What is “Slugging”?: Social Media’s Newest Skincare Obsession

Image Courtesy: Strike FSU

It seems that almost every month, there is a new trend on social media that has to do with skincare. Something is described as “life-changing” or deemed a “must-have”, and everyone instantly eats it up. Including me. I am a sucker for anything skincare-related, and I will always pay attention to new trends that might help my skin become even a bit glowier or brighter.

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Whether it’s an ice roller from Amazon, a serum with hyaluronic acid, or the Laneige Lip Mask that adds major hydration to my lips during the wintertime, I’m always open to trying new products. The latest trend, though, has a provocative name and even caused me to be a little skeptical. “Slugging” has been showing up over and over again on my TikTok “For You” page. It is essentially a way for you to lock in all of your nighttime skincare products like serums, oils, and moisturizers, which helps them work to their maximum potential. It also makes you look as slimy as a slug when you’re done. You are supposed to take a petroleum-jelly-based product like Vaseline or Aquaphor and rub it all over your face before you go to bed. This helps your entire skincare routine stay on your face throughout the night and really allows it to soak into your skin.

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As someone who has very sensitive skin, I was extremely nervous to try out “slugging.” The idea of putting a product on as thick as Aquaphor and just going to sleep with it on made me cringe. I had used petroleum jelly many times in the past to take off makeup but had never once just kept it on. It seemed like a recipe for clogged pores and pimples. After doing some research, I learned that those who created Aquaphor claim it is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. This seemed reason enough for me to try slugging out. After I slathered on my numerous serums and creams, I also dug out my tube of Aquaphor and added it to my face.

My first impression was one of a little disgust, as it made me feel really oily and slimy. I immediately wanted to wash it off, but I decided to keep it on for the night and give it a fair chance. I went to sleep, and in the morning, I noticed that when I washed it off, it had obviously stayed on for the most part and therefore also kept my skincare on underneath as well. I do believe I used too much of an amount and later learned that just a pea-sized amount is sufficient enough to “slug”. This would definitely have helped with the pillowcase stained with Aquaphor that I immediately had to wash the next day and my hair that seemed greasy from it as well.

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Overall, though, I do believe in the so-called “powers of slugging” and think that it can be really beneficial to anyone who uses a bit of skincare every night. Considering how expensive high-quality skincare can be, a hack to keep the products on your face and get the most out of them every night is one that deserves to be recognized. If you use the correct amount and wash your pillowcases extremely often, this could be a great way to get more benefits out of your nighttime skincare routine.

Strike Out,

Writer: Isabel Burden

Editor: Roxy Rico

Graphic Designer: Abbey Fleming

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