How to “Slug” Your Skin

Introducing the New Way to Keep Your Skin Hydrated

We love the idea of a slugging skin routine from TikTok! It’s an extra, occlusive layer that goes on last in your skincare routine to seal in all the benefits and deliver additional moisture. When done correctly with clean beauty products, it can be a great technique for your skin care routine!

The viral trend of smearing petroleum jelly on your skin as the final step in a nighttime routine has raised some eyebrows. Petroleum jelly may be moisturizing, but it can also clog pores.

Moreover, it is a by-product of crude oil production (it collects on oil rig machinery), and unrefined petroleum jelly can contain potentially dangerous contaminants, including a group of carcinogens called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Our variation of slugging starts with luxurious balms or oils instead of petroleum jelly. They have an edge over petroleum jelly (not to mention being clean and petrochemical-free) because they provide skin-enhancing nutrients—from bakuchiol and other antioxidants to revitalizing botanicals—to help achieve smoother skin texture, increased firmness, and a youthful glow.

The Best Products for Your Slugging Routine

You can use these in addition to your other nighttime skin products. If you have dry skin, you might need to use them every day. However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, or even normal skin, then using them every few nights should be sufficient. No matter what anyone tells you, the most important part of taking care of your skin is listening to it.

Thick cream: This lotion is packed with aloe to soothe your skin and shea butter to keep your skin hydrated.

Light Oil: A light and silky facial oil that calms sensitive, aging skin while simultaneously giving it new life.

Butter Balm: This luxurious butter blend is designed to moisturize dry or sensitive skin with anti-aging antioxidants and deep, decadent moisture.

Luxurious moisturizer for oily skin: Watermelon hydrosol and polyglutamic acid lock in moisture to improve elasticity, promote cell regeneration, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Restore Skin: This product is made with vegan retinol, avocado butter, and plant oils to moisturize and restore your skin.

Anti-aging treatment: clinically proven to stimulate regeneration and repair the signs of aging, including wrinkles and loss of firmness.

Smooths skin: Keep your skin’s complexion looking healthy by using this moisture cream that plumps and smooths your skin while deeply hydrating it.

Thick Oil: The Eminence Organics Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil is a refreshing and firming moisturizer in one convenient product.

Boost the Slug With Exfoliation

Before you use a hydrating face mask, make sure to exfoliate thoroughly first. Doing this will give your skin an extra glow. If you can plan ahead, start the process the night before by using glycolic acid pads. Your skin will look much better in the morning, but it’ll look even more amazing the day after you use a hydrating mask.

As always, begin by cleansing your face of makeup and dirt, but make sure your skin is completely dry before moving on to exfoliating it.

• Start by cleansing your face.
• Then, scrub your face.

If you have sensitive skin, opt for a liquid exfoliation the night before; it’s gentle but effective.

Step By Step To Slug

Exfoliate your skin at night, then follow up with one of the great hydrating products above. If you have a skincare routine that you’re happy with, simply adding one of these product will do the trick. Or try the custom routine below.

1. Cleanse

In order to get the most out of your skincare routine, you need to start with a clean base. Cleansing will remove any dirt, debris, or makeup that could clog pores and prevent the absorption of moisture. Do a exfoliating and the moisturize;

2. Tone

Gently remove any dirt, makeup, or dead skin cells that remain on your face. Doing so will help the nutrients and hydration absorb better.

3. Treat

Once you’ve exfoliated, finish with a layer of serum or oil to ensure it all sinks in.

• Hydrating facial serum made with retinol to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
• This advanced, anti-aging serum temporarily firms skin while reducing the appearance of wrinkles over time. It also helps improve signs of skin elasticity and bounce back.
• A highly concentrated serum that evens out skin tone and texture.

4. If Your Skin Is Feeling Dry, Add More Moisture

If you and your skin both love layering, go ahead and add a moisturizer here.

• Green Tea + SPF 30
• Chia seeds
• Green Tea + EGCG

5. Finish With ‘Slugging’

Once you fully understand slugging, try it yourself! Follow through with the recommendations from this article by using a balm, oil, or cream.