Slugging is a skincare technique that uses a layer of petroleum jelly on the skin to improve skin hydration and protection.
The most diverse trends constantly appear on the internet, be it fashion, beauty, lifestyle and also skincare. O Slugging It’s one of those new trends that has been trending on social media, especially on TikTok. This technique has promised miracles for those with dry or hungover skin.
The term is derived from the word “slug”, which in Portuguese is slug. Therefore, Slugging’s principle is to apply a petrolatum-based ointment or jelly, that is, Vaseline, to the skin overnight. This leaves the skin with a sticky appearance. Yes, as if a slug had passed through your skin. The aim of this is to shield the skin, protecting it against external aggressors and increasing the absorption of products previously applied.
Therefore, for skincare enthusiasts, the use of petroleum jelly, due to its occlusive function, helps maintain skin hydration, as well as reducing water loss. However, despite being super popular, Slugging is still a controversial topic, many dermatologists approve of the technique, others raise the risks of using substances with pretolate. Next, we will better understand what Slugging is and
What is Slugging?
Slugging is a skincare technique based on a care routine originating in South Korea, called K-Beauty, of which we even have a complete article on the website. It is based on the use of cosmetic products with a gooey texture, similar to that secreted by slugs, to enhance skin hydration, creating a gelatinous mask on the dermis.
So, as peculiar as this may sound, the idea of using Vaseline masks and sleeping in them has become very popular in recent times. If you search for the term on TikTok you will find thousands of results and people using and recommending the technique, which at first seems truly miraculous.
In this case, Vaseline, which is the commercial name for petroleum jelly, is applied to the skin at the end of traditional skincare, that is, after cleansing, hydration and serum. For those who don’t know, Vaseline is part of substances called “barrier agents”, whose function is to create a film on the skin, in order to prevent water loss.
Therefore, Vaseline can be a powerful protector for the skin, as it keeps it isolated and protected against external agents, in addition to increasing skin hydration. Furthermore, due to its antimicrobial action, it can also improve skin repair.
Who is Slugging recommended for?
We have already said that Slugging is not for everyone. In general, this technique is only recommended for those who have very dry or dry skin, as well as areas of the body that suffer more from dryness, such as knees and elbows.
In the case of those who have naturally oily and acne-prone skin, rosacea should stay away from Slugging. This is due to its occlusive power, which can lead to the accumulation of oil in the pores, which can make acne even worse.
Now, in more specific cases, such as, for example, Skin that has undergone procedures such as laser, microneedling or peelings is also not recommended. Since the skin needs to maintain balance to recover completely. So, don’t apply Vaseline after any of these procedures.
Furthermore, another point to take into consideration is the use of products such as acids. Such as glycolic or salicylic, as well as retinol before doing the technique. This is because the effects of these products can increase the chances of skin irritation when using Vaseline.
How to make?
In practice, there isn’t much of a secret to incorporating Slugging into your skincare routine. As previously stated, this is the last step of your care routine. So, after cleaning your skin with suitable products, going through the hydration and serum stage, it’s time to apply Vaseline.
But don’t worry, if you feel agony just thinking about your skin being all messy, don’t worry. You don’t need to exaggerate the amount of product applied to the skin. According to Charlotte Palermino, who is a cosmetologist and one of those responsible for popularizing Slugging, you don’t need more than a pea of product to cover your entire face.
According to the Steal The Look website, The ideal Slugging as Charlotte explained is after getting out of the shower, with your skin still damp. First, apply your usual moisturizer to your body and face. Then, after a few minutes for the moisturizer to be absorbed, apply the Vaseline to the areas you feel necessary, such as elbows, knees, hands and of course, your face.
Alternative compounds
Now, if you don’t want to use substances with petrolatum, but still use moisturizing active ingredients on dry skin, there are some less aggressive components derived from vegetable oils.
The first is squalene or squalane, which is a compound that is also capable of restoring the skin’s moisture and protection barrier, and has no animal origin. Hyaluronic acid is another compound, which is a favorite in skin care. It improves the appearance and texture of the skin, while leaving the skin with incredible luminosity and shine. In addition to softening expression lines.
And last but not least, Panthenol. This is a great moisturizer and healing agent, very effective for dry skin care, as it soothes and hydrates just the right amount.
It’s safe?
So, that’s the biggest question about Slugging. It is a controversial technique, while some experts approve and recommend Slugging, others point out relevant considerations regarding its safety.
“The problem is that what has been recommended is the use of petroleum jelly: a petroleum derivative, that is, petrolatum of mineral origin. This type of agent tends to be comedogenic, especially in oily skin, and can worsen some processes such as acne, seborrheic dermatitis and even allergic dermatitis.”explains dermatologist Patrícia Nakahodo, to the website Beleza na Web.
But according to the United States cosmetics regulatory body, the FDA, this active ingredient is completely safe. In fact, it is one of the oldest cosmetic components ever recorded.
Anyway, if you still want something more natural to use on your skin, dermatologists recommend doing Slugging using coconut oil, which provides an effect similar to that of Vaseline.
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Sources: Steal The Look Elle Beleza na Web Marie Claire
