TikTok’s Viral Slugging technique might be the best hack for better skin

Earlier this year, a new skin care trend called slugging exploded in popularity TikTok. The trend has sent beauty fans into a frenzy and gone viral on social media for claims it makes skin smooth and soft – while looking (and sounding) super gross.

Don’t worry, this process doesn’t use real snails. Plastering involves an inexpensive household product that your grandmother always has in her bathroom: petroleum jelly.

Here’s everything you need to know about this slimy skincare trend.

What is slugging?

Hitting is a Korean beauty skin care practice that means smearing the face with petroleum jelly. You can use any product from Aquaphor to CeraVe to petroleum jelly to hydrate and protect the face at night. Videos of this beauty technique – which tend to really go overboard with the amount they put on – have gone viral on TikTok with over 500 million views so far under the hashtag #crashing. a lot TikTok users who have tried it themselves report results such as plump, glowing and moisturized skin.

@edwardzo TikTok made me try it: Slugging (with @cetaphilusa’s new healing salve) 🐌 #skincare101#skintalk#crashing#skin barrier#cetafil#cetaphilpartner♬ original sound – EdwardZO

The clogging process

Stage 1: Clean your face.

Step 2: Stock up on hydrating products like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.

Step 3: Add a nighttime moisturizer, such as a lotion, oil, or cream.

Step 4: Top up your occlusive or petroleum jelly: Vaseline, CeraVe, Aquaphor, or another brand. (Although you’ll see TikTokers use a handful for dramatic effect, you can use as little as a pea to see the benefits.)

Step 5: Wait a few minutes before going to bed.

Purported Benefits of Throat

Vaseline is made up of oils and waxes that act as a barrier on the skin, trapping the moisture underneath. Studies have shown that petroleum jelly—one of the most popular petroleum jelly brands—has properties that can help repair the outermost layer of your skin. In addition to keeping the skin moisturized, petroleum jelly can increase the strength of other products applied underneath.

Moisturizing is most effective when combined with humectants (a dermatology term for ingredients that retain moisture), such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or urea.

Reported benefits of fatigue include:

• Moisturized, glowing skin
• Healthier, younger looking skin
• Restored skin barrier
• Lock in other products
• Reduced appearance of wrinkles

What do the experts say?

Dermatologists aren’t surprised by this trend, given that petroleum jelly has been a popular beauty product for decades. They already know how occlusives (like petroleum jelly) effectively lock in moisture to keep skin hydrated and plump.

New York City Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Hadley King agrees with the effectiveness of the kick as long as you “do it the right way”.

“First apply a product or products that contain humectants and emollients (moisturizing ingredients), then add other occlusives. You can start with a serum containing moisturizers and add a facial oil with emollients,” she said. “The final step would be to apply petrolatum as an occlusive. Alternatively, you can apply a moisturizer that contains humectants, emollients and occlusives, and then for additional occlusive properties, apply petroleum jelly.”

According to King, the loose skin care trend is most beneficial for those with dry skin or those frequently exposed to dry conditions, given that “a dry environment will exacerbate transepidermal water loss and skin dryness.”

However, King recommends caution when applying occlusives over topical medications, as this can increase potency, creating adverse effects.

Kicking is not for everyone. According to Dr. Debra Jalimanboard-certified New York dermatologist and author of the book Skin Rules. “Swallowing before bed is fine if you have very dry skin, but not a good idea for acne-prone skin,” Jaliman said. “Covering can potentially trap oils and clog skin pores and especially irritate acne-prone skin, contributing to breakouts.”

She went on to say, “If you’re not prone to acne, some good products to use for weight loss are CeraVe Healing Ointment and Aquaphor.” Echoing King’s advice, Jaliman also recommends using a product that hydrates, moisturizes and protects all in one: “Personally, I would recommend using a thick cream like e.g. CeraVe Hydrating Cream which has ceramides and hyaluronic acid.”

Tips for nailing

Apply only at night

Unless you are in an extremely cold and dry environment, it is best to apply only at night. This way you can lock in moisture and other skin care products while you sleep. (Otherwise, you’ll be walking around all day with slimy skin.)

Combine with your nighttime moisturizer

Vaseline works by preventing moisture from entering or leaving. If there is no moisture on the skin to begin with, applying Vaseline will not do much good. For best results, it’s important to load your skin with hydrating and moisturizing products first, then layer your product on top to keep the moisture from evaporating from your skin.

Drug store or high end products will work

Vaseline is an inexpensive product that can be found at any drugstore, but if you’re looking for luxury products with extra moisturizing properties, King recommends Ghost Democracy Ceramide Cream. “It contains ceramides, lipids, squalane and murumuru seed oil to support the skin barrier and lock in moisture. You can add heavier occlusives on top if you want,” she said.

King also recommends Innbeauty Project Daily Moisturizer. “With ceramides, triglycerides, shea butter, squalane, dimethicone and fatty acids and fatty alcohols, this supports the skin barrier and locks in moisture.”

Use consistently to see results

Darnisha Monson, a licensed esthetician, recommends making exfoliation part of your nighttime skin care routine. To see results, you need to use consistently for four to six weeks. Fusion cannot fix your skin or the appearance of your skin overnight.

Best if used in winter

The colder months are when our the skin loses the most moisture. Cleaning will be more effective in winter and in environments that are hard on the skin. Occlusives can even protect against windburn on your winter ski trips.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.