5 Things to Know About Slugging
Slugging is taking social media, especially Tik Tok, by storm. It’s the big buzz word in the industry right now, but guess what? Slugging has been around for a LONG time! If you’ve been a client of mine for a while, it’s likely we’ve already talked about it and you may even be doing it.
What is Slugging?
In case we haven’t talked about it, you’re probably wondering what is Slugging? Slugging is a k-beauty trend that involves applying petroleum jelly aka Vaseline to your face to help protect and heal your skin. This is typically done at night alongside your nighttime skin care routine with the idea that this added layer of protection will help prevent water loss and help heal irritated skin while you sleep.
5 Things You Need to Know About Slugging
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You do not need to slather on a bunch of any product.
The viral videos that are taking over social media show users slathering a ton of product all over their faces. You don’t need to do this. You’re just wasting your money, plus all that product won’t be absorbed and you’re going to wake up with your pillow stuck to your face!
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It’s not necessary to do this daily.
It is not necessary to do this every day. I recommend it only when necessary, which means you should consider Slugging if you’re going:
- Skiing/Snowboarding
- Hiking
- Swimming in a chlorinated pool
- Outside in the cold or wind
If you’re going to use Slugging to protect your skin from environmental exposures like these, you should do your morning routine as instructed, including sunscreen, then add a thin layer of petroleum jelly.
You could also incorporate Slugging into your routine if you’re experiencing irritation from products or you’re prone to skin sensitivities, like dermatitis, rosacea, dryness or acne.
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You don’t need fancy products for Slugging
If you’ve been in to see me, you know that I am a huge proponent of using high quality skin care products, however, when it comes to Slugging, I always recommend using good old fashion Vaseline. It’s inexpensive, it’s occlusive to the skin and it’s non-pore clogging so it’s safe for all skin types. If you see influencers on social media suggesting other options they are most likely trying to sell you something you don’t need.
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Slugging may not be for everyone.
If you have a healthy skin barrier, you may not need to do this. Also, while it’s generally safe for all skin types and won’t HARM your skin, that doesn’t mean it will definitely IMPROVE your skin. If your skin is oily and you’re already struggling with black heads or blemishes, Slugging may exacerbate the problem.
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Slugging is like any other social media trend.
Social media is a blessing and a curse for the skin care industry. On one hand, social media helps educate consumers on their options. On the other hand, social media is very good at positioning things to make it seem like skin care trends are a one size fits all solution. When it comes to skin treatments, you should always consult a professional before starting anything new. If you’re experiencing a skin sensitivity due to products you’re using that you got in my studio, please contact me and I will help you figure out necessary product adjustments. If you just want to try Slugging to hop on the latest trend, then follow the tips I mentioned above.
The bottom line is, Slugging is nothing new. It’s been around for a long time and it can be very effective when it is used as it should be. If you have questions about it, please don’t hesitate to ask, that’s what I’m here for!
