Skip to main content

I'm A Slug: The Skincare Trend that Changed My Routine



If you haven't heard the term "slugging", you've come to the right place. About five years ago I was doing my morning TikTok scroll and a young lady came on my screen doing a 'Get Ready With Me' morning vlog and she had the most beautiful skin I had seen. As I watched the video, she focused a lot on her skincare and over time as I watched more of her videos she talked about her journey with acne, scars, and unruly skin. As someone who has always been into skincare (I used to wake up at 9am and watch Jane Treacy on QVC sell Yves Rocher skincare on Saturday mornings when I was  about 10 years old and I also dreamed of the day I could by Fashion Fair cosmetics from Macy's before I became a teenager!), I am always looking for the next greatest cleanser, moisturizer, toner, serum, exfoliant - you name it. As I've gotten older and my skin has become more mature, I've learned through trial, error, and maxed out store cards that more is not always best and sometimes having a simple skincare routine is just the cure and treatment your skin needs.

In the content creator's videos, what stuck out most was how simple, yet effective her skincare routine was and being someone with very sensitive skin who has dealt with bouts of hormonal acne and scarring, I thought "why not!?" Her routine consisted of cleansing, moisturizing, slugging, and SPF, that's it. So I took note and adopted that routine and I saw a huge difference in my skin after about 2 weeks. It was more supple, radiant, and even on days where I might have not cared for it like the day before, it still looked great. Two things I realized helped: 1. simplifying my routine and the 2. the added layer of 'Slugging'. 

What is slugging?

Slugging is a skincare technique where you apply a layer of an occlusive product (think of it like a seal that locks everything. For example petroleum jelly, beeswax, lanolin, or mineral oil). It is typically gently rubbed over your moisturizer as the final step in your skincare routine and most people choose to do it at night. 

The goal?

The goal is to lock in moisture and help your skin repair itself (which is why it is best done overnight - but I do it in the day too) by creating a barrier that prevents water loss. While it might sound a little greasy (and yes, you'll look a bit shiny), it can be incredibly effective for dry, dehydrated, or irritated skin. Just be sure to use it on clean skin. If you're acne-prone or are using strong actives like retinol, also note this may not be the best addition for your skincare routine; but that's for you and a skin expert to decide.

If you have ever heard of slugging or are thinking about it, here are a few products that may be worth trying:



This is the exact product I use and the product I saw the content creator use that introduced me to slugging.



I don't use this on my face but on really cold days or days where I am extra dry, I use on my body and it keeps me supple and glistening all day. If I ever run out of CeraVe for my face or they no longer sell the product, I would definitely switch to this.



This is tried and true and has been used for decades, over many generations of women in our families. And some of your biggest celebrities use this to keep their skin fresh-faced and glowing for stage, screen, and print. 

....................

What's most important to remember is like with anything new you put in or on your body, consult a licensed and professional expert who can give you a good consultation and also help you decide what works best for YOU. Some skin care experts or skin enthusiasts may say slugging is not good for the skin or should be used only a few times in the winter; I think that's for you to decide for your skin. But be sure to do your research and talk to experts and clinicians you trust.

I hope this has shed a bit of light on part of my skin routine that has been a Godsend over the last few years as I ease into the middle-aged season of life. If you have any of your own skincare secrets you'd like to share - email or share them in the comments!




Skin Care GIF by EwaliBeauty


Note: The information in this blog post is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. It is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health, starting new treatments, or changing your current care routine.

Some clickable links in this post may provide me with a small commission at no cost to you. Your support allows me to continue to find and provide you with great products, unboxings, and a space of joy, relaxation, and ease.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Beauty of Starting Over: No Matter Your Age

When I turned 40, I experienced something like a rebirth. The way I thought I  should  have felt at 20 - that excitement, confidence, and sense of endless possibility - I finally felt it at 40. It was as if the world had opened wide, and I could truly be and do whatever I wanted. I remember the days leading up to my 40th birthday were heavy - solemn, reflective, even tinged with melancholy and regret. But when I woke up on that morning, I felt something completely different: Gratitude  for another year of life, Joy  knowing I would celebrate intimately with close friends, and Motivation  from the awareness that no day is promised to any of us. That realization pushed me to look at myself with fresh eyes—to believe in myself in the way I should have long before 40. The Result? This Blog and My Permission to Build the Life I Desire Now in my early 40s, I’m leaning into my dream of starting a beauty and lifestyle brand. I’m stepping fully into the woman I once hid ...
Post a Comment
Read more

This Chapter of Womanhood: Embracing the Now

Not too long ago, I shared some thoughts about starting over . I’ve come to truly appreciate how often we as women have the power to stop, shift, and begin again throughout our life. It may not always feel like we have those choices, especially when life is heavy or resources are tight; but even then I’ve learned that the option to “start again” or to pivot is always on the table. It might take some planning, a new strategy, or help from others, but it’s still there.  One thing I’ve always stood on both in life and on social media is this: if you want to start over or be someone different, you can and should do it - unapologetically. But  what if you want to start over so you can be who you used to be? What if you feel stuck or unhappy with who you are now and you want to get back to that girl or woman you used to know? What if you have been unable to start over or begin something new because you just can’t quite be who you used to be? She always did it; but you now, you’re h...
2 comments
Read more