Ever stood in front of the mirror at the end of a long day, feeling like your skin was crying out for help? You need to repair it, but the motivation for a lengthy routine just isn’t present. I understand we’ve all been there. What if there’s something quite simple that gets your skin back in order overnight? I’ve been doing this pretty much every night for two years. It tightens my skin and makes it look its best no fussy steps or expensive serums. It’s an ancient technique that’s gone viral due to social media.
1. What Is Slugging?
You’ve likely heard about it on your timeline under slugging. It’s gone viral with hundreds of millions of views. TikTok depicts dramatic before-and-afters, even combining it with LED masks. But the concept behind slugging is remarkably basic. It’s a Korean skincare tip in which you put a petroleum jelly layer on your face typically the final step in your nighttime skincare.
Consider Vaseline, CeraVe Healing Ointment, or Aquaphor. The idea is to thoroughly moisturize and shield your skin overnight by creating a barrier during sleep.
2. Why Slugging Works
People rave about it because it works. After trying slugging, many say their skin feels plump, glowing, and super hydrated. It seals in everything you’ve applied underneath and stops moisture from escaping during the night. If your skin feels dry, tight, or irritated, slugging can really help.
Petroleum jelly is a mix of oils and waxes that acts like a seal on the skin. It forms a barrier that locks in hydration and protects the outer layer. Studies show Vaseline can help repair the skin barrier by preventing water loss. But slugging only works well if there’s moisture on your skin to trap.
That’s when humectants save the day. Humectants draw moisture into the skin such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or urea. Use serums or moisturizers first, always seal with the petroleum jelly layer. This is key to receiving full benefit.
3. The Benefits of Slugging
Regular slugs report glowing, hydrated, healthier-looking skin. It may help to rebuild your skin barrier and get more mileage out of your other skincare products. Fine lines are even said to appear less noticeable likely due to the plumping hydration effect. A soft, well-hydrated face simply looks fuller.
Dermatologists aren’t surprised that it’s so popular. They have known for a long time occlusives are great to trap in moisture. Dr. Hadley King supports the technique but adds that the layering is crucial. Begin with humectants, then use emollients (to soften), and finish with the occlusive (petroleum jelly). Or put on a moisturizer already containing humectants, emollients, and occlusives then slather on petroleum jelly over the top as an added bonus.
Dr. King says that slugging is particularly beneficial for dry skin or for being in dry environments. Indoor heating or living in cold climates can actually cause more water to be lost from your skin. Slugging provides relief by making your skin hold more moisture and feel more comfortable.
4. Slugging Tips, Tricks, and Product Picks
Slugging is not for everybody. Dr. Debra Jaliman makes a note that individuals with acne skin must exercise caution. Its barrier nature has the tendency to entrap oil and clog pores, which may lead to breakouts. It is advisable to steer clear of slugging for oily or acne skin.
For dry or normal skin types, Dr. Jaliman prefers substitutes to straight Vaseline. She likes to use CeraVe Healing Ointment or Aquaphor, which are widely available and over-the-counter. She also points out the value of layering: applying moisturizing creams with ceramides and hyaluronic acid as a base before occlusive. Ceramides fortify the skin barrier; hyaluronic acid draws in water.
If you’re looking for more luxurious alternatives, Dr. King refers to Ghost Democracy Ceramide Cream containing ceramides, squalane, and murumuru seed butter. Another choice is Innbeauty Project Daily Moisturizer it’s full of goodies such as ceramides, shea butter, and fatty acids. Be it drugstore discoveries or luxury skincare, there are many products that can be used with slugging.
5. Optimize Slugging Effects
Slugging is most effective if done correctly. Here are some fast tips to help you out:
- Only at night: Slugging during the day can make your skin sticky unless you’re in extreme temperatures.
- Get your skin ready: Put on moisturizing products first before the jelly layer. If your skin is not already moist, there is nothing to seal in.
- Low-cost: Vaseline is cheap but works great. But you can also try other textures such as CeraVe or Aquaphor.
- Be consistent: Darnisha Monson, licensed esthetician, suggests slugging every day. It requires about four to six weeks to observe the changes. In short, it is a long game, not a quick fix.
6. Red Light Therapy: Spa Results at Home?
You probably have noticed individuals sporting radiant LED masks on social media. That’s red light therapy, and it’s the latest rage. It promises to enhance skin quality, smooth wrinkles, and leave you radiant all from the comfort of your own home.
These gadgets employ certain wavelengths of light to attack skin problems. The CurrentBody LED Mask Series 2, for instance, contains red, near-infrared, and deep near-infrared lights 236 bulbs total. It addresses fine lines, wrinkles, and irregular tone. Consumers reported it reduced acne and provided an apparent glow.
Another intriguing choice is the Shark CryoGlow Mask. It’s new-user friendly, with red, blue, and infrared lights. It even comes with cooling eye pads. One tester reported their dermatitis disappeared and their complexion looked brighter. After eight weeks, scans indicated reduced inflammation and improved texture.
Then there’s the SolaWave Wand a tiny device that incorporates red light and microcurrent therapy with facial massage. It minimizes puffiness and normalizes tone. Therabody TheraFace Pro is also an all-in-one device with lights and microcurrent. Users reported it cleared acne and provided a more toned sensation.
Red light tools are usually quick and simple to use. A few minutes a few times a week is all it takes. They help boost your routine by improving texture and firmness over time.
7. Microcurrent Devices: Sculpt and Tone at Home
Microcurrent tools are another popular way to get spa-like results at home. They use low-level electric currents to stimulate facial muscles, helping to lift, tone, and reduce fine lines.
Celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden adores these devices for keeping her face lifted. According to Dr. Geeta Yadav, currents stimulate the muscles and enhance circulation, leaving you with a healthier glow. A truly at-home option is the Therabody TheraFace Pro, an aesthetician and nurse Natalie Aguilar swears by.
How do they work? The devices transmit little currents through your skin, making your facial muscles tighten. It’s a face workout. This tones and de-puffs. Individuals report that their jowls, cheeks, and chin feel more sculpted and appear more firm.
8. Best-selling devices are
- Evertone Everlift: A five-minute daily device that lifts crow’s feet and tones your face every day.
- Foreo Bear: Tiny, water-resistant, with 10 settings and an anti-shock mechanism.
- NuFace Mini+: Guide-app driven, ideal for beginners, provides subtle lifting.
- Ziip Halo: Employs both microcurrent and nanocurrent to enable rapid and visible skin repair.
- NuFace Trinity+: Professional-level set with eye and lip attachments and cream activators for firming and hydrating.
Other alternatives are the Joey Healy Device (excellent for travel), MyoLift QT Plus (hand-held masks), and ReFa Carat Ray Face (solar-powered roller with no gel required). SolaWave Wand also combines red light and microcurrent advantages.
How to Use Microcurrent Devices Properly
Aguilar maintains that obeying instructions is important. Start by washing your face. Most devices require conductive gel to function well. Switch the device on and section your face. Work slowly upwards, following the contours of your face. Focus on places where you desire tighter skin.
Each session takes 10 to 20 minutes. Since home tools are gentler than pro machines, daily use might be needed. After the session, apply your usual moisturizer. The treatment might even help it absorb better.
When shopping, Dr. Yadav suggests tools with two prongs for precise areas. Aguilar recommends devices that are lightweight, ergonomic, and FDA-cleared. Choose tools you’ll actually want to use consistently.
