Slugging for Skincare: Breaking Down this Hot Beauty Trend

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by Zoe Doyle
September 16, 2024
7 min read

This article takes a close look at slugging, a viral skincare trend that involves applying a thick layer of petroleum jelly to the face overnight. It evaluates the pros and cons of slugging and evaluates its efficacy in comparison to sleeping on pure silk pillowcases.

Inside this Article:

All About Slugging (Seriously, Can We Get a Better Name?)
To Slug or Not to Slug?
Silk: A Luxurious (and NON-MESSY) Alternative to Slugging

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Have you ever heard about a new skincare trend so bizarre you had to wonder, "What won't we do for beauty?" This happens all the time to our team here at Mulberry Park Silks. After all, we routinely highlight the hair and beauty benefits of sleeping on silk, so staying up on what's new and next in beauty is a favorite part of our jobs (check out our recent blog debunking the viral "morning shed" ritual).

Today, we're going to take a look at the (unpleasantly named) practice known as "slugging." For those of you unfamiliar, slugging is finishing up your nightly skincare ritual with a thick layer of petroleum jelly or moisturizer, leaving your face slimy and shiny like the trail from a slug (eww). If you can get past the name, the practice of slugging is supposed to deliver a great benefit: the protective barrier "locks in" your skincare products and seals skin hydration overnight.

But does skin slugging really work? And is it the most effective way to prevent dryness and power up your healthy skin routine? We consulted a team of skincare experts to learn what they think about slugging and to inquire about less messy options for keeping skin soft (including sleeping on our pure silk pillowcases!).

All About Slugging (Seriously, Can We Get a Better Name?)

Slugging has taken the skincare world by storm, with beauty influencers and skincare enthusiasts alike singing its praises on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. But though it has gained notoriety recently, slugging has been around for centuries, with roots extending across multiple cultures. (If you remember your grandmother going to sleep with layers of night cream on her face, that was a form of slugging!)

So, why is slugging having such a moment? For two reasons: social media, which has platformed videos and reels showing how to maintain the moisture barrier and keep skin hydrated, and the COVID-19 pandemic, where long months at home led to a surge of interest in at-home, affordable skin care protocols.

Proponents of slugging claim that it serves multiple purposes:

Locks in moisture overnight for hydrated skin.
Enhances the effectiveness of other skincare products.
Improves skin texture (for the elusive "glass skin") and reduces the appearance of fine lines by "plumping" the skin
Soothes dry, irritated skin

Naomi Doswell, a skincare expert and founder of Beautiful Features Spa in Nottingham, England, elaborates, saying, "The idea is to create a barrier that locks in moisture, which can help repair the skin barrier, prevent water loss, and promote deep hydration. It's particularly beneficial for people with very dry or compromised skin, as it creates a protective layer that seals in all the skincare products applied underneath."

An Expert Weighs In on Slugging vs. Silk Pillowcases

"Occlusive products like Vaseline create a barrier on the skin, restoring lipids and repairing the skin barrier. However, while effective for dry skin, slugging can lead to clogged pores and breakouts, especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin. An alternative option could be silk pillowcases, which reduce friction and help retain moisture without the risk of clogging pores or causing breakouts." - Dr Gilles Laur, Parkwood Skin Clinic, Queensland, Australia

The cotton conundrum: Interestingly, slugging can also help counteract the drying effects of cotton pillowcases. As we frequently point out when comparing our silk pillowcases, cotton is highly absorbent and can wick away moisture from your skin and hair as you sleep. By creating a barrier with an occlusive product, slugging can help with this moisture loss. However, there's a significant downside: the greasy petroleum jelly can quickly ruin those same pillowcases. The oily residue can be difficult to wash out and may lead to staining, especially on lighter-colored fabrics. Let's look at some of the other concerns to slugging below.

To Slug or Not to Slug?

While slugging has its advocates, it's not without its drawbacks. Here are some reasons why you might want to think twice before embracing the slugging trend:

Potential for breakouts: For those with oily or acne-prone skin, slugging can be a recipe for skin care disaster. An occlusive ointment containing petrolatum (like Vaseline or Aquaphor Healing Ointment) has the potential to trap bacteria and oil, potentially leading to clogged pores and breakouts.

Dr. Firdous Ibrahim, a Medical Aesthetic physician practicing Cosmetic Dermatology, warns that slugging is a controversial trend. She says, "For those with acne-prone or oily skin, the occlusive nature of slugging can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Additionally, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the ingredients in occlusive moisturizers."

Overhydration: Yes, it's possible to have too much of a good thing. Overhydrating the skin can lead to a compromised skin barrier and increased sensitivity over time.

Interference with skin's natural processes: Our skin naturally regenerates and exfoliates while we sleep. The thick layer created by slugging might interfere with shedding dead skin cells.

Mess factor: Let's face it; coating your face in petroleum jelly is messy. It can get on your pillowcase, in your hair, and even on your partner if you share a bed.

Not suitable for all skin types: While slugging might be beneficial for those with very dry skin, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution for every skin type. Those with normal to oily skin may find it too heavy and unnecessary.

Potential irritation: Some people may be sensitive to petroleum jelly or other occlusive moisturizer products used for slugging, leading to skin sensitivity, skin irritation, or allergic reactions.

Naomi Doswell adds, "Additionally, the heavy layer can sometimes irritate people with sensitive skin, particularly if they use products that are not non-comedogenic. It's essential to thoroughly cleanse the skin before slugging and to evaluate if it's appropriate based on individual skin types and concerns."

Environmental concerns: Petroleum jelly is a byproduct of the oil industry, which raises sustainability concerns for environmentally conscious consumers.

Silk: A Luxurious (and NON-MESSY) Alternative to Slugging

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If you're intrigued by the idea of maximizing your overnight skincare routine but put off by the messiness and other downsides of slugging, we've got a luxurious alternative: silk pillowcases.

At Mulberry Park Silks, we've long promoted the many beauty benefits of sleeping on our silk. Unlike cotton, which can absorb moisture from your skin and hair, silk is naturally hydrating to preserve moisture. The smooth surface allows your skin to glide across the pillowcase, reducing friction and preventing the formation of sleep lines and wrinkles.

Naomi Doswell adds, "A silk pillowcase can indeed be a fantastic alternative to slugging, particularly for those looking to maintain moisture in their skin without the risks associated with heavy occlusive products."

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Here's why our pure silk pillowcases are a superior choice for your skincare routine:

Natural hydration: Silk helps your skin retain its natural moisture without the need for greasy, occlusive products. It's particularly beneficial for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin who can't tolerate heavy moisturizers.
Skincare product preservation: When you sleep on a silk pillowcase, your skincare products stay where you put them: on your face. Cotton pillowcases can absorb expensive serums and creams, but silk allows them to work their magic all night long.
Temperature regulation: Silk naturally regulates temperature, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. This can help prevent night sweats that can disrupt your sleep and your skin's recovery process.
Hypoallergenic properties: Silk is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, mold, and fungus, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies. We've taken the extra step of independently certifying our silk as safe from harmful chemicals.
Long-lasting beauty: Unlike cotton pillowcases that need frequent replacement due to staining and wear, high-quality silk pillowcases can last for years with proper care, making them a smart investment in your beauty routine.
Versatility: Silk pillowcases benefit not just your skin, but your hair too. They help prevent frizz, tangles, and breakage, giving you a comprehensive beauty sleep solution.

Of course, silk is also the absolute pinnacle of luxury. Our silk pillowcase and bedding collections are stylish and available in a range of momme weights and colors. They are also easily washable in your machine at home. So, before you slug, consider instead investing in a pure silk pillowcase from Mulberry Park Silks. As always, our design team is happy to answer any questions you have about our products, including our line of pure silk accessories. So, before you slug, consider investing in a pure silk pillowcase from Mulberry Park Silks.

Our Clients Also Ask These Questions:

Is slugging good for your skin?

When done properly, some people believe slugging delivers benefits to certain types of skin, including keeping it

Is Vaseline or Aquaphor better for slugging?

Both Vaseline and Aquaphor can be used for slugging, as they contain petrolatum.

How to do slugging correctly?

After cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing your skin at night, apply a layer of Vaseline, Aquaphor, or other petroleum-based products to your skin.

Does slugging clog your pores?

Slugging can absolutely clog pores because the petroleum jelly is occlusive.

What are the negatives of slugging?

Potential downsides to slugging include clogged pores, overhydrated skin, skin irritation when products are left on too long, and mess.

Who should avoid slugging?

Slugging should be avoided by anyone with oily skin or conditions like acne or anyone with sensitive skin due to the potential for irritation and breakouts.

Mulberry Park: Accessible and Affordable Luxury Silk

We founded Mulberry Park with one simple mission: to design the highest quality silk items in the market and offer them at an affordable price. And we've done just that, with a full range of silk products made from 100% pure mulberry long strand silk fabric. The silk fabric used for our silk sheets and silk pillowcases has also been OEKO-TEX® Certified (Standard 100) to be free of chemicals.

Visit us online or call us at (800) 860-1924 to learn more about our silk sheets, silk pillowcases, duvet covers and shams, and real silk accessories including sleep masks, travel pillows, and silk hair scrunchies.

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