Slugging 101
Beauty
November 08, 2022
Author: Doré
Beauty
November 08, 2022
Slugging 101
Author: Doré
Slugging is a buzzy trend in skincare, but contrary to what the name suggests, it does not involve snails or baseball bats. But what is slugging, and what does it have to do with skincare? Well it’s something we were doing from time to time before it became a TikTok trend. Let’s explain.What is slugging?What does slugging mean in the context of skincare? Slugging is simply the act of applying a thin layer of balm to the entirety of your face before going to bed.Said “slug” or balm is an occlusive that allows for a strong physical barrier to seal all moisture into the skin. This barrier and moisture retention not only helps to treat dry skin but it can also protect the skin from dirt penetrating the skin overnight. Finally, this hydration bubble is great at repairing skin that is already damaged.What are the benefits of slugging?What is slugging skincare? Well its main goal - and benefit - is to keep your skin hydrated. The term slugging comes from the slippery train slugs leave behind. It helps to keep the skin hydrated and dewey. Here are the benefits - both inside and out - of incorporating slugging into your routine:It prevents moisture lossOcclusives, like Le Baume, sit on the surface of your skin. The thick layer they create helps to prevent transepidermal water loss, or the process of moisture evaporating from your skin. This water loss is a normal function of the body, and it’s one that does increase as we age. As you get older, your skin may naturally become drier, and your skin barrier may function less effectively over time. A night of slugging every once in a while can help with moisture retention and barrier repair.It protects your skin from damaging elementsAnother one of the benefits of slugging is what it can do to protect your skin from external aggressors. If you like to crank up the heat (or AC) when you sleep, that dry air can suck moisture from your skin and lead to dryness. In addition to external aggressors, some skincare ingredients like chemical exfoliants can also dry out and irritate the skin. Adding that protective occlusive layer can help protect the skin and seal in moisture.It restores lipidsSkin lipids - your skin’s natural fats - play a crucial role in skin structure and function. They help your skin to retain moisture, keep out bacteria and other harmful aggressors, and maintain skin elasticity. The same things that draw moisture out of the skin can also have impact on your skin’s lipids. There is research from 2015 that applying an occlusive layer of product to the skin can help restore skin lipids and support the skin barrier.Skin slugging best practice and tipsBefore you start slathering on Le Baume (yes, Le Baume is the perfect slugging product!), there are a few things to know:Only slug on clean skin.Slugging skincare might keep the dirt and bacteria out, but it will also trap any dirt and bacteria present on your skin, and leave it to fester. So be sure to thoroughly wash your face for at least a minute with Le Cleanser before applying a slugging layer.Avoid active ingredients on the nights you are slugging.You want your retinols to be able to breathe on your skin, not be trapped under a thick occlusive. The nights of slugging are meant for restoring and repairing the skin through hydration, so focus on that, one thing at a time.A little goes a long way.You don’t want Le Baume to look goopy on your skin (plus it will just rub off on your pillow). Instead you want a thin layer that is spread out evenly over your skin. Plus, wait at least 30 minutes, if not longer before you head to bed. That will give Le Baume a chance to sink into the skin a bit, and less of a chance that it will rub off on your pillows.Wash your face in the morning.After a night of repair and hydration, you do want to give your skin a nice big gulp of fresh air. So be sure to do a thorough cleansing the morning after and behold your plump, hydrated skin in all its glory.Can All Skin Types Benefit from Slugging?Not all skin types can handle slugging. If you are acne prone, or have oily skin that is over producing sebum, then slugging may clog pores. If there’s any sort of open infection or cut on the skin, then definitely best to skip the slugging so the skin can heal.How Often Should You Slug Your Skin?How often you should use this technique, this will depend on your individual skin type and complexion concerns. For most skin types, completely sealing your skin barrier every night isn't necessary or even recommended—meaning you may want to alternate slugging days with some “non-slug” days.However, there may be some exceptions where you might consider slugging daily for a certain time period, such as during the very dry, cold winter months when your skin is more prone to losing moisture. Understanding your skin type is key, so listen to your skin when implementing the slugging skincare technique. When in doubt, always consult with a board-certified dermatologist.
Slugging is a buzzy trend in skincare, but contrary to what the name suggests, it does not involve snails or baseball bats. But what is slugging, and what does it have to do with skincare? Well it’s something we were doing from time to time before it became a TikTok trend. Let’s explain.What is slugging?What does slugging mean in the context of skincare? Slugging is simply the act of applying a thin layer of balm to the entirety of your face before going to bed.Said “slug” or balm is an occlusive that allows for a strong physical barrier to seal all moisture into the skin. This barrier and moisture retention not only helps to treat dry skin but it can also protect the skin from dirt penetrating the skin overnight. Finally, this hydration bubble is great at repairing skin that is already damaged.What are the benefits of slugging?What is slugging skincare? Well its main goal - and benefit - is to keep your skin hydrated. The term slugging comes from the slippery train slugs leave behind. It helps to keep the skin hydrated and dewey. Here are the benefits - both inside and out - of incorporating slugging into your routine:It prevents moisture lossOcclusives, like Le Baume, sit on the surface of your skin. The thick layer they create helps to prevent transepidermal water loss, or the process of moisture evaporating from your skin. This water loss is a normal function of the body, and it’s one that does increase as we age. As you get older, your skin may naturally become drier, and your skin barrier may function less effectively over time. A night of slugging every once in a while can help with moisture retention and barrier repair.It protects your skin from damaging elementsAnother one of the benefits of slugging is what it can do to protect your skin from external aggressors. If you like to crank up the heat (or AC) when you sleep, that dry air can suck moisture from your skin and lead to dryness. In addition to external aggressors, some skincare ingredients like chemical exfoliants can also dry out and irritate the skin. Adding that protective occlusive layer can help protect the skin and seal in moisture.It restores lipidsSkin lipids - your skin’s natural fats - play a crucial role in skin structure and function. They help your skin to retain moisture, keep out bacteria and other harmful aggressors, and maintain skin elasticity. The same things that draw moisture out of the skin can also have impact on your skin’s lipids. There is research from 2015 that applying an occlusive layer of product to the skin can help restore skin lipids and support the skin barrier.Skin slugging best practice and tipsBefore you start slathering on Le Baume (yes, Le Baume is the perfect slugging product!), there are a few things to know:Only slug on clean skin.Slugging skincare might keep the dirt and bacteria out, but it will also trap any dirt and bacteria present on your skin, and leave it to fester. So be sure to thoroughly wash your face for at least a minute with Le Cleanser before applying a slugging layer.Avoid active ingredients on the nights you are slugging.You want your retinols to be able to breathe on your skin, not be trapped under a thick occlusive. The nights of slugging are meant for restoring and repairing the skin through hydration, so focus on that, one thing at a time.A little goes a long way.You don’t want Le Baume to look goopy on your skin (plus it will just rub off on your pillow). Instead you want a thin layer that is spread out evenly over your skin. Plus, wait at least 30 minutes, if not longer before you head to bed. That will give Le Baume a chance to sink into the skin a bit, and less of a chance that it will rub off on your pillows.Wash your face in the morning.After a night of repair and hydration, you do want to give your skin a nice big gulp of fresh air. So be sure to do a thorough cleansing the morning after and behold your plump, hydrated skin in all its glory.Can All Skin Types Benefit from Slugging?Not all skin types can handle slugging. If you are acne prone, or have oily skin that is over producing sebum, then slugging may clog pores. If there’s any sort of open infection or cut on the skin, then definitely best to skip the slugging so the skin can heal.How Often Should You Slug Your Skin?How often you should use this technique, this will depend on your individual skin type and complexion concerns. For most skin types, completely sealing your skin barrier every night isn't necessary or even recommended—meaning you may want to alternate slugging days with some “non-slug” days.However, there may be some exceptions where you might consider slugging daily for a certain time period, such as during the very dry, cold winter months when your skin is more prone to losing moisture. Understanding your skin type is key, so listen to your skin when implementing the slugging skincare technique. When in doubt, always consult with a board-certified dermatologist.