Despite your best efforts to remember to apply body lotion, you have already noticed hundreds of tiny flakes of dry skin when you take off your jeans in the winter months. Slugging is a K-beauty trend that’s now being applied to the whole body for glowy skin. #bodyslugging has more than 106 million views on TikTok.
Here, a dermatologist and esthetician explain everything you need to know about body slugging, including how and why you should do it.
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Body Slugging: What Is It?
With a slugging product, occlusive products are applied on top of your moisturizer to lock in moisture. Body slugging uses the same principle. Dr. Tiffany Libby, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, says body slugging involves applying an occlusive petrolatum-based ointment like Vaseline to lock in moisture, which can leave skin looking slimy and slimy.
How Does It Help The Skin?
Dr. Libby said, “Body slugging helps prevent most transepidermal water loss from the skin and works as a skin protectant.” Slugs lock in everything you applied previously, resulting in plump, hydrated skin. Adi Kempler, Heyday expert esthetician, and regional educator, says the product locks in moisture and key ingredients from your body care routine. Thus, glycerin and vitamin E in your body lotion will be even more effective.
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When Should I Start Body Slugging?
Dr. Libby advises using an occlusive petrolatum-based ointment as your final step after hydrating serums or moisturizers like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to seal in water. Slugging may be incorporated differently depending on your skin type. People with dry skin may need a thicker layer or to slug more than those with oily skin.
Does It Have Any Side Effects?
Like many things, slugging works best in moderation. You should listen to your skin needs and use petrolatum if it has no side effects. Many products will not give you these results; in some cases, too much can cause clogged pores. According to Dr. Libby, more than 2-3 times a week is too much, so try to find the sweet spot for you. And, as with any other skincare trend, know that not everyone will have the same response.