Slugging is a viral TikTok hack that has been endorsed by certain dermatologists but there are some variables to consider when making it a part of your skincare routine. Today FUCHSIA’s onboard expert, Dr Palwasha will tell you how to get supple and moisturized skin all year round and if slugging is the best option for you. Read on to find out more!
What Is Slugging?
Slugging, in a nutshell basically involves slathering any emollient moisturizer (Vaseline, Balm etc.) as the final step of your nighttime skincare routine. No, it can’t be done during the day, unless you want to go out looking like an oily dish. Slugging can be done on any part of your body – but mostly it’s focused on the face, eyes and neck. Yes, neck.
You need to make the neck a part of your regular skincare routine to prevent sagging and wrinkles (more on that another time). Slugging helps maintain and repair the skin barrier, it’s also helpful for hydration, moisturization, and saggy skin and some claim it may even help with fine lines and wrinkles and prevent their formation.
@therealfaithallison Reply to @dayzzz98 it has also decreased my redness GREATLY #slugging #bagbalm #skincareroutine #skincare ♬ original sound – faith allison
But Slugging May Not Be For Everyone
The downside of slugging is that for people with oily or acne-prone skin, it might cause more breakouts or excessively oily skin as the bacteria that cause it might become further trapped in your pores. For such people, in order to maintain the barrier there are other options such as hyaluronic acid or lightweight moisturizers or balms as opposed to the occlusive “slugging” options.
The Best Way To “SLUG”!
If this is something you want to practice you need to cleanse with a cleanser suited to your skin type. Then do your regular skin care actives or chemical exfoliants. Lock in with your regular moisturizer and then seal the moisturizer with a thin layer of the occlusive emollient “the slug”. You can leave it in overnight or for a few hours before you sleep. It is recommended to start off with using only two hours before you sleep then washing it off and reapplying your regular moisturizer BEFORE you leave it on all night as it might take some time for your skin to get used to it.
Easily available slugging options are the regular – non-scented Vaseline jelly, Cerave Ointment Balm, or the La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume and Aquaphor Balm. But once again, before you start this consider your skincare type and existing routine. And as with all skincare – it’s important to use sunscreen otherwise the treatments and efforts are futile!
Disclaimer: This is general public information. Does not substitute any medical or dietary advice from your health care professionals.
The information in this article was provided by Dr Palwasha Khan who works primarily in women’s issues – gynae/obs and dermatology.
You can also connect with Dr Palwasha on Instagram & Facebook.
