What Is Slugging?
Slugging is a moisturizing technique that has become popular, especially on TikTok. Slugging refers to slathering the face with an occlusive product as the last step in a night skincare routine. Occlusive products tend to be heavier and create a barrier on top of the skin. It also acts as a barrier to keep everything out and lock moisture in.
The name "slugging" stems from the "slug-like" sheen this technique leaves on the skin. For those in dry climates or with dry or flakey skin, slugging will benefit you (if you choose to try slugging). We recommend slugging your face 2-3 times per week, as it helps heal cracked, dehydrated, inflamed, or sensitive skin. Products that are petroleum-based are the best products for slugging.
Are There Dangers to Slugging?
There are a few dangers to slugging. Occlusive products may lead to clogged pores and lead breakouts if the skin is already oily or the product is too thickly applied. In addition, slugging may interfere with the skin's natural processes of regulating oil production.
When using and applying a thick, occlusive ingredient, it may prevent the skin from functioning correctly and breathing. Using thick products frequently may trick the skin into becoming dependent on them, and your skin will not be able to retain moisture on its own.
Furthermore, avoiding retinol products and acids while slugging is best. Due to slugging's purpose of acting as a sealant, slugging may increase the intensity of the products underneath it. It also traps actives and leads to unpredictable results on the skin.
The most popular product for slugging is Vaseline. Vaseline is non-comedogenic (does not clog pores) but is not an actual moisturizer. Vaseline seals in moisture as a barrier.
Additionally, those with oily or acne-prone skin may not like the greasy feeling Vaseline leaves on the skin.
How To "Slug" Your Skin
If you want to try slugging and benefit from supple, moisturized, and soft skin, below is a step-by-step on how:
First, cleanse your face from makeup, oils, and debris. Starting with a blank canvas is critical because you do not want to trap bacteria overnight on your skin. Thus, cleansing the face thoroughly with a gentle and hydrating cleanser is crucial.
We recommend Flora & Noor's Rose Renewal Cleanser or Hydration Station Aloe + Shea Cleanser to cleanse at nighttime. The Rose Renewal Cleanser will cleanse the skin while also helping to support and fix the skin's barrier with rose water and extract and ceramides.
The Hydration Station Cleanser is perfect for those with oily skin due to its oil-regulating properties and antioxidants that further protect and heal damaged skin.
Next, gently tap a hydrating toner into your skin. Tapping a toner into your skin instead of using a cotton pad and swiping it all over the face will prevent product waste and allow the toner to hydrate the skin.
The Vitamin C Resurfacing Toner by Flora & Noor is an ultra-nourishing and soothing toner that reduces acne and redness. It also helps fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots, evening out the skin tone, and protects the skin's barrier from free radicals.
Follow up with any serums that you wish to apply. Again, avoiding retinols and acids is crucial when slugging because it may lead to further irritations. Luckily, the Bright Side Serum contains Gotu Kola, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to reduce acne scarring, acne and promote collagen production. This serum is 100% vegan and halal-certified, making it safe to use either morning or night.
Lastly, lock everything in with a hydrating moisturizer. The Rose Renewal 24/7 Ceramide + Tri-Peptide Moisturizer promotes firmness and elasticity while helping the skin retain moisture. In addition, it is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, minimizing acne and smooths skin texture.
After your skincare routine, apply a thin layer of an occlusive product (such as Vaseline) to seal all the beneficial vitamins and ingredients. In the morning, cleanse your face with a barrier-protecting cleanser and apply your morning routine skin regimen as usual.
Are There Alternatives to Slugging?
For those with acne-prone, oily skin or who do not like the greasy feeling of slugging, the alternatives to slugging are to find products that fully hydrate and moisturize your skin. Properly hydrating your skin is essential for those with oily skin. Your skin produces oil to make up for the loss of moisture in the skin.
By properly hydrating your skin, your skin will begin to produce less and less oil. A fantastic moisturizer is Flora & Noor's Super Glow Gel Moisturizer. This moisturizer contains aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, tamanu, and Gotu Kola.
This arsenal of ingredients hydrates the skin while stimulating collagen production and fading away hyperpigmentation. All Flora & Noor products are vegan, cruelty-free, and halal-certified, making them suitable and safe for all skin types. Gotu Kola and Vitamin C are the stars of this product due to their powerful free radical protection properties, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition, the Rose Renewal 24/7 Ceramide and Tri-Peptide Moisturizer locks in moisture, containing glycerin, ceramides, peptides, rose water, and extracts. This moisturizer reduces the appearance of pores and plumps the skin by promoting cellular renewal.
Moreover, applying a nourishing face mask 1-2 times a week will deeply hydrate and help skin concerns such as clogged pores or excess sebum production. The Earth & Ocean Acne Fighting Mask gently sloughs away dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and protects the skin from harmful UV rays.
This face mask hydrates the skin by containing kaolin clay, kelp, grapeseed oil, aloe vera, and spirulina. It prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL), reducing aging signs and enhancing skin cell renewal.
Additionally, if you absolutely do not enjoy slugging, this article on fifteen skincare ingredients you need for sensitive, or eczema prone skin will be your best friend!
Final Thoughts
- Slugging refers to a moisturizing technique that leaves a glossy sheen on the skin. The purpose is to help heal dry, cracked, and inflamed skin by 'trapping' the products underneath it.
- When slugging, it is essential to use an occlusive product that tends to be heavier to create a barrier to protect the epidermis.
- A few cautions when slugging is that it may lead to clogged pores and interfere with your skin's natural process to regulate oil. The skin may be less able to retain moisture independently if slugging is too frequent.
- Those with dry, irritated, or eczema-prone skin may benefit from slugging versus those with oily or acne-prone skin. Why? Slugging locks or seals in products and ingredients underneath it, but those with oily skin need to allow their skin to breathe.
- A few alternatives to slugging include researching and using effective and hydrating products. Flora & Noor carries skincare products for all skin types and concerns, especially the Rose Renewal and Vitamin C collections.
- Lastly, finding products that work for you and your skin type is most important. Everyone's skin conditions are different. Thus, not all skincare products or fads will work for you.