We Tried ‘Slugging’ Skin Care Trend, and here is why we are obsessed with it

The K-beauty technique is going viral on TikTok—and for good reason.

What is slugging?

This K-beauty trend and internet sworn-by technique—which is now going viral again on TikTok—instead centers around slathering a thick layer of petroleum jelly or face oil on your face.

According to board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, M.D., slugging is an intense form of moisturizing that uses face oil or petroleum jelly to help lock in hydration from your nightly skin-care routine. So while your current routine may be hydrating, topping it with an occlusive creates a barrier that traps in moisture and helps the formulas sink in even more. As an unabashed sucker for internet wisdom (and with oily acne prone flaky skin that won't quit), I put slugging to the test.

How does slugging work?

The process is simple: You go through your nightly skin-care routine as usual and then seal everything in with a layer of face oil or vaseline

1. Make sure face is clean with a gentle cleanser.

2. Use a toner

3. Apply serums (including H.A. for hydration), peptides, or essence

4. Apply Eye cream

5. A light moisturizer if you are feeling dry

5. Finish with a layer of Vaseline or 6 drops of face oil

My experience - Alia ( Dion Beaute Team )

Using vaseline is perhaps too heavy and pore clogging for some unless us (unless you have dry to very dry skin). Me and my oily acne prone skin decided to replace the last step in my nightly routine with Maison De Dion Retinol Face oil . Instead of using 3-4 drops as per usual, I decided on using 6-7 drops to seal my skin for 2 weeks. I was shocked with the results in such a short time.

This resulted in plump, smooth skin (less texture) with less irritation. Since Maison De Dion PM treatment oil has active ingredients which includes 2 blends of retinols in the formulation, I did not see my pores clogging even further while slugging with something heavier like vaseline. The Retinol oil is hydrating enough as an occlusive to see the benefits of slugging yet its not as heavy enough to cause additional pore clogging breakouts

Retinols are BHAs that are oil-soluble and have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Beta-hydroxy acid helps to unclog congested pores for clearer skin and is effective on oily skin. Retinol is an antioxidant that treats the early signs of ageing by stimulating cell turnover at the deep layers of the skin.

What are the benefits of slugging skin care?

It's not the most appealing visual after slugging for the night because you look like you dipped yourself in oil, but it pays off. Alia continues: “I woke up the next morning, and MY FACE HAS NEVER BEEN SO SOFT. I am reborn. I am a new woman. I was not a slug; I was a caterpillar in the cocoon. I've emerged, a beautiful butterfly. No new breakouts. My skin is smooth and happy and bouncy: everything it should be and never was.”

Slugging also helps soothe irritated patches and works wonders for people with sensitive skin. “I think slugging is a great skin-care technique that is not only amazing at soothing irritated skin and promoting wound healing, but it can act as a protective barrier for the skin."

Give it a try, you wont be disappointed !