While slugging may seem to be the latest K-beauty skincare trend, the practice actually dates back to beauty routines of the 60s and 70s. The term may have its origins in the word slugs (aka snails!) and may be considered the next generation of the K-beauty phenomenon of treating dry skin with snail mucin, popularized for its richly moisturizing benefits.
Simply, slugging is the act of coating the skin with a petrolatum-rich ointment before bed. When applied to skin, common petrolatum has unparalleled occlusive benefits that prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and dehydration during the night. Slugging is beneficial in the dry winter months and in colder climates; and while all skin types can benefit from it, it’s particularly helpful for dry and very dry skin types.
Yes it is! One of the leading causes of skin-aging and unhealthy skin performance is TEWL. Dehydrated skin loses the ability to bounce back from environmental aggressors. With a weakened skin barrier, skin can become dry, deflated, sensitive and sallow. That adage about drinking eight glasses of water each day? Well, water is essential to your skin health as it is to the rest of your body.
While petrolatum gets an undeserved bad rap, the tried-and-true ingredient is actually safe and gentle on the skin. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends petrolatum for the treatment of eczema in babies. If it’s gentle enough for a newborn, it’s gentle enough for you.
There is no hard and fast rule about how often you can and should slug. The frequency of slugging is dependent upon the needs of your skin. We recommend trying it one night and monitoring how your skin feels. If you find that your skin reacts well to slugging, appearing more visibly hydrated, plump and healthy than usual, slug again the following night. Only you know your skin and your skin’s unique needs!
Slugging requires a petrolatum-enriched product to achieve the level of occlusion required to prevent TEWL and lock in moisture. The Skinfix Remedy+ 911 Ointment is one of the best slugging products. 911 Ointment is an active pharmaceutical ointment clinically proven to improve skin barrier function. It is enriched with petrolatum and active levels of allantoin and cupuaçu butter to help prevent TEWL and deeply moisturize skin for lasting hydration.
To slug with Skinfix Remedy+ 911 Ointment, apply as the last step of your PM skincare routine, after cleansing, toning, serums and moisturizer. Dispense a pea-sized amount of our healing balm in your palm or on the back of the hand. Using fingertips, spread evenly over face, concentrating on areas of dryness.
911 Ointment is the best ointment for slugging and FREE FROM lanolin, water, preservatives, fragrance, steroids, antibiotics, parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, silicones, propylene glycol, PEGs, gluten and more. Read our full no list here.
For oily, and acne-prone skin types, we recommend slugging with the Skinfix Eczema+ Dermatitis Face Balm. Our concentrated face soother contains a lower concentration of occlusive petrolatum and is formulated with three active pharmaceutical ingredients, including 5% Colloidal Oatmeal, 7% Sweet Almond Oil and 1% Allantoin to temporarily protect and helps relieve dryness, minor skin irritations and itching. Dermatitis Face Balm is one of the best moisturizers for slugging and proven to safely treat flare-ups for fast, soothing relief.
Dermatitis Face Balm is non-comedogenic, ophthalmologist tested (safe for use around eyes and on lids) and FREE FROM steroids, antibiotics, fragrance, parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, silicones, lanolin, propylene glycol, PEGs, gluten and more. Read our full no list here.
