How To Incorporate Slugging Into Your Skincare Routine

This post will explain what Slugging is and how to incorporate it into your skincare routine.

For the first time, I can say I started something before it became a trend.

Imagine my shock when I found that Slugging has become a trend on TikTok.

Meanwhile, I’ve been doing this for years to retain moisture for my dry, dehydrated skin.

Anyway, it’s good that this practice is becoming increasingly popular, so people don’t look at you funny when you say you slough with Petrolatum at night.

Also, since most slugging products are formulated with Petrolatum and/or Mineral Oil, we can finally kill the misconception that these ingredients are harmful to our skin.

There’s a reason Vaseline is still in business.

Let’s go further into details about some of the benefits of Slugging.

What Is Slugging In Skincare?

It is the practice of applying an occlusive product at the end of your skincare routine at night to seal in moisture and the beneficial serums you have layered.

This is to prevent Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) overnight.

In simple terms, it is to prevent your skin from drying out.

Most people who slug have dry, dehydrated skin or are struggling with a damaged skin barrier that needs healing and repair.

Whilst it’s nice for me to say it works for all skin types, people with oily to combination skin might find the process too greasy.

Alternatively, you can find a non-greasy occlusive to slug with, like La Roche-Posay Cicaplast.

So don’t feel pressured to jump on the trend if your skin type won’t tolerate it.

What Occlusive Ingredients Are Best For Slugging?

When choosing products to slug with, you need to look out for products with the following ingredients;

• Petrolatum
• Mineral Oil
• Lanolin

Don’t be afraid to apply these ingredients to your face.

The skincare industry has advanced significantly in formulating unique products.

So, every misconception you have right now should be discarded.

On the other hand, if you feel like your skin reacts negatively to any of these ingredients, you might as well just stay away.

Test them and perform a patch test before using them on your face.

But they’re pretty much safe for everyone.

What Are The Best Products For Skincare Slugging?

Again, it would be wise to choose the best product to slug with according to your skin type.

Although these products work across all skin types.

But like every other skincare product, your skin will have excellent preferences.

So, play around and find the ones that work best with your skin type.

Vaseline

This is the OG product for Slugging, which has been around for over a century.

Many people are not a fan of it because it is 100% Petrolatum, which is completely fine.

There are a lot more options on the market.

But it is the cheapest and, dare I say, one of the most effective occlusives you can use on your skin.

Cerave Healing Ointment

After Vaseline, possibly the most popular occlusive for Slugging is the Cerave Healing Ointment.

The brand has upgraded Vaseline by adding beneficial ingredients such as Ceramides, Cholesterol, Panthenol, and Hyaluronic Acid, making it more cosmetically elegant.

It is lighter than Vaseline and easier to use.

Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment

Another incredibly popular occlusive is this one from Aquaphor, which I personally use.

I find it less greasy than Cerave Healing Ointment.

In addition to Petrolatum and Mineral Oil, it contains Lanolin and Panthenol, which help reduce greasiness.

If you have oily to combination skin, you might prefer Aquaphor instead.

La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5

This barrier-repairing product has also become popular among those who prefer not to use Petrolatum, Mineral oil, or Lanolin but still enjoy the benefits of slugging.

While Cicaplast Baume is not comparable to Cerave Healing Ointment, it still works.

With soothing ingredients such as Zinc, Panthenol, and Madecassoside, this is the best product to repair a damaged skin barrier and calm redness or irritation.

Best Practices For Skincare Slugging

I’ve seen many people slug the wrong way and demonise the technique afterwards simply because it doesn’t work for them.

Well, you misused the product; what would you expect?

You should adopt best practices for skincare slugging to make the process more seamless.

• Use a pea-sized amount of product for your entire face. I use less occlusive than my moisturiser; I don’t want to wake up as a grease ball. You don’t need to be generous or slather your face with Vaseline. It is not necessary. A thin layer is enough to form a barrier and prevent water loss.
• Still, regarding the quantity used, many people complain that occlusives stain their pillows. First, you should complete your skincare routine about two hours before bedtime. Your skin has enough time to absorb most of the product without transferring it onto your pillowcase. Try sleeping on your back if you like to do your skincare routine right before bed. Again, if you use a pea-sized amount of product, you can prevent all these from happening.
• Don’t feel pressured to slug every day if you don’t want to. I mostly slug daily during the winter, but when it gets warmer, I only slug when my skin barrier is damaged or when my skin needs a pick-me-up.

Frequently Asked Questions On Skincare Slugging

• Does slugging cause acne? No, it won’t clog your pores as long as you use a pea-sized amount over your moisturiser. But if your skin is very sensitive and easily prone to breakouts, you might just want to settle for the La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume or skip slugging entirely.
• Do you wash your face after slugging? It honestly depends. Most of the time, by the time you wake up, the occlusive has fully absorbed into your skin, so you can start your day by simply rinsing your face if you skip the morning cleanser.
• Can I slug with Retinol? This also depends on your skin. I use Retinoids regularly to prevent dryness and irritation. But some people find that slugging with Retinoids makes them sensitiv,e as the occlusive forces the Retinoids to penetrate deeply into their skin. Again, listen to your skin and act accordingly. If you experience irritation from slugging with Retinoids, use a dedicated night routine for barrier repair: hydrate, moisturise, and slough instead.
• How often should I slug? Again, it depends on you and what you feel comfortable with. But be assured that it is perfectly fine to use a slugging routine daily, especially if you struggle with dry, dehydrated skin. But you can always start with a couple of times a week to see how often you’re comfortable.

Finally,

If you’re considering incorporating slugging into your skincare routine and you’re not sure where or how to start, I hope this post has clarified the process.