Slugging
The viral skincare trend that can transform dry and irritated skin
Have you heard of slugging yet? It’s a skincare trend that has gained huge popularity on social media in recent months. In reality slugging has been around for many years and some of you may remember the technique being used by your mums or grannies (although I doubt that’s how they would have referred to it!) Slugging is the process of applying an occlusive product thickly over the face to lock in moisture and prevent trans-epidermal water loss. You may remember Ponds Cold Cream or the original Nivea moisturiser on your granny’s vanity table? It is generally carried out at night time when the skin will be very shiny and greasy – which is where the slug term comes from.
The process of slugging is actually a great idea for some skin types, especially those suffering from dry skin, or irritated skin that may be damaged from the use of strong ingredients incorrectly or a skin condition such as eczema.
Vaseline is the most commonly used occlusive in the videos on social media however I would urge caution with using Vaseline in this way for many skin types. I would also recommend that slugging only be carried out when treating a skin condition, irritation or at times when dryness is a particular problem. I wouldn’t recommend it to be carried out every night but perhaps 2-3 times a week.
Here are some top tips if you want to try slugging!
Apply all your active ingredients first
Slugging is a great way to lock in the special hydrating ingredients in your serums and moisturisers, it will stop any evaporation of water through the impaired moisture barrier. Think of the final layer as a water lock system.
La Roche Posay HyaluB5 Is an excellent hydrating serum to apply before slugging.
Find an Occlusive ingredient that you enjoy using
Petroleum the ingredient in Vaseline is not the only occlusive available. In fact, it can be quite unpleasant applying a thick layer of Vaseline before bed- hello greasy hair and stained pillowcases. There are a number of other alternatives.
Cicaplast Baulm B5
This thick and repairing balm from La Roche Posay is super healing so is great for damaged skin but is also an excellent occlusive because it contains Shea butter, a little goes a long way!
Kinvara Precious facial oil
Squalene is an excellent occlusive that helps build the protective barrier of the skin and the Kinvara Precious facial oil contains squalene as well as a blend of other ultra-moisturising plant oils and Vitamin E is enriched with Bakuchiol, an innovative, multitasking plant-based retinol. It smells beautiful and is very pleasant to use.
Trilogy Everything Balm
This is a wonderful alternative to using Vaseline or other thick occlusives. You will achieve the same moisture locking results with Everything balm but it will also help brighten and soften the skin. It contains a blend of Rosehip oil, Omega Oils and beeswax to soften and moisturise the skin long term. This can be used on all areas of the body and is great for kids too!
What about Oily skin?
For oily and combination skin types I don’t recommend slugging with traditional occlusive ingredients but there is an option for those of us with oily skin. Firstly, only apply the occlusive on areas of irritation, avoid those areas of common breakouts and use on nights when you are applying your stronger retinoids or acids to buffer the irritation.
Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre This is a great option for oily and combination skin types
Toleraine Ultra
Perfect for ultra-sensitive skin types, the formula is enriched with probiotic-derived fractions and neurosenine. Blended with the brand’s thermal spring water, the cream lends instant hydration and comfort and brings down irritation.
The morning after the night before
A key step of slugging is the removal of excess product the next morning. Not only must you ensure you remove any traces of thick product but also the dead skin cells and sweat from the night. Make sure to use a facial wash and thoroughly wash the face in the morning to reveal softer, smoother and moisturised skin!
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Caring Wash – Formulated to helps restore comfort and retain natural moisture of even the most sensitive skin.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
This soap free, non-foaming lotion gently removes dirt and oil while increasing skin hydration after just one use.
Happy Slugging!!
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