Slugging: What it is and how to do it?

Some people are more prone than others to dry skin. And not all skins are created equal so we need options to find what will serve us and get us to the results we are after. For this reason, we are always on the lookout for different techniques that reduce, relieve, or get rid of dry skin for good. 

One of our latest findings is a simple yet effective technique that seems to be a game-changer for many. We are talking about slugging, a skincare process that has been around for a long while but it comes and goes in the mainstream world of skincare. 

 

 

Like any other technique we get ahold of, we need to know a few different things before we dive headfirst into it. So if you haven’t heard much about slugging before this is a good place to get started and explore the ins and outs. 

 

So first thing first, what is slugging?

Slugging, despite having quite an unusual and rather uninviting name, is actually an incredibly simple skin care technique. It has been used by Koreans and other cultures for decades. And it has now made its way around the world and become a big trend due to so many people reaping the benefits it has to offer. 

In a nutshell, slugging is the process of creating a barrier over your skin to help trap moisture overnight and keep it hydrated. Dry or flaky skin can be a consequence of the skin losing moisture. And it is very common to lose a lot of this precious moisture while we sleep. 

 

 

With slugging, we create a barrier over the skin to get us through the night. We do this by covering the face or a specific area of dry skin with heavy cream or an occlusive product. This will definitely make your skin look bright and shiny, like a slug, hence the name. But you do get to wash it off in the morning before you have to go out and face the world.

 

The How-to

Slugging might be one of the easiest skincare techniques ever. However, there are a few things to consider to make sure you get the best results. 

 

 

The emollients used for slugging don’t moisturize the skin. Their purpose is to trap in the moisture that is already on your skin. So, it is important that you follow your normal skin routine so your skin is moisturized. We want to make sure your skin is getting everything you already know it needs before getting started with the actual slugging process. Slugging should be added to your skincare routine and not used as a substitute. 

So here are the 4 simple steps you need to follow to get the best results possible:

1. Cleanse

First of all, we need to start with a clean slate. Don’t skip washing your face for any reason. We don’t want to have any dirt or whatever builds up throughout the day trapped under the barrier that we are creating. 

 

 

2. Moisturize

The second thing to consider is moisturizer. The products used for slugging don’t necessarily moisturize the skin. Their purpose is to trap moisture and prevent TEWL (transepidermal water loss) which will keep the skin hydrated. Therefore, it is important that you apply your usual moisturizer or hydrating serum prior to applying the slugging product. 

 

 

3. Slug!

Now the slugging! Add a thin layer of natural ointment to your face and let it sit overnight. You can slather your whole face or only the areas where is dry. If your skin tends to get extra oily in certain areas, avoid them. 

 

 

4. Wash it off

Lastly, after you wake up make sure you rinse the product off your face with lukewarm water. Be gentle and make sure you get it all off so you can carry on with your day as usual. 

 

 

As you can see, the simplicity of this technique paired with the amazing results is what makes it a favorite among the crowds. 

 

Benefits of Slugging

The results vary from person to person but what we’ve seen in most cases is a great improvement for dry skin. The skin feels soft and velvety after you’ve rinsed the ointment off and the effect will last all day. 

In the long run, people with dry skin who have done slugging consistently agree that their skin is much softer and less flaky in the areas where they applied the treatment. It keeps the skin hydrated, looking younger, plump, and glowing. 

 

 

What to use for slugging

To get all the benefits from slugging we need to use the right product. We want to make sure the moisture is well trapped on top of our skin throughout the entire time we are sleeping. So, the main thing is to have a thick ointment that can endure the night.

One of the most commonly used products is petroleum jelly, which is thick. However, is derived from petroleum, a by-product of petroleum refining. Unfortunately, a lot of brands out in the market often use not fully refined petrolatum. This means it comes with a whole bunch of toxic chemicals that may cause all sorts of harm, from a skin rash to potential cancer. 

 

 

We don’t want any of those chemicals near us, let alone our skin and our faces. Therefore we recommend using naturally derived products, things that are more gentle with our skin and that being exposed to them won’t cause harm in the short and long term.

Our favorite product for slugging and what we have found that works like a charm is the Waxelene Multi-Purpose Ointment. This beautiful silky smooth natural ointment is certified organic, petroleum-free, and hypoallergenic.

 

 

Waxelene’s Multi-Purpose Ointment is made with beeswax, soy oil, rosemary oil, and natural Vitamin E oil. This powerful combination creates the perfect texture. You can easily spread it all over your skin to create the protective layer that we are after. 

Aside from being a great slugging ally, it has many other incredible beneficial properties. You will want to have it in your bathroom cabinet, especially if you have dry skin. It’s a great moisturizer, and is good for chapped lips, aftershave, make-up remover, and diaper rashes, among many more.

 

 

As a final note, we cannot recommend enough to always start small when it comes to skincare. Even when using natural products such as the Waxelene Multi-Purpose Ointment. We start with a small area just to test things out and then we can go big and do a full-face slugging session. 

This is an ancient skin care routine that has made an incredible comeback time and time again for all the right reasons. Minimum effort and maximum result!