That is the question
Anyone who has perused the likes of TikTok beauty secrets is sure to have come across slugging as the fad that “changed my skin forever,” but is it really all it's cracked up to be?
Of course we can’t give you a simple answer because there is no such thing as a fix-all for every skin type. Some things work for some while other trends don’t.
Skin slugging is essentially slathering the skin up with an occlusive (petroleum jelly or similar) before bed. It acts as a barrier to seal moisture into the skin and has been recommended by dermatologists to treat dry skin. This sealing layer (slug) stops water from evaporating from the skin and is a great way to repair the skin barrier from those with dry skin. It’s so popular because it creates that dewy, soft look we all strive for. However (told you it wasn’t a simple answer), it’s not recommended for all skin types, nor is it something that should be done every night, all the time.
If you have a damaged skin barrier, or have an eczema flare-up, slugging can be the best method to prevent transepidermal water loss and revive the dry skin. When the flare-ups of dehydrated, dry, or cracked skin occur, slugging can be done nightly and then 2-3 times per week to retain those results.
It’s best to apply a few hours before bed so it has time to set in and not get all over your pillow. In the morning, you rinse it off.
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The simple answer (yes, this one has a simple answer!) is no, sluggin is not a good idea for you. For those with acne-prone skin, slugging can trap things we don’t want in that protective slug layer. Dead skin cells, sebum and bacteria can be sealed in, making the perfect environment for those devils we call breakouts to thrive.
Dang. There’s always a catch, right? Here’s the thing, If your skin barrier is functioning properly, you really don’t need that protective slug barrier every night. Even with dry skin, it’s not needed, nor should it be done, all the time. Your skin needs some level of water loss in order for your skin barrier to work the way it’s supposed to.
Another thing to note: slugging will seal in whatever skin care products you have applied first. If you use products like retinols or retinoids, or things with glycolic or salicylic acid, you could be locking in those products along with the moisture. This could increase the potency of these products because your skin is absorbing them more, leading to more skin irritation.
So? To slug, or not to slug? Like Shakespeare, I think you’re probably the only one that can answer that question for yourself. But seriously, what was Shakespeare talking about? Freaking Hamlet.
