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.”
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
