Skin slugging would be our choice for social media star of 2022. TikTok is flooded with K-beauty videos, and for good reason. Even if you have the driest skin type, it is the key to deeply hydrated skin. To lock in moisture following your skin-care routine, slugging is putting a thin coating of Vaseline or another petroleum-based product.
Joshua Zeichner, MD, a dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, previously told POPSUGAR that slugging is a fantastic alternative for someone with dry skin or sensitivity. Other variations of the fad, such as hair slugging, have been emerging as it began to garner more adherents. Slugging can be beneficial for some of the driest parts of our bodies, including our elbows, knees, feet, and even hands, even though it is most frequently done on the face. Continue reading for advice on how to utilize slugging on your body.
Using a humectant—a hydrating product rich in moisturizing elements (such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera)—followed by an occlusive to seal in the first product is the key to slugging. Slugging for your face often finishes here, but depending on the area you’re concentrating on, you can go deeper with body slugging. If your feet are dragging, put on some socks over the occlusive to retain body heat and allow the medication to gradually absorb over the night (as opposed to rubbing off on your sheets). Use a pair of cotton gloves, such as the Gaxcoo White Cotton Gloves ($32), or cover your hands with a pair of socks if you’re slugging.
You can use the same items you use on your face for treatment on your body; no extra products are required. But if you’re looking for fresh choices, here are some of our favorites. These includes humectants that coat your skin in moisture, such as the Alo Restorative Hand Cream ($18), Lano 101 Dry Skin Super Cream ($17), and 54 Thrones African Beauty Butter ($24). The traditional Vaseline Petroleum Jelly Original ($4), CeraVe Healing Ointment ($10), or Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Treatment Skin Protectant ($14) are our top picks for occlusives.