If you’re a skincare TikTok user like us (we admit, we’ve tried chlorophyll water), you’ve probably noticed the word “slugging” a lot in your five-year plan lately.
While the term may not sound very appetizing, users (including Martha Stewart) say slugging has been a huge boon to their dry, aging skin. Some even swear by the practice as a cure for eczema.
As with any skincare trend, just because a particular ingredient or product is popular doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for your complexion. But is it worth fighting?
We asked nationally recognized dermatologists Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, and Nancy Samulitis, MD, PhD, for comment on this trend. Read her thoughts below.
What is slugging? Slugging is a Korean beauty skincare routine that’s been gaining popularity on Reddit and more recently TikTok, though Dr. Samolitis has been doing it for over 100 years. The name literally means sticky
In practice — like a snail.
The steps are simple: After using the last batch of products in your skincare routine, apply a thin layer of an occlusive moisturizer, such as B. Sweet Soothing Overnight Barrier, in the afternoon. before bed (we’ll explain these terms in more detail later).
Most commonly, users apply petroleum jelly, which can be found in drugstore brands like Vaseline, but it’s not limited to them. What do occlusive and emollient mean?
Similar to moisturizers, you may have seen the terms “occlusive” and “emollient” used on beauty blogs and in skincare descriptions, and they usually refer to moisturizers or facial oils.
Technically, occlusive means “closed.” In medicine, it refers to a bandage that keeps air from getting into an open wound. It’s a good approach from a skincare perspective, too. Occlusive ingredients form a barrier
acting on the surface of the skin to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEW), essentially stopping dehydration.
Emollients soften the skin, which is why many dry skin ingredients are described this way. Emollients are waxy, oily substances that include fatty acids, shea butter, coconut oil, and petrolatum.
Occlusives and emollients go hand in hand; together they help keep the skin’s moisture barrier smooth, soft, and strong, allowing it to better defend against external influences like pollution and harsh climates that can lead to dry skin, premature aging, inflammation, and more. ).
Benefits of occlusives and how to occlusives. Using an occlusive and moisturizer before bed sounds like a win-win. According to Dr. Chacon, occlusives do just that. “Occlusives are particularly helpful because they help prevent moisture loss and prevent moisture loss from the skin.
Examples of when occlusives can be used include dry skin, dehydrated/dry skin, eczematous dermatitis, and post-treatments like laser treatments and peels.” Since occlusives keep our moisture barrier healthy, it also has benefits because it can reduce the appearance of fine lines, along with a crepey texture that slows down.
You can use this powerful product on its own as the last step in your daily skincare routine, or on its own or after your moisturizer, depending on your preference. While many people turn to petroleum jelly for its affordability (despite its greasy nature) and despite being non-comedogenic and skin-friendly when properly refined), it has its drawbacks.
Vaseline is thick, sticky, and uncomfortable. It’s also more likely to leave stains on your pillowcase, making it hard to remove. Fortunately, you’re not limited to that. Ingredients like squalene (found in our rich moisturizers) have emollient and occlusive properties, so they can also be used for weight loss. No stains, of course.
Should I swallow if I have oily or acne-prone skin? We don’t blame swallowing behavior on oily or acne-prone skin—putting oily goo on your face doesn’t seem like the best solution to pore problems.
But just like the misconception that oily skin shouldn’t moisturize, these issues can also benefit from occlusive and emollient ingredients—as long as they’re just right. It even “helps” when applying stronger acne treatments, such as retinoids, isotretinoin, etc.,” Dr. Chacon adds.
Using skin-loving ingredients like marula oil (another occlusive emollient) is safe for all skin types when used in a balanced formula. You can find it in our Antioxidant Oil Serum, an acne treatment that leaves skin soft, hydrated, and radiant.
Dr. Chacon reminds us that everyone has different skin, but she and Dr. Chacon avoid applying petroleum jelly directly to acne-prone or oily skin. “People who are acne-prone will definitely experience clogged pores more often if they do that.
Instead of coming off the surface, oil and dead skin cells get trapped underneath this barrier,” says Samolitis. “Also, if you use an active ingredient like retinol and cover it with petroleum jelly, you may experience more side effects, such as dryness and peeling, because retinol is more penetrating.” ”
Another approach is to apply a spot treatment to dry areas. This is useful for combination skin and skin that is prone to redness and dry patches. Dr. Samolitis’ top tip, however, is that it’s easy to incorporate barrier repair into your existing skincare routine. “I recommend not building a barrier on your skin, but rather maximizing the health of your own skin barrier! You can do this by avoiding over-exfoliation with too much product or scrubbing. Use a moisturizer that contains ceramides. These ingredients act like glue, helping to stick skin cells together and naturally seal the barrier.”
