Slugging is a skincare practice of applying a thick occlusive ointment, like petroleum jelly, as the final step in your nightly routine to lock in moisture, prevent water loss, and help other products absorb, resulting in softer, hydrated skin and a stronger skin barrier, ideal for very dry or compromised skin but not recommended for oily or acne-prone types. It creates a "slug-like" shiny film, enhancing hydration and healing by trapping moisture overnight, making skin plump and dewy.
Facts About Slugging in Skincare
Occlusives used for slugging create a physical seal over the skin that traps in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss. The goal is to promote fresh-looking skin that appears plump and hydrated. Slugging is generally considered ideal for those with dry skin.
Slugging is a Korean beauty skin care practice that means slathering petroleum jelly on your face. You can use any product from Aquaphor to CeraVe to Vaseline to moisturize and protect your face overnight.
Frequency should be determined by your skin type: if you have dry skin, slugging nightly can really help to boost skin's radiance and texture, but if you have combination or oilier skin, try slugging 2-3 times per week (or about every other night).
Potential downsides to slugging include clogged pores, overhydrated skin, skin irritation when products are left on too long, and mess.
Finally, be cautious when slugging over retinol and exfoliating acids, this can increase the risk of irritation by enhancing their penetration into the skin. What product should I “slug” with? Vaseline, CeraVe healing ointment, or Aquaphor (risk of lanolin allergy) are preferred slugging ointments.
The "1 rule" in skincare often refers to the "1% line" on ingredient lists, meaning anything listed after it is used at 1% or less (like preservatives or fragrances). However, the most crucial skincare practice is daily sunscreen, while the best routine principle is applying products from thinnest to thickest consistency (like cleanser > serum > moisturizer > SPF) for proper absorption, with consistency and a simple, solid base being more important than complex products.
Wake up and wash off the Vaseline® Jelly with a gentle cleanser the next morning. Voila – enjoy beautiful, healthy skin!
The "3-Minute Rule" for moisturizer is a skincare guideline recommending you apply lotion, cream, or ointment to your skin within three minutes of bathing or washing, while it's still damp, to trap water and lock in hydration for healthier, less dry skin. This technique seals in moisture lost during washing, preventing it from evaporating quickly and helping to strengthen the skin's protective barrier, making it especially beneficial for dry skin and conditions like eczema.
Slugging can also: Decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Give your skin a healthy glow. Improve skin health.
Treatments. Before the fight, cutmen will usually put petroleum jelly on the most likely areas of impact, especially the fighter's face, making the skin more elastic and slippery, and hence less likely to tear.
The 4-2-4 rule is a Korean-inspired deep cleansing method: massage an oil cleanser for 4 minutes to break down makeup/SPF, follow with a water-based cleanser for 2 minutes to remove residue, then rinse with 2 minutes of warm water and 2 minutes of cold water to open and close pores, leaving skin deeply clean but can be irritating for sensitive types, so it's best for deep cleaning or heavy makeup days, not daily.
Slugging isn't just a TikTok fad—it's a time-tested dermatologic practice that can work wonders when done correctly and with the right product. For extremely dry or irritated skin, slugging can make a difference overnight. For acne-prone or oily skin, it's best to skip!
These can be ingredients based on plant extracts or biotechnology aimed towards supporting healthy skin without compromising its natural balance. Gen Alpha is very focused on their appearance, to boost self-confidence. So simple makeup products can also make them feel good about themselves.
The key to finding out what works for your skin is through practice and testing, you'll learn what your skin wants and needs as you trial things out over time. In the event of over-moisturising your skin for a period of time, you could notice your skin becoming bumpy, clogged pores, breakouts, and even dry spots.
A 7-step skincare routine generally involves cleansing, toning, treating (serum/essence), eye cream, moisturizing, and SPF in the morning (replacing sunscreen with a night cream at night), with makeup remover as the first step if needed, following the light-to-heavy product rule for best absorption. This layered approach ensures each product's active ingredients effectively penetrate the skin for optimal results.
After a full day of your skin being exposed to elements of day-to-day life, moisturizing your skin in the evening will allow your skin to reap the benefits of the nourishing and moisturizing ingredients in your night cream.
A step-by-step guide to slugging
Although there is no scientific evidence to indicate that petroleum jelly can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, its moisturizing properties may help keep skin looking and feeling soft and supple. It can also provide a protective barrier against environmental damage, which may slow down the natural aging process.
How to wash your face step by step?
Here are the skincare ingredient combinations to avoid.
THE 5 MOST IMPORTANT SKINCARE STAPLES
We've decided to make it easy and break it all down for you. In this blog, we'll be covering the following 4 ingredients, which are the best fail-safe and effective ingredients when choosing your skin treatment plan: Retin-A, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and peptides.