The skincare world is full of trends, but slugging has gained significant attention for its intense hydration and skin barrier protection. Originating from K-Beauty practices, slugging involves applying an occlusive layer, such as petroleum jelly, as the last step in your nighttime skincare routine. This method is believed to lock in moisture, repair the skin barrier, and prevent transepidermal water loss, making it a go-to for people with dry or damaged skin.
But does slugging actually work, or is it just another viral beauty trend? And more importantly, who should (and shouldn’t) try it? By incorporating effective products like Beauty of Joseon and Beauty of Joseon Hanbang Inspired Korean Skincare, you can elevate your slugging routine and maximize its skin benefits.
This guide will explore what slugging is, how it works, its benefits, and potential drawbacks, helping you decide whether it’s the right skincare technique for you.
What is Slugging?
Slugging is a moisture-locking skincare technique where a thick occlusive layer—most commonly petroleum jelly or a thick balm—is applied over the skin as the last step of a nighttime routine. The idea behind slugging is that the occlusive ingredient creates a barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and promoting repair overnight.
How Slugging Works
- Seals in hydration by preventing water from evaporating from the skin.
- Strengthens the skin barrier by protecting against environmental irritants.
- Enhances product absorption by locking in serums and moisturizers applied beforehand.
- Speeds up healing by creating a protective layer that allows damaged skin to recover faster.
Although slugging is often associated with petroleum jelly (Vaseline), some people prefer lighter occlusive options, such as Korean beauty balms and ointments. Brands like Beauty of Joseon, which focus on Hanbang-inspired traditional Korean skincare, offer hydrating treatments that work well for slugging while delivering additional skin benefits.
The Benefits of Slugging for Skin Health
Slugging is particularly beneficial for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin types. It is a simple yet effective technique that provides multiple skincare benefits, especially for those struggling with moisture retention and skin barrier damage.
Key Benefits of Slugging
- Deep hydration: Prevents water loss and keeps skin moisturized for longer.
- Restores skin barrier: Helps repair a damaged barrier caused by over-exfoliation or harsh weather.
- Soothes irritation: Reduces redness and calms inflammation.
- Improves skin texture: Creates a smooth, plump complexion by preventing flakiness and dryness.
- Boosts glow: Locks in nourishing skincare ingredients, enhancing radiance overnight.
If you frequently experience dry patches, irritation, or rough skin, slugging can help your skin retain moisture and heal faster. Pairing it with hydrating serums, such as those from Beauty of Joseon, can enhance the effectiveness of this technique.
Who Should Try Slugging?
While slugging is an effective hydration method, it is not suitable for all skin types. Understanding your skin’s needs is essential before adding this technique to your routine.
Slugging is Ideal For
- Dry and dehydrated skin that struggles to retain moisture.
- Sensitive skin prone to irritation and redness.
- Mature skin that needs extra hydration and protection.
- Skin recovering from barrier damage, such as after using strong actives or experiencing winter dryness.
Who Should Avoid Slugging?
- Oily and acne-prone skin: The occlusive layer can trap oil and bacteria, potentially leading to breakouts.
- People living in humid climates: Too much moisture can create a sticky, uncomfortable feeling.
- Those using active ingredients like retinol, AHAs, or BHAs: Slugging over strong actives may cause irritation since the occlusive barrier can intensify their effects.
If you have combination skin, you can try “targeted slugging”, where you apply an occlusive layer only on dry areas like the cheeks while avoiding oily areas like the T-zone.
How to Incorporate Slugging Into Your Routine
Slugging is most effective when done correctly and with the right skincare products. A well-planned routine ensures hydration is locked in without clogging pores or causing irritation.
Step-by-Step Slugging Routine
- Start with a gentle cleanse – Use a mild cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. A Best Korean Cleansing Oil is ideal for dissolving impurities while maintaining hydration.
- Apply hydrating skincare products – Use a hydrating toner, essence, or serum like those from Beauty of Joseon Hanbang Inspired Korean Skincare. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, snail mucin, and centella asiatica work well for pre-slugging hydration.
- Seal in moisture with a lightweight moisturizer – A gel or cream-based moisturizer will provide an additional hydration layer before slugging.
- Apply an occlusive layer – Gently apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, a Korean sleeping mask, or a thick balm to seal in moisture.
- Leave overnight and rinse in the morning – In the morning, cleanse your skin thoroughly to remove any residue before continuing with your usual skincare routine.
By following these steps, you ensure maximum hydration benefits without overwhelming your skin.
Common Misconceptions About Slugging
While slugging is widely praised, there are some common misconceptions that need to be clarified.
Misconceptions About Slugging
- “Slugging makes your skin oily.” – Slugging does not add oil; it simply prevents moisture from evaporating.
- “It clogs pores.” – While it can clog pores for oily or acne-prone skin, when done correctly on dry skin, it helps restore the barrier without causing breakouts.
- “You need to slug every night.” – Slugging is not necessary daily; 2-3 times a week is often enough.
Understanding these factors ensures a balanced approach to slugging for the best results.
Slugging Alternatives for Lightweight Hydration
If slugging feels too heavy for your skin type, lighter alternatives can provide similar hydration benefits without the greasy feel.
Alternatives to Traditional Slugging
- Gel-based sleeping masks – Hydrating formulas, like Beauty of Joseon’s nourishing sleeping masks, offer slugging benefits without clogging pores.
- Barrier repair creams – Look for ceramide-rich moisturizers that restore hydration without the heaviness.
- Squalane or facial oils – These act as lightweight occlusives that prevent moisture loss without a greasy finish.
Trying different occlusive methods allows you to customize your hydration routine based on your skin’s needs.
Is Slugging Worth Trying?
Slugging can be a game-changer for people with dry, sensitive, or compromised skin barriers. If used correctly, it provides deep hydration, repairs skin damage, and enhances overall glow.
However, it is essential to adjust the method to your skin type. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may need to explore lighter alternatives like hydrating masks and gel-based occlusives.
For best results, incorporate hydrating serums, moisturizers, and sleeping masks from brands like Beauty of Joseon to complement the slugging technique.
Conclusion
Slugging is a simple yet powerful hydration technique that can transform dry and sensitive skin. By sealing in moisture, it prevents dehydration, strengthens the skin barrier, and enhances overall skin health.
Key Takeaways
- Slugging locks in hydration and prevents water loss.
- Ideal for dry, sensitive, and compromised skin barriers.
- Works best when combined with hydrating products like Beauty of Joseon Hanbang Inspired Korean Skincare.
- Not recommended for oily, acne-prone, or humid-climate skin types.
- Can be modified with lighter occlusive alternatives if traditional slugging feels too heavy.
For those struggling with dry, flaky, or irritated skin, slugging can be a life-changing addition to your skincare routine.