Slugging
Slugging
Slugging is a skincare technique where you apply a layer of an occlusive (usually petroleum jelly like Vaseline) as the final step at night. Its function is to 'seal' in all the moisture and skincare underneath, making your skin super hydrated when you wake up!
Origin: A Korean skincare technique that went viral on Reddit and then TikTok. It's called 'slugging' because your face looks glossy like a slug!
🔍 How It Works
- 1Occlusives form a physical barrier on the skin's surface
- 2This barrier prevents trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL)
- 3Moisture and skincare underneath are locked in all night
- 4Wake up with super hydrated and plump skin
✨ Benefits
- ✓Maximum hydration for dry skin
- ✓Helps repair a damaged skin barrier
- ✓Skin is more plump and supple in the morning
- ✓Affordable (Vaseline is cheap!)
- ✓Great for dry seasons or excessive AC
✅ Good for
- •Dry or dehydrated skin
- •Those frequently exposed to AC
- •Damaged skin barrier
- •In dry seasons or winter
- •Post-treatment for repair
⚠️ Be careful if
- •Oily and acne-prone skin (can cause breakouts)
- •Those using active retinoids (can enhance irritation)
- •If you don't want your pillow to get greasy
- •Those who don't like a heavy feeling on their face
📖 How To Do It
Do your full nighttime skincare routine as usual
Wait for all skincare to absorb (5-10 minutes)
Take a little bit of petroleum jelly (pea-sized)
Warm it up in your palms
Press it all over your face as the final layer
Sleep and wake up with super hydrated skin!
💡 Tips from Peelsy
- •Start with a thin layer first to see how your skin reacts
- •Avoid the eye area if you're worried about milia
- •Use a pillowcase that you don't mind getting 'dirty'
- •You can use it only on specific areas (lips, dry cheeks)
- •Alternatives: Aquaphor, CeraVe Healing Ointment, or facial oils
- •Don't slug over active retinoids (it can cause irritation)
❌ Common Mistakes
- ✗Slugging with oily or acne-prone skin
- ✗Using too much until it's super greasy
- ✗Slugging over retinoids which can cause irritation
- ✗Expecting results after one use
- ✗Slugging every night (2-3x/week is enough for most)
Fun Fact: The name 'slugging' came about because a face coated in petroleum jelly looks shiny and slimy like a slug! Gross but effective. 🐌✨
Frequently Asked Questions
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