The technique known as "slugging" involves putting petroleum jelly on your skin and leaving it on all night. The method's name comes from the way it makes your face appear slimy. This method has gained traction across social media, more so after a conversation between Seema Sajdeh from Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives and Orhan Awatramani (known as Orry) surfaced online. Sajdeh claimed that slugging makes her skin soft, and she follows this practice.
Upon consuming such content and advice on social media, it is human to follow suit, hoping to have an equally radiant and hydrated skin. However, it is equally essential to weigh the pros and cons and gain expert insights on whether a certain practice advocated on social media is safe for you or not.
To aid you in this endeavour, the OnlyMyHealth team spoke to Dr. Rohit Batra, Vice-Chairperson, Dermatology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, and asked who should try slugging and who should not.
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What Is Skin Slugging?
Dr Batra says, “Skin slugging is a great technique for those who have dry, very dry, or normal skin. The concept of skin slugging includes applying thick layers of moisturiser and sealing it with petroleum jelly (Vaseline and its likes). When you apply cream and lock it with petroleum jelly, the cream gets absorbed in your skin, and if your skin barrier is damaged, it helps in maintaining and regaining the lost barrier.”
“After doing this, your skin becomes soft. You can then apply your actives (ingredients that are scientifically backed and have been proven to alter the way your skin behaves, feels, and looks.). If you apply actives on dry and flaky skin, your skin may feel irritated. Especially during winters, since the air is dry and harsh, your skin becomes dry and flaky”, our expert notes.
Who Should Avoid Slugging?
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According to Dr Batra, those who have acne-prone skin should avoid skin slugging, as this process can clog their pores. This excessive lathering of moisturisers and petroleum jelly on your facial skin can lead to an acne flare. Therefore, those who have acne-prone skin should avoid this practice and opt for other skincare routines that can help clear their acne.
Who Should Try Slugging?
People who have dry, irritated skin should try this method as per our expert. More people can try this out during winters; in fact, those with dry skin can try this in summers too. This practice will help in replenishing your skin barrier, as this will aid in combating skin damage, and your skin will become bright, shiny, and hydrated. Dr Batra also warns those who have the tendency to get minor acne to opt for a non-comedogenic moisturiser instead of regular ones.
And if you have very dry skin, use a moisturiser that is rich in ceramides and hyaluronic acid, so your skin becomes voluminous and shines as the dehydration goes down significantly.
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How To Properly Slug Your Skin?
Prior to putting any products on your skin, make sure your face is clean.The next thing you should do is make sure the goods you're using are designed to give you moisture. For your wet skin, you should seek out products that contain glycerin, hyaluronic, or aloe.
Here is a step-by-step procedure:
- Wash and exfoliate
- Use products containing humectants to moisturise.
- Lather your skin with the occlusive
To give the products time to absorb into the skin, this procedure should be completed approximately half an hour before bed. To protect your pillowcase, cover it in a towel before applying an occlusive to your skin.