Slugging, a social media magnificence craze that has gained main traction in recent times, could sound somewhat disagreeable, but it surely’s really one thing that many magnificence fans have been doing for years. In response to the numerous opinions on social media, the viral skincare technique has many pores and skin enhancements advantages together with locking in moisture and defending the pores and skin barrier.
Earlier than you determine that the strategy isn’t for you, it’s price noting that slugging has nothing to do with slugs. “Slugging” refers to sealing the pores and skin with an occlusive ointment, like petrolatum (present in Vaseline, CeraVe Therapeutic Ointment, and Aquaphor) to assist within the therapeutic of the pores and skin.
“As a result of (petrolatum) is occlusive, it isn’t comedogenic and helps to lock in moisture with out clogging pores,” explains Dr. Michelle Henry, Founding father of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan. She provides, “Since Vaseline isn’t water-based, it isn’t including hydration.”
In response to dermatologist, Dr. Hope Mitchell, FAAD, it is a course of that’s used typically by skincare professionals. “We’ve been utilizing this magnificence hack to lock in moisture and shortly heal dry pores and skin for a few years, however now slugging has a proper identify.”
“I carry out slugging on a regular basis and have performed so for years,” says Magnificence Creator and Esthetician Tiara Willis. “I really like utilizing CeraVe Healing Ointment on the finish of my routine to lock in moisture and to appease irritation.”
Vaseline, which has been used to cure skin for 150 years, is especially fashionable with Tiktokers and skinfluencers because it’s straightforward to make use of. Dr. Mitchell personally thinks that the pattern is gaining recognition due to the change in climate. “I consider it might be partly seasonal,” she explains to Essence completely. “Through the cooler and dry winter months, pores and skin can change into chaffed and persons are in want of secure magnificence tricks to heal their drying pores and skin.”
Earlier than you determine to start out slugging, Dr. Mitchell notes that the strategy is probably not appropriate for each pores and skin sort. “Zits and oily pores and skin sorts could also be in danger for breakouts,” she factors out. “Let’s face it, constructing one other layer on high of oil could also be asking for bother. Contemplate making use of a serum with hyaluronic acid as a moisturizer after which a non-comedogenic lotion or cream (slugging) as a spot remedy.”
Dr. Henry imparts that slugging is straightforward to do and ought to be layered from thinnest to thickest. “Begin along with your cleanser, then your toner. Then add your essence, a superb serum, your moisturizer, and lastly apply the Vaseline.”
Dr. Mitchell presents the next suggestions for slugging correctly.
- Cleanse your face correctly day and night time.
- Moisturize. Contemplate a product with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin which is able to work in tandem to lock moisture right into a protected pores and skin barrier.
- Seal within the moisturizer with a pea-sized quantity of an occlusive ointment like Vaseline. Apply the occlusive ointment all around the face or in dry areas.
- Get loads of relaxation and really feel your finest!
Able to strive slugging? Bear in mind to start out small. “Contemplate doing the lips after which go from there,” says Dr. Mitchell.
In closing, Dr. Henry presents this recommendation: “Begin out utilizing it a few times every week to evaluate in case you’re one which’s susceptible in the direction of having comedonal zits. Advance slowly and benefit from the course of.”
Editor’s Notice: This story/interview has been edited and condensed for readability.
