What is Skincare Slugging and Why Should I Try it?

Maybe you’ve seen the latest TikTok skincare trend but you’re still not really sure why people are slathering their faces with jelly? We’re here to help. What is slugging and why are people going crazy over it? Keep reading to find out why this trend is hot and how KubWipes can help you try this latest beauty trend for hydrated, plump and dewy-looking skin.

What is slugging?

Don’t worry it has nothing to do with actual slugs! Slugging is the act of putting an occlusive, or barrier-creating product like petroleum jelly, on your face at the end of your skincare routine to seal in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss (a scary sounding word that just means moisture and water evaporating from your body through your skin). The petroleum jelly acts as a physical barrier barring any evaporation which makes your humectants (or moisturizing products) work harder and longer in your skin. Basically your skin should look like a glazed donut, or like a slug just slimed its way all over it when you’re finished. (I don’t know about you but we definitely prefer the glazed donut analogy). But before you start slugging away, here are some things to keep in mind. 

When should I slug?

Slugging should only be done on freshly cleansed skin and preferably at night. It’s great to do in winter months when skin tends to be dryer, flakier, and less hydrated than in summer months. 

When shouldn’t I slug?

If you have very oily skin or an active acne breakout you shouldn’t try slugging. Because the occlusives used for slugging create a physical barrier on your skin, it’s easy for oil dead skin cells and bacteria to get trapped in your pores and become inflamed making your breakout even worse.

How do I add slugging to my routine?

We’ve put together a simple routine so you can try slugging tonight with products you already have at home!

1. Remove makeup.

Make sure to remove every last trace of makeup so nothing can get trapped in your pores and cause a breakout. The best way to do that is to take a corner of a KubWipes 100% Cotton Dry Wipe, wet it with micelar water, and wipe it all over your skin to remove makeup. For tricky areas like your eyes, press gently and hold the wet wipe on the area for a few seconds letting the micelar water dissolve the oils in your makeup to easily swipe away with your cotton wipe.

2. Cleanse skin thoroughly.   

Take that same wipe you used to remove your makeup, rinse it with water and wring it out. Then add a small amount of your facial cleanser and working in small circles, gently scrub away any dirt or leftover makeup from your skin. The ultrasoft quilting of KubWipes 100% Cotton Dry Wipes helps scrub away all leftover makeup and impurities without damaging the skin.

3. Apply serums + moisturizer.

Remember the petroleum jelly itself isn’t what hydrates your skin, it’s the products you apply BEFORE the occlusive petroleum jelly, so make sure to choose products wisely. You shouldn’t apply any harsh AHA’s, BHA’s or any retinols before slugging as the physical barrier created by the occlusive could enhance those products to a level not recommended by the original formula. It’s best to stick with hydrating serums and moisturizers that include ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides.

4. Apply “slug” or occlusive.

The best occlusive and the one most people already have at home is petroleum jelly. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that petroleum jelly has various benefits for your skin including helping relieve dry, itchy or injured skin, is safe on all skin types and works well for the purpose of slugging. Now, unlike the crazy TikTok videos you may have seen, you do not have to load your face with half the jar. Add a small amount to your clean hands and rub together until the jelly is warm and melted then press into your skin all over. When your skin is covered you should look like a shiny, glazed donut, and voila, that’s it! Wait a few minutes before jumping into bed so you don’t smear all over your pillowcase then go to sleep and dream about the beautiful skin you’re going to wake up to. 

When you wake up the morning after, your skin should feel plump, hydrated, and bouncy. Any leftover petroleum jelly on your skin should be removed with a fresh, clean 100% cotton dry wipe to avoid staining towels with goopy petroleum jelly and ensure that your skin only receives the cleanest and best treatment! 

We hope you give slugging a try, and if you do, tag us on social media so we can see how it worked out for you! For more skin care tips, subscribe to our newsletter so you can stay up to date on all our latest blogs, news, discounts and promotions!