’s fully absorbed.
Tip: Use a soft, clean pillowcase each night to help prevent the transfer of the product onto your bedding.
There you have it, a simple nighttime slugging routine that will help to give you smooth, hydrated, and glowing skin. Don’t forget to cleanse your skin in the morning, followed by your favorite daytime skincare products!
Next up, let’s explore the benefits of slugging for your skin.
The Five best slugging skincare products recommended by experts:
This product is recommended for slugging and is favored by dermatologists for its occlusive properties, making it effective for locking in moisture and protecting the skin
Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly:
Vaseline is a popular choice for slugging due to its occlusive nature, which helps to create a protective barrier on the skin, preventing transepidermal water loss and maintaining hydration
Aquaphor is another widely recommended product for slugging, known for its ability to seal in moisture and protect the skin, making it a suitable choice for creating a barrier to prevent water loss
Petrolatum-free option, K-beauty brand Laneige’s Cica Sleeping Mask gives your skin all the benefits of slugging but without the greasy feel. The overnight mask, designed for sensitive or dry skin types, soothes dry, inflamed skin with Laneige’s proprietary fermented forest yeast extract, while squalane and shea butter work to soften skin and restore moisture. The mask leaves skin hydrated, calmed, and with a strengthened skin barrier, without the heaviness that other slugging products can leave behind.
La Roche Posay Cicaplast Balm B5:
The Cicaplast Balm is a multi-purpose balm, perfect for slugging or maintaining hydrated skin. The gentle ingredients make it safe to use.
These products are recognized for their occlusive properties, essential for slugging to lock in moisture and maintain skin hydration. When considering slugging skincare products, choosing occlusive ingredients such as petrolatum, lanolin, and mineral oil is important to create a protective barrier over the skin effectively.
The Benefits of Slugging For Skin
- Intense Hydration
- Improved Skin Barrier Function
- Reduced Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles
- Enhanced Absorption of Skincare Products
If you’re looking for a way to take your skincare routine to the next level, slugging may be the answer. By creating a barrier on your skin’s surface with petrolatum-based products, slugging locks in all the goodness of your skincare routine, providing unparalleled hydration and skin protection. Here are some of the top benefits of slugging for skin and why you should incorporate it into your evening skincare routine:
Intense Hydration
Slugging works to create a seal on your skin’s surface, locking in moisture and preventing dehydration. This is especially beneficial for those with dry or dehydrated skin, as slugging can help to restore the skin’s natural moisture balance.
Improved Skin Barrier Function
Using petrolatum-based products for slugging can also help to improve your skin’s barrier function. By creating a physical barrier on the skin’s surface, slugging can help to protect against external irritants and pollutants, reducing inflammation and preventing moisture loss.
Reduced Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Slugging can also help reduce fine lines and wrinkles by keeping the skin hydrated and plump. When properly hydrated, skin appears smoother and more youthful, making slugging a great anti-aging tool.
Enhanced Absorption of Skincare Products
When you slug your skin, you create a barrier that helps to trap all the products you apply underneath it. This ensures that your skincare products can fully penetrate the skin, maximizing their effectiveness.
Overall, slugging can bring significant benefits to your skincare routine, including intense hydration, improved skin barrier function, reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhanced absorption of skincare products. Incorporating slugging into your routine is a simple yet effective way to achieve radiant, glowing skin.
The recommended Skincare Routine With Slugging
So, you’ve decided to give slugging a try and unlock the many benefits it can offer your skin. Now that you know all about the benefits of slugging, it’s time to incorporate it into your skincare routine. Whether you’re a skincare beginner or an experienced enthusiast, there is always room for improvement. But how do you actually incorporate this Korean skincare routine with slugging into your regular skincare regimen?
Now that you know all about the benefits of slugging, it’s time to incorporate it into your skincare routine. Whether you’re a skincare beginner or an experienced enthusiast, there is always room for improvement.
Incorporating slugging into your skincare routine may seem like an extra step, but the benefits are well worth it. Try it out and see the difference in your skin for yourself. Into your existing routine? Here are some practical tips to help you get started slugging into your skincare at night.
1. Prep Your Skin
Before applying your slug, make sure your skin is properly cleansed and moisturized. This will help maximize the effectiveness of the slug and provide a smooth, hydrated base for it to lock in.
2. Choose the Right Slug
A variety of slugs are available on the market, each with different formulations and consistencies. When selecting a slug, consider your skin type and concerns. For example, if you have oily skin, a lighter, gel-based slug may be more suitable than a heavy, cream-based one.
3. Apply the Slug
After fully absorbing your moisturizer into your skin, apply a thin layer of slug all over your face. Be careful not to apply too much, as it can feel heavy and suffocating on the skin.
4. Use Sparingly
Slugging should not be done every night, as it can be too heavy for the skin and lead to breakouts. Start by incorporating it into your routine once or twice a week and monitor its effects on your skin.
5. Adjust Your Routine as Needed
As with any new skincare technique, finding the right balance for your skin may take some trial and error. Pay attention to your skin’s reactions and adjust the frequency and amount of slugging as needed.
Remember, slugging is just one aspect of a comprehensive skincare routine. Regular cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection can help you achieve healthy and radiant skin.
Slugging is a Korean skincare technique that has gained popularity in recent years for its numerous benefits for the skin. By locking in moisture and improving the skin barrier function, slugging can help you achieve a smooth, hydrated, and glowing complexion. So why not give it a try and see how it works for you?
Slugging Korean Skincare Enhancers
Slugging Korean Skincare started as a skincare practice as part of the broader K-beauty (Korean beauty) movement. It gained attention for its unique skincare approach and promise of achieving a youthful, dewy complexion. What started as a trend in South Korea quickly gained popularity globally. Skincare enthusiasts worldwide began incorporating slugging into their routines, appreciating its simplicity and effectiveness. Today, slugging remains a beloved skincare practice, and it highlights how K-beauty continues to influence and innovate the global beauty industry. It’s a testament to K-beauty’s commitment to achieving hydrated and radiant skin through unique and effective approaches.
When it comes to slugging in K-beauty, several products and enhancers are commonly used to achieve that dewy, hydrated complexion. Here are some top options:
Products rich in ceramides, which are natural lipids found in the skin, can be excellent for slugging. They help strengthen the skin’s barrier and retain moisture.
Many K-beauty brands offer sleeping masks specifically designed for overnight hydration. These masks often contain a blend of moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin plump and hydrated.
Hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse ingredient for hydration. Applying a hyaluronic acid serum before slugging can boost the moisture-retaining effects.
Squalane is a lightweight and non-comedogenic oil that can be used for slugging. It helps lock in moisture without feeling heavy on the skin.
Some K-beauty brands offer aqua gels or gel-based moisturizers that are perfect for sealing in hydration. They are lightweight and ideal for those with oily or combination skin.
Snail mucin is a popular ingredient in K-beauty and is known for its hydrating and repairing properties. Using a snail mucin essence or cream before slugging can enhance the overall effect.
Niacinamide not only helps with hydration but also has additional benefits, like improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of pores.
Propolis is a bee-derived ingredient known for its soothing and hydrating properties. Propolis ampoules can be used before slugging to boost moisture retention.
Products containing Centella Asiatica (CICA) are great for calming and moisturizing the skin. They can be applied before using an occlusive like petroleum jelly.
Remember that everyone’s skin is unique, so choosing products that work well for your specific skin type and concerns is essential. Also, perform a patch test before trying any new product to ensure it doesn’t irritate your skin.
Slugging Contraindications: Slugging May Not be Right For You
Slugging, like any skincare practice, may not be suitable for everyone, and certain situations may be contraindicated.
Here are some scenarios where slugging should be approached with caution or avoided:
Acne-Prone Skin: Individuals with acne-prone skin should be cautious when using slugging techniques. The occlusive nature of products like petroleum jelly can potentially clog pores and exacerbate acne breakouts. If you have acne, consider consulting with a dermatologist before trying slugging.
Hypersensitivity or Allergies: If you have a history of skin allergies or sensitivities, it’s essential to perform a patch test before slugging to ensure that the occlusive product doesn’t cause irritation or an allergic reaction.
Skin Conditions: People with specific skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis should consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist before incorporating slugging into their skincare routine. These conditions may require specialized treatments, and occlusive products may not always be suitable.
Heat and Humidity: Slugging may feel uncomfortable in hot and humid climates as it can make the skin feel overly greasy and sweaty. Consider the weather conditions in your area before deciding to slug regularly.
Excessive Oiliness: If you already have naturally oily skin, using heavy occlusive products like petroleum jelly may not be necessary and could potentially make your skin feel excessively greasy.
Morning Application: While slugging is typically done as the final step in the nighttime skincare routine, some individuals may find it uncomfortable to leave the occlusive product on their skin during the day. If this is the case, it’s best to limit slugging to nighttime.
Specific Allergies to Ingredients: If you have known allergies to ingredients commonly found in occlusive products (e.g., petroleum jelly or mineral oil), it’s essential to avoid these specific ingredients and choose alternative occlusive options.
Young Children: Slugging is generally not recommended for young children, especially infants, due to their delicate and sensitive skin. It’s best to use gentle, hypoallergenic skincare products designed for babies and children.
Before incorporating slugging into your skincare routine, especially if you have any concerns or specific skin conditions, it’s advisable to consult with an esthetician, dermatologist, or healthcare professional. They can provide personalized guidance and recommend suitable products and practices for your skin type and needs.
Most Asked Questions and Answers About Slugging?
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about slugging in skincare, along with their corresponding answers:
1. What is slugging in skincare?
Slugging is a skincare practice where you apply a heavy, occlusive product, such as petroleum jelly, to your face as the final step in your nighttime skincare routine. It helps lock in moisture and create a barrier on the skin.
2. Why is it called “slugging”?
Slugging gets its name because the thick layer of product on the skin resembles the trail left behind by a slug.
3. What are the benefits of slugging?
Slugging is known for its hydrating and moisturizing effects. It helps to seal in the moisture from your previous skincare products, keeping your skin plump and preventing moisture loss.
4. Can I use slugging if I have oily skin?
Yes, slugging can be suitable for oily skin types as well. However, it’s essential to choose a non-comedogenic occlusive product and apply it sparingly to avoid clogging pores.
5. When should I apply slugging in my skincare routine?
Slugging is typically done as the last step in your nighttime skincare routine. After applying your usual serums, moisturizers, and treatments, seal it all in with the occlusive product.
6. Can I use any occlusive product for slugging?
While petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is the most common occlusive product used for slugging, you can also use ceramide creams, sleeping masks, or other occlusive moisturizers.
7. How often should I slug my skin?
Slugging can be done as often as you like, but it’s often used as an occasional treatment for intense hydration. Some people do it every night, while others reserve it for when their skin feels particularly dry.
8. Can slugging cause breakouts?
Slugging can cause breakouts, especially if the occlusive product is too heavy for your skin type or if you don’t cleanse your face thoroughly in the morning. Be mindful of choosing the right product and maintaining a clean skincare routine.
9. Can I slug my lips or other areas of my body?
Yes, you can use slugging on dry or chapped lips and even on other dry areas of your body, such as elbows or knees, to lock in moisture.
10. Is slugging suitable for sensitive skin?
Slugging can be beneficial for sensitive skin, as it helps create a protective barrier. However, it’s essential to patch-test any new product to ensure it doesn’t cause irritation.
Remember that individual experiences with slugging may vary, and it’s important to tailor your skincare routine to your specific skin type and needs. If you have any concerns or skin conditions, it’s a good idea to consult with a dermatologist before trying new skincare practices.
