If you are scrolling through TikTok, you may have heard of “slugging skincare”. This is a technique of applying a lot of petrolatum on the face, then leaving it on overnight to get moist and supple skin. This viral K-beauty technique has even been watched by more than 100 million views on the application.
Although the term slugging was coined from a fad, actually in the medical world, skin health experts have recommended it to moisturize your skin for a long time, you know. So, is it true that slugging is the best way to moisturize the skin? Let’s find out here!
What Is Slugging?
First, slugging has nothing to do with slugs or slugs. Then applying slugging basically only requires one product – a thick petrolatum based product to coat your face. The slugging process is carried out after cleansing the face and also after moisturizing, as the last step of the skin care routine. Since petrolatum cannot be absorbed directly into the skin, its layer creates a barrier on the surface of the facial skin. As a result, the skin can stay moisturized and hydrated overnight. This barrier can prevent the skin from losing further water and can also lock in hydration. In addition, by acting as a barrier, this layer helps repair the skin barrier.
Who need this slugging skincare?
People who experience skin irritation, dry skin, and also cracked skin due to cold air, will really feel the benefits of slugging. Of course, because slugging does offer the best moisturizer.
Dermatologists also advise patients with eczema to practice slugging. Due to frequent hand washing during the pandemic, their hands may become very dry or cracked. Experts recommend wrapping the skin that has been smeared with petrolatum with cotton gloves.
Is this trend good for everyone?
Applying a layer of Petroleum to the skin to lock in moisture is great for dry, flaky skin. However, slugging is not suitable for people who have oily and sensitive skin. Petroleum based products are too heavy and oily for the skin. This may irritate acne-prone skin, cause blackheads, and can also trigger acne breakouts.
Do we need to add slugging to our skincare routine?
Intense slugging can be used to repair the skin barrier. But it is not a long term solution to combat dry skin. Slugging isn’t for everyone either, but a proper skin care routine can do the trick. Whatever your skin type, the best skincare routine is to find a balance between peeling and hydration that suits your skin’s needs. Too much exfoliation without hydration also will lead to overproduction of oil. Meanwhile, if you do not exfoliate properly, it is feared that it can cause dull skin and clog pores.
Best products for slugging?
Using a moisturizing cream that contains Ceramide and Hyaluronic Acid is more suitable than adding oil levels all the time. These are our best reccomend products!
Vaseline Original Unscented Petroleum Jelly
Aquaphor Healing Ointment After Hand Wash for Dry & Cracked Skin
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, Face and Body Moisturizer for Dry Skin
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