Sounds gross, feels amazing, slugging might just be your new nighttime skincare routine. It feels like a dream and your skin will love you for it. This K-beauty trend is blowing up for a reason. We’re breaking down exactly what it is, why it works, and how to master the art of waking up glowy, not greasy. We’ll explore occlusives, overnight hydration, and how not to wake up looking like a greaseball (trust us, it’s a fine art).
What Even Is Slugging?
Think of slugging like bedtime for your skin, one last cozy coat before lights out. Dermatologists define it as slathering a thin layer of an occlusive, commonly pure petroleum jelly over your moisturizer to seal in hydration overnight.
Board-certified dermatologists, including Dr. Amy Kassouf at Cleveland Clinic, praises it for its ability to lock in moisture, enhance barrier repair, and seal in previous skincare layers.
Why Slugging Is Your Skin’s Midnight Miracle
Okay, so why are skin experts giving slugging a big thumbs-up? For starters, it’s like putting your face in a little moisture cocoon overnight. Dry patches? Flaky cheeks? Skin that’s throwing a tantrum? Slugging wraps it all up in a snug, hydrating hug, especially helpful for the sensitive and easily-irritated crowd. But that’s not all. This gooey trick also turns your nighttime routine into a full-blown power move. All the serums and creams you applied before? Slugging keeps them from ghosting your skin by locking everything in place so they can actually do their job while you snooze. Oh, and if your skin’s been through it lately with irritation, post-peel redness, you name it, slugging gives it the kind of overnight recovery setup dreams are made of.
Want to Try Slugging? Here’s a Fun Routine
Step 1: Clean and hydrate
Use your favorite cleanser to gently remove makeup and impurities.
Step 2: Nourish with your night creams
VLCC Vitamin C Night Cream packs a punch with antioxidant-rich Vitamin C and Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, skin is prepped and glowing before we seal.
Prefer something more nourishing? Anti Ageing Hydrating Night Cream combines almond oil and rich emollients to replenish tired skin without clogging pores.
Experts say layering a humectant or emollient moisturizer before the occlusive is key for best results.
Step 3: Seal it in
Take a pea-sized dollop of petroleum jelly and gently pat it onto your face. Focus on dry spots like cheeks, lips, or eyelids. No need to go full disco ball; a thin layer does the trick.
Step 4: Wake up, rinse, repeat
In the morning, cleanse to remove any residue. Your skin should feel soft, supple, and baby-skin fresh.
Want a Less Greasy Option?
Try slugging with a lighter occlusive like your Honey Moisturiser. Enriched with honey extract, jojoba, almond, and olive oils. It’s long-lasting, nourishing, and avoids that heavy film while still sealing in moisture.
Honey is scientifically backed as humectant and emollient, helping restore natural moisture balance, and when combined with plant oils, it gives skin a velvety, illuminated finish!
When to Slug (and When to Chill)
Slugging isn’t a daily must—think of it as a “when needed” kind of ritual. Cold or dry air? Go for it 2–3 times a week. Just flaky around the eyes or lips? Spot-slug only. Oily or acne-prone? Keep it to once a week max, and only on dry patches. Using strong actives? Skip the slug that night—your skin doesn’t need that kind of drama.
Glazed, Not Greasy!
Slugging isn’t rocket science, it’s barrier-loving basics done right. Cleanse gently, nourish with Vitamin C or anti-ageing creams (or honey goodness), seal it up, and let your skin recover overnight. Almost too easy, but the results? Totally real!
