Slugging: the Good, the Bad, & the Greasy

It’s time for a mini blog. Today, we’re talking about slugging. Slugging is a K-Beauty-inspired skincare trend where you apply an occlusive product as the last step in your nighttime routine. Occlusive products contain ingredients that create a protective barrier on the skin to lock in moisture and prevent water loss. Think of oily and waxy substances like Vaseline or Aquaphor. What’s the goal with these products? To lock in moisture and wake up with glowing, dewy skin. 

Pros:

• Intense Hydration Boost: Slugging creates a barrier that prevents TWL (transepidermal water loss), keeping the skin super-moisturized.

• Healing Support: Great for compromised or over-exfoliated skin. This is expediently true for colder weather and post-procedure recovery. 

• Budget Friendly: We all love it when a trend is affordable. No fancy products needed to slug. Aquaphor and Vaseline work just fine!

Cons:

• Not for Everyone: For those with acne-prone and oily skin, slugging traps bacteria and sebum, leading to more breakouts. 

• Wrong Product Pairings: Avoid using actives, like retinol and exfoliating acids, under occlusive. These products can become irritating when trapped under a thick occlusive product. 

• Greasy: Messy pillows might be in your future when it comes to slugging. Thick, jelly texture will transfer to pillowcases. 

• Clogged Pores: Apply slugging products to clean and well-moisturized skin, never dirty skin. You’ll trap bacteria and oil if you do. 

Pro Tip:

Try “micro-slugging” by only applying occlusive products to dry spots, like your under eyes or around your nose, instead of your entire face.