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In the midst of viral #SkinTok trends and flashy skincare hacks endorsed by influencers, separating the gimmicks from the game-changers can be a challenge. It’s enough to make anyone dizzy. But amid this cacophony emerges ‘slugging,’ a technique that sounds suspiciously oozy but is endorsed by professionals the world over, including the local skincare fundis at Skin Renewal.

With a staggering 190 million views, ‘#slugging’ has captured attention via social media with advocating for a straightforward practice: applying petroleum jelly to the face before bedtime.

Most of us associate petroleum jelly with childhood memories, myself included, and not as something that you’d bring into your ‘grown-up’ skin routine. Colour me pleasantly surprised as skincare enthusiasts assert that reverting to this nostalgic remedy, specifically in the final step of your nighttime routine, can yield gorgeous results.

The technique entails sealing in moisture and prior skincare products with petroleum jelly, generating a slippery film akin to (you guessed it) a slug’s trail, thus earning the moniker ‘slugging.’ No slugs involved though, phew.

With celebrities like Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, Lucy Liu, and Jessica Simpson singing praises of pre-bed slugging, it’s no surprise this clever method lives up to its hype.

Say Hello To Deep Hydration And Goodbye To Dry Skin

For those wrestling with dry skin, slugging could very well be the solution. This technique ensures superior hydration and water retention, imparting a fresh morning glow while preserving a youthful, elastic complexion.

Among its many merits, slugging garners praise for bolstering the skin’s barrier function, a trait that has earned it TikTok fame. By restoring the skin’s barrier and curbing water loss, slugging not only protects your skin, but also optimises the absorption of serums and moisturisers.

Surprisingly, this trend doesn’t dent your wallet – a rarity in the world of skincare. A modest price tag plus proven results? Count me in.

Will Slugging Be Compatible With My Skin?

As with any skincare regimen, the golden rule is to heed your skin’s cues. While individuals with dry skin are well-suited for daily slugging, those with oily skin should approach with caution, as slugging might exacerbate breakouts induced by oily skin.

Concerns about pore-clogging notwithstanding, slugging’s effect hinges on the products applied before the occlusive layer. The serum and moisturiser choice you make plays a pivotal role; using an oil-based serum or a potentially comedogenic product could exacerbate clogged pores.

Finding The Balance With Your Other Skincare Products & Slugging

Harmonising slugging with other skincare products requires strategic planning. Active ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and retinoids should be avoided when slugging, as their potent interactions under occlusion could trigger unforeseen skin responses.

For optimal results, slugging pairs harmoniously with hydrating ingredients. While slugging itself doesn’t infuse moisture into the skin, it fortifies the moisturising products already applied, safeguarding their benefits.

Let’s Get Slugged-Up!

Ready to embark on the slugging journey? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Begin with a clean face before applying products.
2. Use moisture-rich products on damp skin.
3. Follow your regular skincare routine – cleanse, treat, moisturize – then add the slugging product (occlusive).

Preparation is vital to get your slug on. Wrap up your skincare routine, including the slugging part, at least 30 minutes before sleep to enable thorough product absorption. A towel atop your pillowcase and a sleep hat or headband will also help you achieve optimal slugging conditions.

As winter tightens its grip, slugging might just be your secret weapon against dry, flaky, and itchy skin.

[source:renewalinstitute]