Get ready, because there’s a new trend taking the beauty world by storm: face slugging. Thanks to its viral popularity on TikTok, this technique is making headlines for its amazing hydrating abilities. Also known as the glazed doughnut skin – this ones for all you dry skin girlies out there.
But what is face slugging, you may ask? Simply put, it’s a method that involves layering your skincare products and sealing them in a slick of heavy-duty moisturiser or facial oil before bed. This trail of product, resembling that of a slug, is left overnight, sealing in moisture and leaving your face looking plump and radiant.
Curious to learn more about this technique? Continue reading to find out the ins and outs of face slugging, from how to slug your face to the amazing benefits of this trend. And with winter upon us, there’s no better time to try it out.
The Benefits Of Slugging Your Face
Before we get started you’re probably wondering what exactly are the benefits of this trend? For starters, slugging locks in moisture and prevents water loss, leaving your skin feeling plump and dewy. By creating a protective seal over your face, the slug-like trail shields the skin barrier, helping the skin to heal overnight and improve overall health. Additionally, this method is great for providing hydration to dry or sensitive skin types on other parts of your body, such as legs and arms, which can affected by the change of seasons too.
How To Slug Your Face
Achieving a flawless complexion has never been easier, thanks to the goopy, slug-like trail of heavy-duty moisturiser or facial oil you apply before bed. But to truly reap the benefits, you’ll have to consider each step that goes in to technique. You can skip skincare if you don’t feel like you need it, but I’ve seen much better results by going all out – so that’s what I’ll be sharing today.
Step One: Retinol or Tretinoin
The first step on fresh, clean skin is to apply your retinol or tretinoin if you have it (I love the Sunday Riley retinol). This helps to unclog pores, exfoliate, encourage skin cell production and more. Since hitting my late twenties, this has quickly become the favourite part of my skincare routine for fresh, glowy skin.
Step Two: Niacinamide
Actually, I take is back, Niacinamide (specifically Paula’s Choice Niacinamide – I’m on my 4th bottle) is my favourite step. Niacinamide helps to repair your skin barrier while boosting collagen production and improving your skin texture. It has a lot of other skin benefits too, but probably the best part of applying this second is that it helps calm the skin if you can be sensitive to retinol.
Step Three: Snail Mucin
Could it really be called slugging without snail mucin? Snail Mucin protects skin from moisture loss overnight and reducing inflammation while making your skin texture velvety soft. It can be a little goopy, but it just adds to your glazed doughnut appearance. When I lived in Korea, this product was absolutely raved about and now I can see why.
Step Four: Occlusive or Petroleum Jelly
When I say thick, I mean THICK. Think Vaseline type texture. For this step, you can easily find something that works for you and your skin. Personally, I think the best cream for slugging is the Egyptian Magic cream, which I’ve been using for years. Don’t be afraid to be a bit more generous than usual – this technique demands it. This is meant to seal all your skincare products in and let them work their magic overnight. If you prefer, you can also use face oil before this step.
Once you’ve finished, hop into bed and prepare to say au revoir to parched, lackluster skin. In the morning, you’ll wake up to a well-hydrated complexion that’s healthy and glowing.
How Often Should You Slug Your Face?
As with any skincare trend, there’s always the question of frequency – how often should one indulge in this technique for the best results? While it’s true that everyone’s skin is different and may require varying levels of hydration, the general consensus is that slugging your face 2-3 times a week will yield the best outcome. This gives your skin the chance to breathe and recover in between applications, while still delivering enough moisturising goodness to see results.
I hope this post has shed some light on the wondrous beauty trend that is face slugging. From understanding what slugging is to figuring out how to do it and the benefits of this technique, you’re now well-equipped to try this latest skincare craze for yourself. Locking in moisture, preventing water loss and protecting the skin barrier are just some of the ways that Slugging has revolutionised the way we approach skincare. Especially for fellow dry skin suffers like myself. Let me know if you give this a go – and whether you love it as much as I do!
