Slugging Skincare Routine: what is it and how to do it in 2024

Introduction

Have you heard of the “slugging skincare routine“? It’s a popular K-Beauty trend that’s been going viral lately, promising ultra-hydrated and glowy skin overnight.

The slugging routine may sound a bit strange at first, but it’s actually a super simple way to lock in moisture and nourish your skin while you sleep. By applying a thick, occlusive product as the last step in your nighttime skincare routine, you create a barrier that seals in all the other hydrating creams and serums.

This Korean method originated from the desire to wake up with plump, dewy skin. By preventing water loss overnight, it helps replenish dry, dull complexions and gives you soft, supple skin in the morning.

While the slugging skincare routine has been a K-Beauty secret for years, it’s recently gained a lot of buzz on social media. Many skincare enthusiasts and beauty gurus are raving about the hydrating powers of slugging for achieving a healthy, moisturized glow.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain exactly what this skincare routine is, how to do the routine properly, and address any concerns you may have. We’ll also share our top product picks to help you get started on this simple yet effective K-Beauty skincare trend.

What Is Slugging Routine in Skincare?

The trend gets its name from the thick, slimy appearance the products can leave on your skin – similar to a slug’s trail! But don’t let that visual put you off, because this routine is all about intense nourishment.

Slugging refers to applying a generous amount of an occlusive, petroleum-based product as the final step in your evening skincare routine. These thick ointments and balms create a protective seal over your face to lock in all the hydrating serums, essences, and moisturizers you’ve layered underneath.

Some of the most popular occlusives used for this routine include:

• Petroleum jelly (like Vaseline)
• Thick creams/ointments with petrolatum or mineral oil
• Silicone-based balms or slugging products

By coating your skin with these heavy, greasy textures before bed, you’re essentially wrapping your face in a moisture-sealing blanket overnight. This helps prevent trans-epidermal water loss and allows your other skincare products to really soak in.

Originally a novel concept from Korea’s innovative K-Beauty scene, it has taken off globally as an affordable, effective way to hydrate and heal dry, compromised skin. When done correctly, it can leave you with ultra-nourished, plump, and glowing complexion by morning.

Step-by-Step Guide for Slugging Routine

Doing the routine is super simple and only takes a few minutes before bedtime. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Start with a clean face. Remove all makeup and cleanse your skin as usual.
2. Apply your regular skincare products. This could include serums, essences, moisturizers, face oils, etc. Let them fully absorb.
3. Finish with an occlusive product. Take a generous amount of petroleum jelly, thick ointment or balm and slather it all over your face as the final step. Focus on dry areas but avoid the eye area.
4. Use as a weekly treatment. For most skin types, aim to slug 1-3 nights per week rather than daily.
5. Cleanse thoroughly in the morning. The occlusive will have formed a barrier, so you’ll need to double cleanse to remove it fully.

The key is applying enough of the heavy, greasy occlusive to create that “slugging” effect. A thick, glossy layer is what seals in your other products overnight for maximum hydration.

It may look and feel a bit bizarre at first, but don’t be alarmed by the slimy slugging sensation! Follow up with your regular morning routine and you’ll be left with super soft, lush skin.(see here for more info)

The Do’s and Don’ts of Slugging Routine

 Do’s and Don’ts for Slugging

While the trend is generally safe for most people, there are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do’s for Slugging:

• Do patch test first if you have sensitive skin to check for reactions.
• Do use non-comedogenic occlusives like petroleum jelly or dimethicone to avoid clogged pores.
• Do start slowly, slugging just 1-2 nights per week until your skin adjusts.
• Do apply on damp skin to seal in that extra hydration.
• Do use a sunscreen in the morning after slugging overnight.

Don’ts for Slugging

• Don’t slug if you have active acne as it can potentially clog pores further.
• Don’t use every single night, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
• Don’t go overboard with quantity – a thin layer of the occlusive is enough.
• Don’t slug with products containing actives like retinol or acids underneath.
• Don’t slug if you have an inflammatory skin condition like eczema or rosacea unless approved by a dermatologist.

By following these general do’s and don’ts, you can slug safely and avoid any irritation or breakouts from occlusives. Listen to your skin and adjust the routine as needed. See here for more do’s and don’ts

Slugging Routine: Your Questions Answered

What is the routine for slugging?

The slugging routine is a simple yet effective way to deeply hydrate and nourish your skin overnight. It involves applying a thick, heavy occlusive product as the final step in your nighttime. This creates a protective barrier that locks in all the other moisturizing serums, essences, and creams you’ve layered underneath.

By sealing everything in with an ointment or balm high in petrolatum or mineral oil, you’re preventing that precious hydration from evaporating away. This method allows your skin to fully soak up all those nourishing ingredients while you sleep, leaving you with plump, glowy skin come morning.

Do you slug before or after moisturizer?

You always want to slug after applying your regular moisturizer and any other leave-on treatments like serums or facial oils. Let those hydrating layers fully absorb into your skin first. Then, you’d take your occlusive slugging product and slather it over the top as the final coating to seal everything in.

Trying to slug first would create a barrier that prevents your other skincare products from properly penetrating. So be sure to follow the right order – hydrating products first, then the slugging layer last.

What product is best for slugging?

Look for fragrance-free, petrolatum-based balms and ointments for the best slugging products. Classics like Vaseline Petroleum Jelly and CeraVe Healing Ointment are excellent affordable options. Dimethicone-based occlusives like certain sleeping masks can work too.

The key is choosing an ultra-thick, greasy consistency that will really lock everything in without irritating your skin. Avoid products with active ingredients like retinoids, acids, or essential oils when slugging, as these can cause stinging or dryness under that airtight layer.

Am I supposed to wash my face after slugging?

Yes, it’s very important that you thoroughly cleanse your face in the morning after slugging overnight. The thick occlusive product is designed to create a moisture-sealing barrier on your skin. So you’ll need a double cleanse to fully remove that layer of product buildup.

Start by using an oil or balm cleanser to break down that heavy occlusive coating. Massage it in thoroughly, then rinse. Follow up with your regular water-based gel or cream cleanser to ensure your skin is completely clean and ready for your daytime routine.

What not to do when slugging?

There are a few don’ts when it comes to the slugging routine to avoid any irritation or skin issues:

Don’t slug if you have active acne, cystic breakouts, or any inflamed skin conditions like eczema or rosacea. The heavy occlusives can potentially worsen or spread these issues.

Don’t use too much product or slug every single night, especially if you have naturally oily or acne-prone skin. This risks clogging pores.

Don’t slug with potent actives like retinoids, AHAs, or BHAs underneath the occlusive layer as these can cause irritation.

Don’t forget to thoroughly cleanse in the AM to remove the slugging product buildup before starting your day.

What to avoid when slugging?

For the slugging routine, you’ll want to avoid using products with drying or irritating ingredients underneath that airtight occlusive layer.

Avoid treatments containing retinol, retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (like glycolic or lactic acid), beta hydroxy acids, or benzoyl peroxide. These can sting and potentially damage skin when trapped in that intense moisture seal overnight.

Also avoid essential oils, fragrance, and any other potential sensitizers when slugging. Stick to plain, gentle moisturizers and serums only before topping with the heavy occlusive.

Does slugging clog pores?

When done properly using non-comedogenic occlusives, the slugging routine itself should not directly clog pores for most people. Products like plain petroleum jelly simply form a surface barrier to retain moisture without actually getting inside pores.

However, slugging too frequently or using the wrong products can pose a risk of congestion for those prone to clogged pores and acne. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you’ll want to be extra cautious about slugging only 1-2 nights per week maximum. Avoid layering thicker creams underneath as well.

At what age should you start slugging?

There’s no specific age requirement for doing the slugging routine. It can potentially benefit people of all ages who are dealing with dry, dehydrated skin that needs an extra moisture boost.

That said, most dermatologists recommend waiting until your skin is done with the major hormonal shifts of puberty before starting slugging. So aim for your late teens or early 20s when your skin has stabilized a bit.

As with any new skincare routine, it’s best to introduce slugging slowly by patch testing first if you have sensitive skin. This allows you to check for any adverse reactions before full-face application.

How do you sleep while slugging?

Sleeping with that heavy occlusive layer can feel a bit strange at first! The key is using an old towel or pillowcase that you don’t mind getting some product transfer on.

Before bed, gently blot away any excess or dripping product after applying your slugging ointment. Then hit the sheets and try sleeping on your back or sides to minimize transfer. You may need to flip your pillowcase partway through the night as well.

In the morning, be sure to cleanse thoroughly to remove all that product buildup. While a bit messy, it’s worth it for that intense hydration boost!

How do you clean your face after slugging?

Double cleansing is essential for properly removing all that heavy occlusive product after the slugging routine. Start with an oil-based, balm, or micellar water cleanser to break down that petroleum layer.

Massage the oil cleanser thoroughly all over your face – you may need to go in with a dry washcloth too to really work it in. Rinse completely, then follow with your regular water-based gel or cream cleanser to ensure you’ve removed every last trace.

If you don’t double cleanse, you risk leaving a residue that can clog pores or cause makeup to apply patchily later on. Taking those extra few minutes to cleanse twice allows your skin to reset and be fresh for your morning routine.

How long do you leave slugging on your face?

For maximum hydrating effects, aim to leave the occlusive slugging product on your face for 7-8 hours overnight. This extended period allows that moisture barrier to really work its magic in locking everything in.

Some people choose to slug for an even longer period by applying their heavy ointment before an overnight flight or dry climate. Just be sure not to leave it on for more than 12 hours as this increases risk of congestion.

In the morning, gently cleanse off the slugging product according to your usual routine. You may notice a plump, radiant glow instantly!

How do you sleep after slugging your face?

While the slugging routine can feel a bit heavy and greasy at first, there are some tricks to sleeping comfortably:

Use an old towel or pillowcase that’s okay to get some product transfer on during the night. You may need to flip or replace these partway through as well.

Gently blot away any excess or dripping product with a tissue before lying down. Let the remaining coating absorb for 5-10 minutes.

Sleeping on your back or sides can minimize product transfer as well. Just be sure to cleanse thoroughly in the AM!

A silk or satin pillowcase can help too – the slick surface causes less friction and tugging than cotton.

Is it OK to slug every night?

For most skin types, slugging every single night is unnecessary and could potentially lead to clogged pores or breakouts. That heavy occlusive barrier traps everything underneath – including excess oil, dirt, and bacteria if not cleansed properly.

The general recommendation is to only slug 2-3 nights per week maximum. This gives your pores a chance to breathe and your skin to self-regulate.

Those with very dry, dehydrated skin can potentially slug more often like 4-5 nights weekly if desired. But daily slugging should be avoided unless specifically advised by your dermatologist due to certain skin conditions.

Conclusion

The slugging skincare routine has taken the beauty world by storm as an affordable, effective way to deeply hydrate and nourish skin overnight. By sealing in your regular moisturizers and treatments with a thick occlusive product before bed, you’re creating an intense moisture barrier that quenches dryness.

Originating from innovative K-Beauty trends, slugging allows all those hydrating serums and creams to fully soak in without evaporating away. You wake up with plump, dewy, and glowing skin thanks to the overnight effect.

While the concept of slathering petroleum-based products may seem odd at first, the results speak for themselves. Dull, dehydrated complexions are transformed into soft, supple, and radiant skin when slugging is done correctly.

Just be sure to follow best practices like using plain, non-comedogenic occlusives suited to your skin type. Limit slugging to just 2-3 nights per week for most people, and always double cleanse in the morning.

With the right product picks and application tips, the slugging routine is an easy, affordable way to add intensive nourishment and glow to any skincare regimen. So grab that tub of Vaseline and get ready to wake up to hydrated, healthy skin!