Skincare Slugging

Despite its somewhat off-putting name, skincare slugging has fast gained traction as a skin hydration saviour – thanks to K-Beauty, TikTok and bona fide superstars (Beyonce and Hailey Bieber to name just two) extolling the benefits of this skincare trend.

But while I reserve a healthy amount of scepticism when it comes to viral skincare advice, slugging skincare is a system worth considering.

Below, I break down what exactly skincare slugging is, how to slug skincare, who should explore it, the potential benefits (and pitfalls) and my recommended skincare slugging products.

What Is Skin Slugging?

Skin slugging is the application of a thin layer of a thick occlusive (such as petroleum jelly) on your face at the end of your evening skincare routine. It is called skin slugging as it gives you the shiny – and admittedly slimy – look of a slug, but can reveal moisturised, dewy skin come morning.

Benefits Of Skin Slugging

Adding skin slugging products to your evening routine can help restore your skin barrier, lock in moisture, prevent water loss and can also allow the active ingredients in your skincare penetrate more deeply into your skin – meaning you wake up with soft, smooth skin.

It’s important to note, however, that slugging itself isn’t hydrating – and will work best to deliver dewy skin as part of a line up of hydrating products.

How To Slug Skincare

Skin slugging itself is super simple – but what you apply beforehand is what will truly determine the effects seen on your skin. I have outlined four steps to follow at least thirty minutes before bed:

1. First, make sure your skin is totally clean. Your face needs to be free of make up and impurities, otherwise these could get trapped underneath the occlusive and cause breakouts.

2. Next, I would recommend exfoliating to double down on the removal of any dead skin cells, dirt or make up. That said, try to use a gentle exfoliant, avoiding AHAs and BHAs, as when slugging these active ingredients can increase in strength beyond what was intended, with detrimental effects on your skin.

3. Once your face is thoroughly cleansed, apply your regular treatment and / or moisturiser. Make sure you are using a hydrating moisturiser rich in humectants such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera or glycerin, and ideally avoiding anything oil-based. Regarding your treatment, make sure you avoid using a retinoid, as, once again the slugging can increase their potency.

4. Apply your occlusive in a thin layer, all over the skin.

In terms of frequency, this is largely dependent on your skin: if your skin is dehydrated or dry, you could slug each evening until hydration is delivered. Alternatively, to maintain moisturised skin, 1-3 times a week is ample.

It’s also worth considering the weather: during the winter months, slugging can help maintain your hydration, but as summer rolls around, our sebum production levels will increase, making slugging lower on the skincare agenda.

Should I Start Skin Slugging?

As with all skincare systems, the effects vary person to person.

If your skin tends towards dryness, slugging is a simple, inexpensive way to address your skin’s needs.

If you have oily skin, slugging does have the propensity to increase active breakouts, and so should be introduced gradually to monitor its effects on your skin.

For those with acne prone skin, I would sit skin slugging out altogether, and concentrate on addressing your acne, with ingredients such as salicylic acid, AHAs, benzoyl peroxide and retinoids, paired with oil-free products that provide hydration without clogging the pores.

My Favourites For Skincare Slugging

If you’re feeling ready to start skincare slugging, read on for my slugging shopping list:

– CeraVe Healing Ointment: A lanolin-free, petrolatum-rich ointment also containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides for added hydration.
– Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment: A water-free ointment rich in glycerin and panthenol that creates a semi-occlusive layer, allowing the skin to “breathe” more easily than alternatives.
– Vaseline Pure Petroleum Jelly: The original triple-purified, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic petroleum jelly.

Discover more dermatological insights via my journal.