Slugging. While it sounds a bit disgusting, this trending beauty topic may be the key to keeping your skin radiant and nourished in the coldest months of winter. Recommended by dermatologists and beauty trendsetters alike, this process involves applying your skincare products and then sealing them in with an occlusive moisturizer. I decided to try this technique and slug my way through a week of dry skin and sub-zero temps.
My first step was research. I wanted to see if my skin type would be applicable to this technique. As someone with normal skin that leans a bit drier in the winter months, this is ideal for my skin type. In addition, mature, sensitive, and combination skin would benefit. If you have acne-prone skin or oily skin, this may be too much and unnecessary as even if the products are non-comedogenic, the process may trap oils and dead skin. However, I think it’s always beneficial to hydrate your skin if you are acne-prone, as so many treatments for acne have a drying effect on your skin.
Step 1: Gently cleanse your skin. I use a creamy non-foaming cleanser (for drugstore options, just look for keywords like gentle, fragrance-free, creamy, non-foaming, hydrating, etc. on the label.) Massage the cleanser for at least 60 seconds to ensure all traces of makeup, sunscreen, and oil are removed. Rinse, and while your skin is still damp, move to step 2.
Step 2: Serums. Apply your favorite serum, ideally one that contains hyaluronic acid. Our Night Renewal Serum has hyaluronic acid, as well as other nourishing and beneficial ingredients to keep your skin vibrant and smooth. Apply a pump or two on your face and neck.
Step 3: Moisturizer. Apply your moisturizer, patting gently with your fingertips. The Restore & Hydrate Overnight Cream has emollients and humectants that your skin will absorb all night long leaving it plump and dewy.
Step 4: Apply a thin layer of an occlusive balm. For me, this is our Restorative Skin Balm. In addition to a cosmetic-grade petrolatum base, it has additional moisturizing components like Macro B Complex. I focus on areas of extreme dryness including around my nose and nostrils, lips, and oddly enough my eyebrows and eyelids. You will look and feel slimy and slick, but stay strong in the name of healthier skin barriers!
That is all! The goal of slugging is to prevent moisture loss while you sleep, and lock in those skin-loving products and ingredients you apply overnight. I noticed a difference in about four days of using this technique. My skin was less red and irritated looking, my lips were no longer cracked and painful, and my fine lines around my eyes as well as my deeper forehead wrinkles were much less noticeable! My makeup applied smoothly and looked nice and even on my skin. My skin has been extra dry with the low humidity in my home, so I plan on trying this a few times a week. Let me know if you try it yourself or if you already have tried slugging!