Slugging - is it all it’s cracked up to be?

Slugging has been all the rage on TikTok for a while now, but is it approved by an esthetician?

Long story short – yes! – but it’s not for everyone!

Slugging is – by far – nowhere near being a new technique. It has been used for generations to protect the skin against elements. I used to hear stories when I was younger  about how my Grandpa would use petroleum based products for animals AND himself on their farm while working in the cold winter months! It’s always been a great way to protect and heal the skin, even in the toughest conditions. Now that it’s 2023, you’re probably seeing it on the face on an influencer and not a farm animal, so what is slugging?

Slugging uses an occlusive product to lock in all of your moisture beneath it (think of it like plastic wrap for your face!). For dry, cracked skin this method is an amazing way to hydrate and repair your skin! It can also be great for people with normal skin to do a few times a week to help nourish the skin a little bit more.

However, for people with oily or acne-prone skin slugging can create more problems than good. For people who face acne and excess oil – like me – we understand what that greasy feeling at the end of the day is like. We know all we want to do at the end of the day is just wash everything off our face and let it BREATHE! Unfortunately, slugging in these cases will trap those oils on your skin, not allowing it to get the oxygen it needs, and letting those oils create more breakouts. Acne does not need to be covered or “suffocated.” Slugging can trap bacteria from your acne on top of the skin, and as mentioned, create new breakouts. Instead, stick to a hydrating mist at the end of your routine rather than slugging if you have oily or acne-prone skin.

At the end of the day, slugging CAN be beneficial for you if you suffer from dry skin. However – for some – slugging is a technique better left on TikTok, and moisturizer or a good facial oil will still give you the dewy goodness you’re looking for!

-Lydia Humberson | Esthetician