What Is Slugging and Why You Should Try It

During your daily scrolls through TikTok, you've probably encountered one of the app's viral beauty hacks. From plunging your face into ice to reduce puffiness to adding chlorophyll to water to treat acne, TikTok boasts tons of skincare hacks. But unfortunately, the majority of these beauty trends lack scientific backing. For this reason, TikTok beauty trends rarely hold merit with skincare experts, including aestheticians and dermatologists.

Although skincare trends can be challenging to navigate, most aestheticians and dermatologists agree slugging is worth the hype! Everyone is after a baby-smooth skin, and if that's the promise of slugging, who won't do it? No wonder #slugging has more than 450 million views on TikTok. But what does this beauty trend entail?

What Does Slugging Do?

Slugging is the trendy term for slathering your face with a heavy-duty occlusive, a skincare agent that provides a protective seal over the skin and locks in hydration like petroleum jelly before going to bed. Since it is the last step of a nighttime skincare routine, this practice leaves your face slimy (like the slug mucus), giving rise to the term slugging.

While slugging is new, the practice has been around for generations. For example, many women have used Vaseline for skin care for decades. And in the 15th century, Seneca Native American tribe members used petroleum on animal and human skins to keep skin moist while treating wounds.

Slugging keeps the skin young and smooth by locking in moisture and the other products used during your evening skincare routine. The seal allows your skin to repair itself and regenerate. Although it can be messy, the result is worth it.

How Often Should You Slug?

Your skin is unique. So the first rule of skincare is paying attention to your peculiar skin health needs. The frequency of slugging depends on the nature of your skin. For those with dry skin, daily slugging might be necessary. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, you might slug less frequently or not at all. While petroleum is non-comedogenic, slugging can worsen active breakouts for those with acne-prone skins.

How to Slug Properly

Thoroughly clean and exfoliate your face before applying the nighttime skincare products. With clogged pores and retained makeup, slugging can precipitate an outbreak of acne or skin infection as the particles get trapped under the jelly.

After cleansing and exfoliation, apply humectant-based products such as glycerin and hyaluronic to the damp skin. Using the products 30 minutes before bed allows the products to seep into the skin and moisturize your skin. Next, slather your face with the occlusive. To protect your pillowcase, place a towel over the case and keep your hair up.

Best Products for Slugging

Now you know how slugging works, but what products will give you the best results? Vaseline has been used over the years and remains an effective skin occlusive.

Want the benefits of slugging without the mess? Try EMK's Face Treatment. This at-home anti-aging balm works hard overnight to make your skin feel smoother, firmer, and more toned as it dramatically softens the look of lines and wrinkles.