The skincare world finds new trends to obsess over every few months. And while many just pass by without making a difference, some manage to find their way into people’s everyday routines. One of those trends was Slugging! The viral K-Beauty inspired skincare hack rapidly became the internet’s favourite skincare trend. Dermatologists recommend it; skincare enthusiasts tried it, loved it, and incorporated it into their routines; and just like that dry, tired, dehydrated skin found its ultimate saviour! That healthy glow you’ve been chasing for years never felt more achievable than now. But what is slugging? How and why is it still one of the most hyped skincare trends we’ve ever come across. Let’s find out!
What is Slugging?
Slugging is a skincare technique that involves applying a thick layer of petroleum jelly as the final step of your night-time routine. The goal is to create a protective barrier over the skin to prevent moisture loss while you sleep. The trend became popular for its promise of waking up to skin that feels softer, smoother, and more hydrated. For those dealing with dryness, flaking, or a compromised skin barrier, slugging can be considered a simple overnight fix to tackle these concerns.
The Pros of Slugging
- Helps reduce trans epidermal water loss by creating a protective seal on the skin.
- Locks in moisture overnight so that skin feels less dry & tight in the morning
- Comforts dry to very skin by protecting it from external dryness
- Makes skin feel softer & more supple the next day
What Can Go Wrong?
- Slugging can work wonders as an overnight fix to combat dryness & inflammation caused by tightness. But, when using petroleum jelly to seal in the moisture, you also trap in unwanted impurities sitting on the surface of the skin, like sweat, dirt, buildup, excess oil, and dead skin cells. And when these sit on the skin trapped overnight, it can wreak havoc causing breakouts & skin irritation.
- If you have combination, oily or acne-prone skin, this skincare hack is not recommended. This is because the heavy layer of petroleum jelly can clog pores, cause skin congestion, and eventually lead to acne flare-ups.
- Slugging can also feel greasy, uncomfortable, and suffocating to the skin especially in humid weather.
- Petroleum jelly helps reduce moisture loss, but it doesn’t offer any restorative or soothing care that stressed and sensitive skin needs.
The traditional slugging method is all about applying thick, heavy protective layers on the skin, and not everyone prefers to sleep with that on their skin. But if your skin needs hydration and barrier support without all that heaviness a sleeping mask can be a far more balanced alternative. A skin-first formula designed for overnight repair & care that does more than just sitting on the surface. The Within Beauty Barrier Reset Calming Sleeping Mask is designed to hydrate, soothe, and help strengthen the skin barrier overnight. With 3X ceramides and backed by the skin-soothing benefits of Cica, this sleeping mask is especially well-suited for skin that feels dry, sensitive, or overworked. It is not only deeply hydrating but also helps support the skin barrier in a more wholesome way.
Here’s what makes the difference:
- Cica extracts help soothe inflammed skin, reduce redness, and repairs skin.
- 3x ceramides help restore essential skin lipids and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Allatoin supports cell regeneration and helps reduce skin sensitivity.
The jelly-like texture offers an instant cooling effect that feels comforting on the skin, especially after a long day of sun exposure. Its lightweight, non-sticky feel makes it ideal for oily, acne-prone and combination skin as well. While it works wonders for sensitive skin, its skin-friendly formulation is ideal to use for all skin types.
Slugging may be one of skincare’s most talked-about trends, but it is not always the best choice for every skin type. While petroleum jelly can help lock in moisture, its heavy, non-restorative nature can also trap pore-clogging impurities and trigger congestion or breakouts. On the other hand, a sleeping mask, offers a more modern and skin-friendly approach that not only hydrates, but also soothes, strengthens & helps repair the skin overnight. For anyone looking for overnight comfort without the drawbacks of a heavy seal, a calming sleeping mask is the smarter choice.
