Looking for a new beauty fix? Slugging is the latest skincare trend to take over TikTok, Reddit, and Instagram and it could just be the answer to achieving the dewy skin you’ve been dreaming about.
[SEE ALSO: 6 Anti-Aging Tips that Will Transform Your Beauty Routine]
It involves putting a thin layer of Vaseline on your face to seal in moisture and protect your skin from the outside elements. If you scroll through beauty tags, you’ll find a slew of #slugging posts with glowing faces and big smiles. Why? While the thin layer of petroleum jelly makes your skin look shiny and slimy, like a slug, it keeps your skin radiant and glowing.
How Does It Work?
While it’s been attributed to K-beauty trends, this skincare practice has been around for decades. Vaseline, or any petroleum-based jelly, sits on top of the skin and creates a physical barrier to lock in hydration and prevent water loss. It also helps the top layer of your skin to heal from daily damage such as sun exposure and pollution. The moist environment that slugging also creates allows your skin to heal and rebuild itself. It is especially helpful for dry skin or those with eczema.
Does It Work If You Have Acne?
Vaseline gets a bad rap due to its greasy feel that many assume will clog pores – but that’s not true. Vaseline molecules are actually larger than your pores, meaning it’s non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores. However, Vaseline also doesn’t allow your skin’s natural oils to escape which can irritate some, and cause acne, especially if you have naturally oily skin.
How Do You Do It?
First, you’ll need to raid your bathroom pantry or head to your local drugstore and pick up some Vaseline ($3.29). You could also try Aquaphor ($9.58) or CeraVe Healing Ointment ($7.97).
Next, choose one of two ways to slug your face: overnight or a short contact.
Your skin continues to work overnight to repair itself, so right before bed is the preferred and most popular method to slug. But, beware, you may be sticky and get your pillowcase dirty with grease marks.
To get started, complete your normal cleansing routine, including applying serums or moisturizers. While your skin is still slightly damp, grab a pea-size amount of Vaseline and apply it all over your skin. Make sure to skip out on any spot or retinoid treatments to avoid irritating skin. Leave it on overnight. In the morning, cleanse your skin as normal to remove any excess product.
If you can’t get past the stickiness and mess of the overnight method, try short contact. It won’t be as effective or fast-acting, but it can still help repair your skin. Follow the same steps as above, but instead of going to sleep with it on, sit back and watch a movie or a couple of episodes. Before you go to bed, wash the Vaseline off and follow up with your regular skincare routine, including your regular spot treatments and moisturizer.
Ready to get into this simple skincare trend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
