Slugging is another beauty trend that's become a popular skincare hack on many social media sites. Just because beauty influencers with a ton of followers show you how to do a new beauty technique doesn't mean it's sanctioned by board-certified dermatologists. Luckily, this “TikTok made me try it" skincare technique can be great for dry skin.
So, what is slugging in skincare? Do experts recommend this moisturizing skincare trend? And what does it have to do with slugs?
What is slugging?
What does slugging mean?
At Clinique, we're all about taking care of your skin by protecting it and strengthening the moisture barrier. And we want you to wake up with healthy, hydrated skin thanks to an evening moisturizer routine.
However, the products you use to replenish skin should be carefully considered. Some people think slugging requires petroleum (or other products with petrolatum) to the skin to seal the skin barrier off and prevent moisture from evaporating from the skin while you sleep.
While this might have hydrating skin benefits for some, this ingredient isn't necessarily suitable for all skincare types—especially those with oily skin that's prone to clogged pore and acne.
The benefits of slugging
Slugging can be an effective solution for anyone curious about how to fix dry skin, promising to enhance the benefits of your regular moisturizer and overall dry skincare routine.
Dry skin happens when the surface of the skin lacks adequate oil and water production. That, combined with a breakdown in the moisture barrier, can interfere with your dermis' ability to maintain proper hydration levels. In fact, our skin's moisture barrier is more permeable at night, which can allow more trans-epidermal water loss — exactly what slugging is designed to minimize. When the skin barrier is sealed off with a moisturizer, it's better able to heal and repair overnight.
That's where slugging comes in. Slugging benefits include:
Strengthening the skin's moisture barrier
Help restore hydration to the skin
Prevent the acceleration of premature aging and more noticeable lines and wrinkles
Replenish the balance or oil and water at the surface
How to use slugging in a skincare routine
You may have dry skin for a number of reasons — genetics, environmental causes (like dry heat, extreme weather), air travel, overuse of harsh skincare products — or, it could be because you don't have a skin moisturizing practice. All the better reason to strengthen the skin's moisture barrier and lock in hydration that the body loses over the course of the day.
After you wash your face at night, it's important to seal in moisture right away. If you wait to apply moisturizer until the next morning, your skin may get even drier overnight.
At Clinique, our skincare experts' take on face slugging is that they recommend daily hydration that strengthens the moisture barrier to build healthier, better skin. It's also important to prevent dehydration, rehydrate skin, and repair it as soon as you notice the barrier has become compromised.
What does a compromised skin barrier look and/or feel like?
Tight skin or taut skin
Dry skin
Dehydrated skin
Redness
Flaking
Irritated skin
Increased sensitivity
And if the above symptoms of dry, irritated skin don't seem to bother you, know that dryness and dehydration can accelerate premature aging and make existing lines look more noticeable.
Now that we have your attention...
Our best products and routine for slugging
Step 1: After cleansing at night, apply our Moisture Surge™ Hydro-Infused Lotion. It not only provides fast-acting moisture, it also improves our skin's ability to hold it, thanks to hyaluronic acid (which helps draw in moisture) and aloe bioferment (which helps your body retain it).
And now is when the magic happens: Coating your skin with a slugging product can help replenish the skin barrier overnight.
Step 2: Apply Moisture Surge™ Overnight Mask (our petrolatum-free take on a slugging product) in an even layer all over the face and neck while skin is still damp from the Hydro-Infusion Lotion. Massage the mask into skin, giving yourself a little TLC and a self-care moment while you prioritize skin health.
This hard-working overnight rich cream contains hydrating panthenol (a.k.a. vitamin B5) to help support skin's barrier and lock in moisture. It results in soft, dewy, glowing skin. The best part? It's recommended for all skin types, it non-acnegenic, and oil free. So even those with oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin can reap the benefits of slugging when they use this product.
Skin slugging frequently asked questions
Strengthening the moisture barrier benefits the skin by minimizing the trans-epidermal water loss that happens naturally as part of the body process. Applying a moisturizer helps keep the skin barrier intact. All Clinique moisturizers are formulated to strengthen the skin's moisture barrier and replenish hydration and moisture.