Manufacturers give consumers mixed signals about what is best for them by introducing then withdrawing certain trends in skincare. One of the newest trends that have emerged more recently is slugging. Pores also state to retain dampness and provide a layer on skin, therefore, is rather popular among those who suffer from dryness. What is slugging, how it is done and is it for everyone? It is a complete write-up, where all the aspects of slugging, its advantages, how to apply it, and when you may wish to avoid slugging are discussed.
What Is Slugging?
Slugging is the last thing you have to do for your skin
before going to bed at night, which is applying the thick layer of occlusive to
your skin, it is petroleum jelly. We call this ‘slugging’ and it means your
skin is going to be as gross and shiny as the trail left behind by a slug. It
is supposed to lock the moisture in your skin as you are sleeping throughout
the night.
The Origins of Slugging
Slugging picked on the K-beauty routine, characterized by
multi-step processes, all about hydration and nourishment. It really gained
popularity on social media websites such as TikTok and Instagram due to beauty
enthusiasts sharing their experience and results, thus raising the wave of
interest. When people started to gain more benefits from slugging, then more
and more added it to their routine; therefore, it became a household term
within the skincare community.
The Science behind Slugging
The principles on which slugging relies are known as trans
epidermal water loss, which is basically a process whereby skin loses water and
becomes dry and dehydrated. Since an occlusive agent is used in the form of
petroleum jelly, the water of your skin is preserved due to the negative effect
about the jelly forms a barrier to water loss. It is especially useful right
after applying some water-based products, including serums, and moisturizers,
as slugging enhance the performance of those products.
How Does It Work?
Moisture Retention: The occlusive layer keeps water trapped in the skin and does not let it evaporate while a person is asleep. That is especially good for people who have a dry skin type or for those individuals who are planning to move to a dry climate.
- Barrier Protection: Beside, on the skin, slugging barriers a
wide range of environmental stressors such as pollution and bacteria from
coming into close contact with the skin.
- Better Absorption: Applying over hydrating products, slugging may increase their absorption and efficiency in the skin, thereby helping your skin reap all the benefits from them.
Benefits of Slugging
Slugging has many advantages, especially for people who have
particular concerns for their skin. Let's dive into some of the most important
benefits:
1. Extreme Hydration
It is highly beneficial for those who have dry or dehydrated
skin. The occlusive layer holds the moisture in place, making it intensely
hydrated. Most of the users of slugging wake up with dewy and plumpy skin.
2. Enhancement of Skin Barrier Function
Among other requirements, the healthy skin barrier is the
most crucial of healthy skin. Slugging aids in improving the barrier properties
of the skin, providing strength over environmental stressors in a hostile
environment such as pollutants and UV rays. This mainly contributes to
individuals whose skin barrier has been compromised, meaning eczema or rosacea
sufferers.
3. Soolve Irritation
For sensitive or irritated skin, slugging may be a calming
activity. The occlusive layer will calm redness and irritation, making it heal
and recover. However, this method should be used with caution and a
dermatologist consulted if there are specific skin conditions.
4. Minimize Fine Lines and Wrinkles
The procedure moisturizes your skin sufficiently to fade
away the visible lines and wrinkles on it. Softer and healthier-looking skin
looks younger, which is a very attractive feature of the technique for anyone
looking for signs of aging.
5. Convenient and Low-cost
It requires an additional minimum amount of work on your
skincare routine only applying the occlusive agent along with the usual daily
products. Most can start with it.
Should you ever find the need to try slugging out, below is
a set of guidelines that could get you through testing it out for yourself.
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Step 1: Clean Your Face
Cleanse to get a clear result. Use your regular face cleaner
to remove dirt, impurities, and makeup that might be blocking your skin. Clean
out all pores so the products you apply afterwards can penetrate well.
Application Step 2: Humectant Products
Apply your regular skincare products, such as toners,
serums, and moisturizers. Hydrating formulas will love the occlusive layer.
Some good hydrating ingredients are hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides.
Step 3: Occlusive Layer Application
Once your hydrating products have sunk in, take a thin layer
of petroleum jelly or equivalent occlusive agent and cover the whole face. You
don't need much. A very thin and even application should give you an excellent
seal.
Step 4: Sleeping
Leave the slugging to do its work overnight. Seal in all the
moisture as you sleep through the night.
Step 5: Morning Routine
In the morning rinse your face with a soap or facial wash so
you can eliminate the occlusive layer. Which leads to carrying out normal
morning skin care regimen of washing, moisturizing by applying some sunscreen
as this has been shown to help safeguard the skin against the damaging
ultraviolet rays?
Who Should Try Slugging?
While slugging works for many, it's not for everyone.
Several factors can determine whether or not it is right for you:
Skin Type
Dry Skin: If you have dry or dehydrated skin, slugging can
be very beneficial for you. It offers drench that your skin needs and depending
on the kind, it can significantly transform the surface of the skin.
However, if you are suffering from oily or acne prone skin,
then you have to be little careful while using the slugging method. It proved
useful to some a few said it left their skin break out, most likely because it
makes pimples settle on the skin’s surface. If you want to sludge, try to use a
non-Comedogenic occlusive agent that's not so heavy.
Sensitive Skin: Sensitive skin individuals have to be
careful while doing slugging. It is mostly recommended to do a patch test in a
small area before slapping it all over the face.
Skin Conditions: For eczema and psoriasis patients, slugging
may provide comfort, but that is best taken upon recommendation from a
dermatologist for the individual's specific condition.
Climate Factors
Slugging can be super-hot and thick for skin in humid places
but hydrating and protective in dry or cold climates.
Possible Drawbacks of Slugging
There are several things to know that, despite a few
benefits of slugging, there are a few disadvantages to recognize as well. Here
are a few things to consider:
1. Clogged pores
Slugging could be too tight for a person's skin if he or she
has oily and acne prone skin because it can lead to pore-clogging breakouts.
Observe the skin and change according to requirement
2. Too Greasy
It is sticky for people who are not aware of how it will
feel when placed on skin. Some just hate keeping a layer of petroleum jelly on
their skin, mostly because it can feel that greasy.3. Not a Daytime Activity
Not everyone is going to practice slugging daily. This may
suffice to have it on one or two times a week with the idea of avoiding the
practice generally.
Conclusion
Slugging is easy and simple but indeed helps to provide intense hydration as well as improves the skin barrier function, especially when done on dry skin. Though it has many advantages, it is always important to first consider your skin type, existing skin conditions, and your personal preferences before you start using it. If you do so, you will be well on your way and following your skin's needs and really figure out whether slugging could be a great addition to skincare routines.
Just like other skincare routines, its
results will vary from person to person, so it'd best to figure out for you
what suits you well. With proper technique, slugging will definitely help you
achieve that hydrated and glowing skin which you have been desiring.
Please book an appointment with the best Dermatologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.
