Preparation
While it’s been around since pre-social media days, slugging has gone viral in the beauty world during the last year—and it hasn’t let up for good reason. If you aren’t sure if this technique is actually for you, consider its benefits. “The whole idea with slugging is to create a thin film with occlusive agents like ointments, oils, and balms to reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier and prevent trans-epidermal water loss,” says Adeline Kikam, DO, MSc, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Brown Skin Derm. This will help boost your skin’s moisture levels and ward off conditions like eczema and dryness. Always make sure you have freshly washed skin when applying occlusives (ingredients that act as protectives to seal the skin and lock in hydration) to slug. This way, you will avoid trapping dirt and excess oil that can cause or worsen breakouts, says Dr. Kikam.
As for the best occlusives to buy for your slugging routine? We tapped dermatologists to share their favorites, so can shop your way to more hydrated skin.
Vaseline All-Over Body Balm StickAquaphor Healing OintmentHydroPeptide Soothing BalmCeraVe Healing Ointment Skin ProtectantSkinfix Remedy+ 911 OintmentVaseline Original Petroleum JellyEltaMD MoisturizerThe INKEY List Rosehip Nourishing Night OilSkinCeuticals Hydra Balm Moisturizing Ointment
