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What is Slugging?
Tori Douglas
Global Digital
2 min read
Give this K-beauty skincare technique a go.
In search of a powerful skincare technique that’ll leave your skin feeling hydrated and revitalized? Slugging is the latest K-beauty trend that promises glass skin overnight–literally. This simple technique involves coating your skin with an occlusive–such as a thick layer of petroleum jelly–to provide a protective barrier against water loss. It's a low-cost and gentle way to get glowing, hydrated skin.
This popular skincare technique involves applying a thick layer of occlusive moisturizer to your face before bedtime to lock in moisture and prevent water loss. It’s known to help increase hydration levels and promote a stronger skin barrier. The term "slug" comes from the slimy texture that the thick layer of product creates on the skin. Gross? Yes. Worth it? Maybe. Possible benefits include:
Now that we know what it is, let's talk about how to add it to your skincare routine.
There are three main skin hydrators: occlusives, humectants, and emollients. Occlusives, the main hydrators used in slugging, create a barrier on your skin to prevent moisture from escaping. These include ingredients like petroleum, lanolin, and mineral oil. Humectants, on the other hand, attract moisture from the environment and hold it in your skin. They can be found in everything from toners to serums, moisturizers, and face masks. Finally, emollients help to smooth and soften your skin. They are typically found in creams and lotions and can help to improve the overall texture of your skin. When preparing to slug, look for products that contain occlusive ingredients like petrolatum, shea butter, or ceramides. These ingredients create a physical barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss.
Ceramides are occlusive lipids that replenish the fat content in the skin's natural barrier and seal in moisture. Our Black Tea Anti-Aging Ceramide Moisturizer is a high-performance anti-aging cream powered by BT MatrixTM, a naturally derived retinol-like blend* that’s that’s scientifcally proven to visibly smooth wrinkles, firm, and boost radiance.
If your lips are in need of some serious hydration, lather on Sugar Recovery Lip Mask Advanced Therapy before bed to infuse them with shea butter, berry wax, and hyaluronic acid filling spheres. This dermatologist-tested lip treatment restores and conditions lips overnight for a smooth, plump look by morning.
Shea butter is a multi-tasking occlusive that smoothes skin texture while locking in moisture, and vitamin E is the ideal occlusive for dry skin. Using both ingredients, our Lotus Antioxidant Night Moisturizer recovers and resets the skin while minimizing signs of aging for more rested, youthful look by morning.
This technique is especially beneficial for those with dry or dehydrated skin as it delivers intense hydration, leaving it looking plump and glowing in the morning.
Slugging is best done at night, before bedtime, as it allows the moisturizer to work its magic while you sleep. For best results, slug one to three times per week, depending on the condition of your skin.
Slugging is meant to seal in moisture, and if you choose the right products for your skin type and use them correctly, it shouldn't clog your pores. Even so, it's important to pay attention to how your skin reacts to this technique and adjust the frequency accordingly.
Avoid using any exfoliants or active ingredients like retinol, AHAs, or BHAs before slugging as it can trap these potent ingredients, force them deeper into your skin and cause irritation.
If the idea of slathering your face in petroleum jelly gives you the ick, don't worry. You can still achieve a gorgeous, glowing complexion–and without staining your pillowcase. Instead, reach for our Rose Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask for supple, dewy skin overnight, or our Crème Ancienne White Truffle Overnight Mask for a visibly firm, radiant look by morning. Alternatively, you may want to give skin flooding a try. Whatever your skin type or concern, there's a fresh product just for you.
*ex vivo studies on BT Matrix™ ingredients; this product does not contain retinol
Written by Tori Douglas for Fresh. Tori is a NYC-based digital and brand strategist. Tori has worked for various publications and brands such as Kiehl's, The Body Shop, Deux Hommes Magazine, and Elite Daily with her expertise lying in the fashion & beauty space.