All About Slugging: Your Complete Guide to This Trending Moisturizing Technique

Skin slugging has become a popular skincare technique for achieving soft, hydrated, and radiant skin. While it might sound unusual, the process is simple and grounded in science. Slugging locks in hydration, boosts skincare efficacy, and protects your skin overnight. Learn more about how it works, the benefits it offers, and potential issues you may need to watch out for.

How Does Skin Slugging Work?

At its core, slugging is about minimizing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) — a natural process where water evaporates from the skin. By applying an occlusive product as the final step in your nighttime routine, you create a barrier that keeps moisture and active ingredients in while keeping irritants out.

Traditional occlusives like petroleum jelly are used, but modern skincare innovations have led to even better slugging options, such as HydroPeptide’s Soothing Balm and Barrier Builder Cream. These products include beneficial ingredients like peptides and antioxidants that do more than just seal moisture into the skin — they nourish and repair it as well.

The Benefits of Skin Slugging

1. Boosts Hydration

Slugging helps retain moisture in the skin, making it especially beneficial for those with dry or dehydrated skin. Dry skin typically lacks oil, which means it struggles to hold onto moisture. Slugging addresses this by creating a barrier that prevents water from escaping.

Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, lacks water rather than oil. By trapping hydration from serums or moisturizers, slugging helps restore the skin’s plumpness and elasticity, making it an effective remedy for both conditions. It ensures that the hydration your skin absorbs through the products you apply in your routine stays locked in overnight, leaving you with a plump, dewy complexion by morning.

2. Supports Skin Barrier Function

A healthy skin barrier is essential for preventing water loss and keeping out irritants. Slugging strengthens the skin’s barrier by reinforcing it with an occlusive layer, giving your skin time to recover and repair.

3. Enhances Product Effectiveness

When paired with hydrating serums and creams, slugging amplifies their benefits. The occlusive layer ensures these products stay in contact with your skin longer, maximizing their absorption and effectiveness.

4. Improves Texture and Radiance

Consistent slugging can smooth out rough patches and leave your skin looking brighter and more luminous. It’s particularly effective in combating the dullness that comes with dehydration.

Who Should Try Skin Slugging?

Slugging is suitable for many skin types, but it’s especially helpful for:

• Dry Skin: If your skin feels tight, flaky, or itchy, slugging can help restore lost moisture and soothe discomfort.

• Combination Skin: While slugging can work for combination skin, it’s important to avoid applying occlusive products to areas prone to oiliness or breakouts, focusing instead on dry or dehydrated zones.

• Sensitive or Irritated Skin: For those dealing with redness or irritation, slugging can provide a calming layer of protection.

• Mature Skin: Aging skin tends to lose moisture more easily, making slugging a great way to counteract dryness and improve elasticity.

• Seasonal or Environmental Dryness: Whether it’s winter air or exposure to dry climates, slugging can help your skin adapt to changing conditions.

Potential Issues with Skin Slugging

While slugging has many benefits, it’s not for everyone. Here are some potential drawbacks to consider:

1. Not Ideal for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Applying a heavy occlusive can trap oil, sweat, and bacteria, potentially leading to clogged pores and breakouts. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, slugging might not be the best fit, or you can try lighter, non-comedogenic options.

2. Risk of Product Build-Up

Slugging works best when applied to clean, properly prepped skin. Failing to remove makeup or residue beforehand can lead to clogged pores or irritation. A thorough double cleanse is essential before slugging to ensure that all impurities and leftover product are removed.

After a night of slugging, it’s equally important to double cleanse in the morning. This removes any occlusive residue and ensures your skin is fresh and ready for the next steps in your skincare routine.

3. Overdoing It

Using occlusive products every night may overwhelm your skin, leading to a greasy feel or even sensitivity. Over-hydration can disrupt your skin’s natural barrier, making it less effective at protecting against irritants and external stressors. This can result in redness, discomfort, or an imbalance in your skin’s moisture levels. Start with 2–3 times per week and adjust based on your skin’s needs.

The 3 Steps to Successful Skin Slugging

1. Cleanse Thoroughly: Double cleansing is key to preparing your skin for slugging. Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and surface impurities, followed by a gentle water-based cleanser to ensure your skin is completely clean and free of debris. This step sets the stage for your skincare products to work effectively.

2. Apply Targeted Treatments: Use this step to address your skin goals with serums or lightweight moisturizers that hydrate and deliver actives. Look for products containing humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to boost hydration, and consider adding targeted treatments with ingredients like vitamin C for brightening, peptides for anti-aging, or niacinamide for calming and strengthening your skin.

3. Seal with an Occlusive: As the final step, apply an occlusive layer to lock in hydration. This can range from traditional petroleum jelly to more advanced options like HydroPeptide’s Soothing Balm or Barrier Builder, both of which combine long-lasting moisture with reparative and nourishing ingredients for added benefits.

Expert Tips

• Patch Test First: Especially if you’re using a new moisturizing product, patch testing can help you avoid unwanted reactions.

• Don’t Skip Cleansing: Properly clean your skin before slugging to prevent product buildup and clogged pores.

• Adjust for Your Skin Type: If you’re prone to acne or oiliness, opt for lighter occlusives and avoid applying slugging products to areas prone to breakouts.

• Thin-to-Thick Texture Technique: Layer your products strategically by applying your lightest products like essences and toners first, then your targeted serums, and finally sealing with your thick moisturizer or balm. This enhances hydration without overloading the skin.

• Consider Environmental Factors: If you’re in a humid climate, you may not need as heavy an occlusive layer. Conversely, in dry or cold environments, a thicker layer can be beneficial.

Ready to try slugging?

Skin slugging is a simple yet effective technique for achieving hydrated, glowing skin. By sealing in moisture and supporting your skin barrier, it helps your skincare products work harder while giving your skin the nourishment it needs. Whether you’re battling dryness, sensitivity, or seasonal changes, slugging can be a game changer when done thoughtfully. With the right products and routine, you’ll wake up to a complexion that looks and feels revitalized.