There’s a new skincare trend making its way around Reddit and TikTok. Considered to be the “latest viral skincare hack”, slugging is a skincare technique that’s been everywhere recently.
We’ve had a few clients ask us what we think of slugging and as you might’ve guessed, we have some thoughts on it!
We’ll take you through the potential benefits, the scary downfalls, and our best recommendations if you want to jump on the slugging train.
So, what is slugging?
Slugging is a K-Beauty principle where you coat your face in Vaseline, petroleum jelly, or an occlusive product of some kind after the final stage of your skincare routine.
The idea is to moisturise your skin, lock in all the goodness from your serums and products, and reduce the Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF) you’d typically lose.
The principal and the goal outcome behind this trend is great, however, we have some concerns around what you use for your slugging layer. Don’t worry, we’ll get to this shortly.
Here’s how slugging might fit into your routine
- Cleanse
- Serums & hydrating products like hyaluronic acid
- Face Oils
- Moisturisers
- Slugging Time. This is where the occlusive comes in — a petroleum jelly like Vaseline or CeraVe. (however, don’t be fooled! Petroleum based products can actually damage your skin further…)
What does slugging do for your skin?
The idea of slugging is to create generally moisturised and glowing skin. People online report healthier, younger-looking skin and a decreased appearance of wrinkles. However, a really big benefit that has interested loads of skincare fanatics is the idea that slugging repairs your skin barrier… that is, with using the right products of course.
The results depend on your skin type and the “slugger” you use
Petroleum jelly definitely can soothe irritated skin but it can also be a “clogging” product, especially if you already have oily or acne-prone skin. It is an ingredient that is used in many lip balms and lip moisturisers that creates a barrier and in turn, prevents moisture absorption which can often instead lead to suffocation of the skin.
It’s the same principle with Vaseline. It creates a barrier that can in turn clog the pores, potentially causing breakouts and congestion.
Slugging: we love the idea, but we’re not in love with the ingredients
Locking in your skincare products with a thick occlusive, such as Vaseline makes sense in theory. But, given the moisture suffocating nature of this product, it can cause existing products to become too potent or to simply not absorb as they’re intended to.
Taking all of this into account, we would never recommend our clients do this.
The negative factors that come into play with this trend will outweigh any potential positives. Although in saying this, there are definitely other alternative ways you can achieve the goals and results slugging aims to do, without compromising the health of your skin.
Our favourite, alternative product for slugging
We’ve had a few clients ask us about slugging and we get it, you want all those benefits it intends to give! So, to those intrigued by slugging, we always recommend the O Cosmedics Youth Activating Oil Balm.
This product is similar in texture to what Vaseline is, however, it is thinner and in turn, much easier to spread. Of course, being a product from O, it contains no nasty ingredients whatsoever, and is not going to clog or suffocate your skin at all!
This balm is perfect for locking all your skincare goodness in
O Cosmedics Youth Activating Oil Balm is an especially amazing option and will be a complete game-changer for you. Whether you’re someone who has quite dry skin and wants that extra moisture and hydration or someone who feels that they need an extra layer to lock in their current ingredients and products.
The O Cosmedics Youth Activating Oil Balm is also amazing if you have an impaired barrier or you’d like to decrease the loss of your Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF).
This product can be used as per the slugging technique, so after your moisturiser but it can also be used instead of your moisturiser, depending on your preference.
Slugging isn’t the only way to achieve dewy, hydrated skin
If you are someone who just loves going to bed feeling and looking super glowy with hydrated skin, then something like the Hydra Plus Sleep-In Mask by O Cosmedics is what you need!
This product pairs so well with our O Cosmedics 3D Hyaluronic Acid and will give you that rich, moisturised feeling.
The bottom line?
Viral skincare hacks are risky and we always recommend having a chat with us before you jump on board. When it comes to slugging? It’s a cool concept but we don’t recommend slathering your face in Vaseline.
Give it a try with O Cosmedics Youth Activating Oil Balm or chat with us about your personal skincare goals.