Winter dry skin is the worst. Are we right? 🙋♀️ As the temperatures drop and the air gets drier, it can feel like no amount of lotion or moisturizer can combat the flaky, itchy, tight feeling on our skin.
But don't despair just yet! There's a skincare technique that's been gaining popularity in recent years, and it's called "slugging."
You may have heard of the technique before, which has nothing to do with actual slugs. Instead, it involves applying specific products that give your skin a slug-like appearance—but more on that later.
Read on for a breakdown of what slugging is exactly, how to do it, the results you can anticipate, the products you can use to achieve it, and much more.
What Is Skin Slugging?
So, what is slugging, exactly? It's a simple concept: you apply a thick layer of occlusive or petroleum jelly-based product (like Vaseline) to your face before bed and leave it on overnight.
The idea is that the jelly creates a barrier on your skin that locks in moisture, preventing it from evaporating into the air. It sounds a little odd, but trust me, it works wonders!
This K-Beauty trend ultimately results in the K-Beauty term "glass skin," which describes skin that is so radiant and clear that it appears to be made of glass.
Now, we know some of you may be thinking, "But petroleum jelly is so greasy! Won't it clog my pores and cause breakouts?" 🤯 Fear not!
According to dermatologists, petroleum jelly is non-comedogenic, which means it won't clog your pores. And, because you're only using it at night and washing it off in the morning, it shouldn't cause any problems.
How To Incorporate Slugging Into Your Nighttime Routine
So, are you ready to give slugging a try? Here are some tips to help you incorporate it into your nighttime skincare routine:
Cleanse first: Before you start slugging, it's essential to make sure your face is clean and free of makeup and dirt. Use your regular cleanser to wash your face, then pat it dry.
Apply a thin layer of serum and/or moisturizer: Before applying the petroleum jelly, putting on a thin layer of your regular serum or moisturizer is a good idea. This will help the jelly spread more easily and provide an extra hydration boost.
Use good-quality petroleum jelly: Not all petroleum jellies are created equal! Look for one that is pure and has no added fragrances or dyes. Vaseline is a popular choice, but other options are also available.
Slugging Time: Don't be shy about applying the petroleum jelly! Use a generous amount to cover your entire face (including your eyelids and lips).
Sleep on your back: Try and sleep on your back to avoid rubbing the jelly off your face during the night. This will also help prevent wrinkles caused by sleeping on your face.
Wash it off in the morning: When you wake up, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and warm water. You'll be left with soft, hydrated, and plump skin.
Follow up with sunscreen: Remember to apply sunscreen in the morning, as petroleum jelly does not have any SPF.
What Products Can or Should Be Used In Slugging?
Petroleum Jelly-based Product: When it comes to products to use for slugging, the most important one is high-quality petroleum jelly. Vaseline is a popular option, but other brands also offer pure, unscented petroleum jelly.
Other occlusives are:
Lanolin
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Beeswax
Olive oil
Avocado oil
Remember that slugging is simply sealing the skin barrier as best you can with any occlusive substance. This can be any butter-thick night cream or silky oil of your choice.
PRO TIP: It's important to choose products that are non-comedogenic and suitable for your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, look for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products.
It's also worth noting that even though petroleum jelly is gentle, it's not recommended for those who are allergic to mineral oil. It's always important to patch-test any product before applying it to your face and discontinue use if any adverse reaction occurs.
What Results Should I Expect With This Method?
Hey girl, so you've decided to give slugging a try, huh? 💁♀️ Good for you! But what can you expect in terms of results?
Well, first and foremost, you should expect to wake up with skin that feels soft, hydrated, and plump. 🤩
The petroleum jelly (aka petrolatum for short) creates a barrier on your skin that locks in moisture overnight, preventing it from evaporating into the air. This means that all that hydration you're applying before bed is actually staying on your skin rather than being sucked away by the dry, winter air.
Petrolatum is what's known as an "occlusive." That means it sits on top of the skin and doesn't let anything in or out. So during winter, Vaseline or other petroleum jelly products can help keep the hydration in your skin and protect it from dryness in the environment.
Over time, you may notice an improvement in the overall texture and appearance of your skin. You'll likely see a reduction in flakiness and dryness, and an overall more youthful-looking complexion.
Petrolatum can also be very healing. It helps heal dry skin, damaged skin, irritated skin, aging skin, and eczema.
Finally, slugging is an excellent method to get the most out of your skincare routine, especially if you're spending money on high-quality serums, toners, and other products.
Occlusives allow skin care components like vitamin C serum, antioxidants, peptides, niacinamide, and others to act more effectively, giving you brighter, younger-looking skin.
However, remember that everyone's skin is different, so results can vary. Some people may see dramatic results immediately, while others may take a bit longer to see improvement.
Wrapping It Up
And there you have it! All the deets on how to beat winter dry skin with slugging! 🌟 We hope this post has given you the inspiration and information you need to give it a try.
Remember, consistency and patience are key to success, so don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. And don't forget to include other vital steps in your skincare routine, like cleansing, exfoliating, and sunscreen.
It may take a few nights to get used to the feeling of sleeping with a thick layer of jelly on your face, but trust us, it's worth it!
Your skin will thank you in the morning with a noticeable improvement in hydration and overall texture. Give slugging a try, and let us know how it works! 😊
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