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If you’re a skincare enthusiast or simply a TikTok user, you’ve probably heard of the term “skin slugging.” This viral beauty hack has taken social media by storm, with users raving about its ability to lock in moisture and leave the skin looking dewy and hydrated. But what exactly is skin slugging, and does it really work?
If you are looking for a quick hack for dry skin, the solution could be lying in your bathroom cabinet. Slugging is the latest TikTok trend that beauty influencers swear by to up your skincare game. Don’t worry, it does not involve putting slugs on your face (although, snail slime has powerful skin regenerative properties).
The latest trend on TikTok now is to slather your face with petroleum jelly before bedtime. It is popular in the K-Beauty world but now making waves on TikTok and Instagram, Aside from slugging your skin, you can also slug your hair. The petroleum jelly will create a thick slime on your skin and hair to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated
Table of Contents
What Is Skin Slugging?
Skin slugging is a skincare technique that involves applying a thick layer of an occlusive product, typically petroleum jelly (like Vaseline), over your nighttime skincare products. The term “slugging” comes from the idea that your face will resemble the slimy trail left by a slug due to the shiny, greasy layer of the occlusive product.
Occlusive products are great for skin hydration because they form a barrier on the skin while you sleep. This helps to repair the skin barrier while you sleep by restoring the skin lipids. This barrier helps to keep all the active ingredients in your skincare routine working effectively overnight and can leave your skin feeling incredibly soft and hydrated by morning. This is great if you have dry skin during the cold season or in an air-conditioned environment.
When there is a loss of water in the environment, applying occlusive agents helps restore water loss from the skin by placing an oily film on the skin’s surface. The best agent seen so far is Vaseline, although there are many others that get the job done if you don’t like Vaseline.
How Does Skin Slugging Work?
The key to skin slugging lies in the use of an occlusive agent. Occlusives are ingredients that form a protective layer on the skin’s surface, trapping moisture and preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This is particularly beneficial for those with dry or dehydrated skin, as it helps to maintain the skin’s hydration levels.
Petroleum jelly is the most commonly used occlusive in skin slugging because it is highly effective at sealing in moisture. However, other occlusives like lanolin, shea butter, or even certain oils can also be used depending on your skin type and preferences.
What Is Slugging Skin Good For? Benefits
1. Prevents Dryness And Hydrates Your Skin
Skin slugging is a game-changer for anyone struggling with dry or dehydrated skin. Applying vaseline on the skin to prevent dryness is nothing new but it is given a new name called slugging. There are microscopic pores on your skin through which sweat and moisture come out. Applying occlusives on your skin prevents the moisture from escaping giving you a well-hydrated and smooth finish in the morning.
2. Enhance Product Absorption
Applying an occlusive like vaseline over your skincare products can enhance their effectiveness by ensuring they stay on your skin longer, allowing them to penetrate more deeply.
3. Keeps Your Skin Soft
Slugging is an additional layer of your nighttime skincare routine. After you have applied serums, moisturizers and eye creams, you then maximize the benefits by adding occlusives to prevent evaporation. You will notice that your skin is extra soft and feels good in the morning. Regular slugging can lead to softer, smoother skin by maintaining hydration levels and preventing dryness.
4. Great For Dry Skin Type
If you have dry skin, then slugging might be your best bet to lock in moisture for your skin. Although Vaseline is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), it is not recommended for those with oily or sensitive skin types. It can irritate your skin thereby breaking you out.
Who Should Try Skin Slugging?
Skin slugging is particularly beneficial for those with dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin. It can also be helpful for people living in dry or cold climates where moisture loss is a concern. However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, slugging might not be the best option for you, as the heavy occlusive layer can potentially clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Best Skin Slugging Products
This is the number one skin-slugging product. It is highly effective in preventing dryness among other occlusive. It is non-irritating and non-comedogenic. However, some find it hard to use due to its thick waxy feeling.
Great product. Contains 41% petroleum jelly which can be used not just for your body but for lips, hands, heels and minor wounds. It is not as sticky and greasy as Vaseline, great for slugging and keeping skin soft and hydrated.
This is another great product for skin slugging. It is fragrance and lanolin-free. Contains ceramides to repair and protect dry, cracked skin.
This is another great product for skin slugging. It does not only contain petrolatum but also shea butter to soften, smooth and hydrate and Vitamin E to improve skin resilience.
This is an all-purpose cream guaranteed to keep your skin soft and blemish-free. It contains royal jelly, beeswax, honey, olive oil, and bee pollen making it great for skin slugging. A little of this product goes a long way
How To Skin Slug Properly
Step 1: Remove make-up
Make sure you remove all makeup traces like mascara, lipsticks, and eyeliner. You may also double cleanse if you having trouble removing makeup
Step 2: Wash Your Face
Start with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup from your face.
Step 3: Apply Skincare Products
Follow your usual nighttime skincare routine. This might include serums, moisturizers, or treatments that address your skin concerns.
Step 4: Apply Occlusives
After applying your skincare products, take a small amount of your chosen occlusive (like petroleum jelly) and gently spread it over your face. Make sure to cover all areas but don’t overdo it—a thin layer is sufficient. Let the slugging do its magic overnight. In the morning, cleanse your face as usual to remove any residue.
When To Avoid Slugging
You should avoid applying active ingredients like vitamin C, AHA, and Retinol when skin slugging. This may trap the active ingredients in your skin eventually leading to skin irritation and potentially damaged skin barrier. Also, avoid skin slugging in hot, summer or humid weather because it is just not necessary. There is less moisture evaporation during those times so it might do you no good.
How Often Should You Slug
If you have dry skin, it is recommended to slug once or twice weekly depending on your skin condition. If you have extremely dry skin, you may add more days but always give a break in between. Slugging is not a long-term fix, it is a temporary fix to help repair the skin barrier.
Does Skin Slugging Really Work?
The results of skin slugging can vary depending on your skin type and the products you use, but many people report waking up with significantly more hydrated, softer skin. However, as with any skincare trend, it’s essential to listen to your skin. If you notice any irritation or breakouts, it might not be the right technique for you.
Final Thoughts
Skin slugging can be a highly effective way to boost hydration and protect your skin, especially during the colder months. While it may not be suitable for everyone, those with dry or sensitive skin may find it a valuable addition to their nighttime routine. As always, patch-test any new products and start slowly to see how your skin responds.
If you’re curious about skin slugging, it might just be worth a try to see if this viral TikTok trend can give your skin the moisture boost it needs!
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I don’t use TikTok so I’m not familiar with any of the beauty hacks found on there. This sounds kinda odd to me but I guess it does have a lot of benefits, particularly for those with dry skin!
It is really strange when I first saw it on tiktok but it does work especially for those with dry skin.
Thanks for reading Jenny
Thank you for recommending a few occlusives! (Vanicream is a favorite of mine, too.) I love occlusives in winter when the moisture in the air is lower. Plus they generally have a lower alcohol content, which tends to irritate my skin.
My skin are unusually dry during winter so slugging helps a lot. Vanicream is awesome 👌
I haven’t heard of this skin slugging before. I don’t really do tik tok so that could be why. It sounds like an interesting way to take care of your skin. Thank you for sharing.
Its an interesting trend on tiktok that keeps the well hydrated. Thanks for reading
This sounds a lot of like a treatment I have done since when I was a teen. Time after time when skin feels dry I have applied the extra grease cream or coconut oil a thick layer for the night. Helps a lot. When I have gotten a lot of sun, I do double creaming all over to help skin regain moisture. Sound weird but does truly wonders.
It does wonders and your skin feels soft in the morning.
Interesting! I’ve never heard of that! Thanks for sharing!
This was such an informative post! I hadn’t heard of slugging before but I’ve had really dry skin with the cold weather recently so I’ll have to give it a go. I love that it makes your skin so soft too! Thanks for sharing x
Its a really good way to hydrate your skin. Thanks for reading
I have not heard of this new trend, but I loved reading about it! Admittedly, the term ‘slugging’ does come across as a little strange, but I love that is so hydrating and rejuvenating for dry skin. The Egyptian Magic cream would be my top choice for this practice. 🙂
The term does sound strange, like slugs. I think its named slugging because adding petroleum jelly to your skin feels slimy.
Great post! Although I have not heard the term “skin slugging” before, using Vaseline on the skin at night or on dry feet anytime is something I’ve seen before. Women were doing this when I was a kid (a long time ago, haha).
I have never heard of this but it sounds really interesting! I have bouts of dry skin so it’s good to find new ways to help it out!
This is a such an interesting post. I’ve used Vaseline around my eyes at night for years! I might have to try this, because I do suffer with really dry skin.
Ooo I do love myself a good TicTok hack and being that I’ve got dry skin, this sounds up my street. I always love review on something like a hack as it’s always nice to get other peoples opinions on it – plus I find it very interesting! Thank you for sharing lovely Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
This is interesting, I think my friend would be interesting to know about this. She was talking abotu skin routine. Thank you for sharing!
Oh great, will appreciate you share with her. Thank you for reading
I’m not on tiktok very often so I wasn’t at all familiar with this beauty hack, but I definitely find it interesting enough to try. Lathering on some Vaseline as soon as I go to bed.
Lauren //www.cko-coolkidsonly.blogspot.com
I heard about putting vaseline under eyes in a recent Instagram reels, but I didn’t know why and how it would benefit the skin barrier- this was very helpful and useful! I’ve been wanting to try the Egyptian cream! Thank you so much for sharing. xx Penny / http://www.whatdidshetype.com
I haven’t seen this tik tok trend but I am well aware of the benefits of vaseline for dry skin. I used to have really dry heels and my nail therapist suggested me vaseline and socks before bedtime. It was a miracle.
I was not aware of how it could be used as part of a daily routine, so thank you for sharing this!
I don’t have dry skin myself, but I have seen this on TikTok and was always curious about it, so thank you for explaining it so well x
I don’t have dry skin. These tips are great. I have a family member who uses vaseline a lot.
This is so interesting, I hadn’t heard of this hack before. I’ve used Vaseline for dry skin before, but never for the face. Thanks for sharing this useful addition to a regular skincare routine, I’ll definitely have to try this out!
I’ve seen a few people do this but I don’t think I would be able to stand the texture on my skin for long.
I haven’t heard of skin slugging before, but it does sound benefical for those with dry skin. I have oily, acne-prone skin, so I do not think it would be that useful for me.
I’ve never heard of this before. It does sound beneficial though. Thanks so much for sharing all about it!