Slugging has been trending for almost an year now, the popularity increased with Tik Tok and IG posts and much is talked about in the world of beauty and skin care.
What is Slugging? Slugging is a gift from K beauty care, it entails the application of a thick layer of Vaseline on the face and it gives a shine to the face which looks like the shiny slimy slug and there came the name Slugging. It was initially done by people who had dry, irritated and damaged skin, but it soon became a frequent routine by all for a supple complexion. The layer of Vaseline forms an occlusive covering on the skin which prevents trans epidermal water loss and this keeps the skin well hydrated and moisturised. The skin barrier the top most layer of the skin gets damaged over the period of time because of sun damage, environment, pollution, extreme weather and temperature changes and constant use of cosmetics. This leads to loss of ceramides and the lipid complex of the skin barrier. The Vaseline application forms a thick layer over the outer layer of skin a kind of seal, which prevents water loss, keeps the skin well moisturised and hydrated, results in repair of the damaged skin.
The main concerns for slugging is the risk of developing pimples and comedones. Vaseline is pretty safe, you would be surprised to know that Vaseline is non comedogenic and shall not clog the pores. Hence, if you have a dry skin, you don’t have to worry about any acne breakouts or blackheads or whiteheads. But if you have an oily skin or you are prone to pimples, then you are not a candidate for slugging. The occlusive film formed by Vaseline will lead to oil accumulation which will lead to Acne formation. Even for people with dry skin, I would suggest the use of moisturisers rich in ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
After washing the face at night, apply a good layer of Vaseline on the face and neck, when it’s still damp, it should be sufficient to cover the entire face and neck, you do not have to overdo it. Leave it overnight, wash your face well in the morning to remove the Vaseline. For a beginner or if you do not like the stickiness, you can leave it on for a few hours and then wash it off. The night you plan to do slugging do not use any of the other night creams.
Slugging works well for dry and skin damaged from over zealous retinoids/face peels/scrubs/home remedies. If you have an irritated skin with burning and rashes/redness on face, do visit your dermatologist or do an online consult with your doctor, before trying it on your own, as it may harm than do any good. The Acne Specialist doctor may also help in choosing the right product for slugging.
My take on slugging
I have never been fond of Vaseline as a product, could be due to the fact that it’s a petroleum based cream. If I ever have to do slugging, then I would use a moisturiser rich in hyaluronic acid and ceramides. I have come across people who apply almond oil or coconut oil on their face and hence that is another good option. Though I have never used oil on my face despite having dry skin, but i have seen people with good hydrated complexions after oil use. Winters are a good time to do slugging, you can do as often as required. I would not recommend in hot and humid climate and for those who have oily skin and pimple prone skin.
Happy Slugging.