What Dermatologists Think of TikTok’s Viral Slugging Trend

The expression “slugging” has been buzzing all-around the web for nearly a total year now. The pores and skin treatment pattern that went viral on TikTok last tumble created a frenzy between beauty advocates and skin care fans. The slimy development statements to make skin clean and soft — although on the lookout (and sounding) super gross. You know you want to attempt it.

Will not stress, this course of action does not use any actual gastropods. Slugging requires an reasonably priced family product that your grandma generally has in her lavatory: petroleum jelly.

Here is all the things you need to know about this gooey pores and skin care pattern. 

What is slugging? 

Slugging is a Korean splendor pores and skin treatment practice that suggests slathering petroleum jelly on your facial area. You can use any product from Aquaphor to CeraVe to Vaseline in buy to moisturize and guard your face right away. Films of this elegance strategy — which are likely to seriously overdo the sum they set on — have gone viral on TikTok, with over 500 million sights to day beneath the hashtag #slugging. Quite a few TikTok buyers who have tried it out for by themselves report outcomes this kind of as plump, glowing and moisturized pores and skin.

@edwardzo TikTok designed me try out it: Slugging (w/ @cetaphilusa’s new therapeutic ointment) 🐌 #skincare101#skintok#slugging#skinbarrier#cetaphil#cetaphilpartner♬ primary seem – EdwardZO

The slugging course of action

Stage 1: Cleanse your confront.

Phase 2: Pile on hydrating products, these types of as hyaluronic acid or glycerin.

Action 3: Incorporate a nightly moisturizer, like a lotion, oil or cream.

Phase 4: Load on your occlusive, or the petroleum jelly: Vaseline, CeraVe, Aquaphor or an additional manufacturer. (Even though you can see TikTokers applying a total handful for spectacular effect, you can use as minimal as a pea-measurement amount of money to see rewards.)

Action 5: Wait a handful of minutes ahead of having into mattress.

a woman in a robe looking in a mirror applies skin cream to her face

Sergey Mironov/Second/Getty Images

Supposed positive aspects of slugging 

Petroleum jelly consists of oils and waxes that act as a barrier on the pores and skin, trapping moisture beneath. Studies have demonstrated that Vaseline — 1 of the most well-known makes of petroleum jelly — has homes that may possibly assistance restore your skin’s outermost layer. In addition to retaining the pores and skin moisturized, petroleum jelly can boost the efficiency of other solutions used beneath. 

Slugging is most helpful when merged with humectants (a dermatology time period for components that retain dampness), this sort of as hyaluronic acid, glycerin or urea.

Documented slugging gains include:

  • Moisturized, glowing skin
  • Healthier, more youthful-looking pores and skin
  • Repaired skin barrier
  • Locking in other solutions
  • Lowered visual appeal of wrinkles

What do the authorities say?

Dermatologists are not stunned by this craze, offered that Vaseline has been a well known splendor item for many years. They now know how occlusives (these types of as petroleum jelly) correctly lock in moisture to keep skin hydrated and plump.

Board-qualified New York dermatologist Dr. Hadley King agrees with the effectiveness of slugging as extensive as you “do it the suitable way.” 

“To start with apply a product or service or merchandise that comprise humectants and emollients (moisturizing elements), then incorporate other occlusives. You can commence with a serum containing humectants and add a deal with oil with emollients,” she stated. “The very last move would be slugging petrolatum as the occlusive. Alternatively, you could use a moisturizer that consists of humectants, emollients and occlusives, and then for added occlusive attributes, utilize the slugging petrolatum.”

According to King, the slugging pores and skin treatment craze is most valuable for these with dry pores and skin or individuals who are typically uncovered to dry problems provided that “a dry environment will exacerbate transepidermal h2o decline and dryness of the pores and skin.” 

Even now, King endorses currently being careful when implementing occlusives on best of topical medications for the reason that it could improve the efficiency, generating adverse results.

Slugging is just not for every person, in accordance to Dr. Debra Jaliman, board-certified New York dermatologist and author of the book Skin Policies. “Slugging prior to you go to snooze is high-quality if you have incredibly dry pores and skin, but not a superior notion for acne breakouts-vulnerable skin,” Jaliman reported. “Slugging can likely trap oils and clog the skin’s pores and especially irritate acne-prone pores and skin, contributing to breakouts.”

She went on to say: “If you are not acne breakouts-inclined, some superior merchandise you can use for slugging are CeraVe therapeutic ointment and Aquaphor.” Echoing King’s tips, Jaliman also recommends working with a merchandise that hydrates, moisturizes and shields all in one particular: “Personally, I would suggest applying a thick product this sort of as CeraVe moisturizing product that has ceramides and hyaluronic acid.”

Drops and smears of various cosmetic products on pink background

Anna Efetova/Moment/Getty Images

Slugging recommendations

Utilize only at night time

Unless you are in an particularly cold and dry surroundings, it is best to implement only at night. That way, you can lock in humidity and other skin treatment items though you snooze. (Or else, you will be going for walks all around all day with slimy pores and skin.) 

Merge with your nightly moisturizer

Vaseline performs by stopping dampness from acquiring in or out. If there is no moisture on the pores and skin to start out with, applying petroleum jelly will not offer a great deal benefit. For the finest benefits, it’s critical to load up your skin with hydrating and moisturizing merchandise first, then slather your slugging product on prime to preserve humidity from evaporating off your skin.

Drugstore or high-finish items will operate

Vaseline is a inexpensive item that can be found at any drugstore, but if you might be seeking for luxurious products with more moisturizing attributes, King endorses Ghost Democracy Ceramide Cream. “It contains ceramides, lipids, squalane and murumuru seed butter to aid the pores and skin barrier and lock in dampness. You could increase heavier occlusives on leading if desired,” she claimed.

King also endorses Innbeauty Venture Daily Moisturizer. “With ceramides, triglycerides, shea butter, squalane, dimethicone and fatty acids and fatty alcohols, this supports the skin barrier and locks in humidity.”

Use consistently to see success

Darnisha Monson, a accredited esthetician, suggests generating slugging a section of your nighttime skincare regimen. In order to recognize success, you require to slug continuously for 4 to six weeks. Slugging simply cannot mend your skin or your skin’s visual appearance overnight.

Greatest if employed in the wintertime

The colder months are the moments when our skin loses the most humidity. Slugging will be extra efficient in winter and in environments that are harsh on the pores and skin. Occlusives can even protect against windburn all through your winter season ski excursions.

The data contained in this short article is for educational and informational needs only and is not intended as wellness or health care information. Normally seek the advice of a medical professional or other skilled wellbeing provider relating to any queries you could have about a medical situation or wellness aims.