Slugging. Although it sounds a little gross, this trendy beauty topic can be the key to keeping your skin glowing and nourished during the colder winter months. Recommended by dermatologists and estheticians alike, this procedure involves applying your skin care products and then sealing them in with an occlusive moisturizer. I decided to try this technique and spend a week of dry skin and sub-zero temperatures.
My first step was research. I wanted to see if my skin type would lend itself to this technique. As someone with normal skin that leans a little drier in the winter months, this is perfect for my skin type. Additionally, mature, sensitive and combination skin would benefit. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, this may be overkill and unnecessary as even if the products are non-comedogenic, the process can trap oils and dead skin. However, I think it’s always beneficial to moisturize your skin if you’re prone to acne, as so many acne treatments have a drying effect on your skin.
Step 1: Gently cleanse your skin. I use a non-foaming cream cleanser (for drugstore options, just look for keywords like gentle, fragrance-free, creamy, non-foaming, moisturizing, etc. on the label.) Massage the cleanser in for at least 60 seconds to ensure that no traces of make-up, sunscreen and oil are removed. Rinse off and while your skin is still damp, proceed to step 2.
Step 2: Serums. Apply your favorite serum, ideally one that contains hyaluronic acid. The 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 to your face and neck.
Step 3: Moisturizer. Apply your moisturizer, patting gently with your fingers. The Restore & Hydrate Night Cream has emollients and moisturisers that will absorb your skin throughout the night leaving it firm and refreshed.
Step 4: Apply a thin layer of an occlusive balm. For me, this is our Restorative Skin Balm. In addition to a cosmetic-grade petroleum jelly base, it has added moisturizing ingredients like Macro B Complex. I focus on areas of extreme dryness like around my nose and nostrils, lips, and oddly enough my eyebrows and eyelids. You will look and feel slimy and smooth, but stay strong in the name of healthier skin barriers!
That’s 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, my lips were no longer chapped and sore, and my fine lines around my eyes as well as the deeper wrinkles on my forehead were much less noticeable! My makeup applied smoothly and looked nice and even on my skin. My skin has been very dry with the low humidity in my house, so I plan to try this a few times a week. Let me know if you try it yourself or if you’ve already tried slugging!
