How skin benefits from 'slugging'

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 17:15:00 EDT

By Kimberly Carr

“Slugging” is the process of slathering your face with an occlusive moisturizer as the final step in your skincare routine. Occlusives act as a barrier to seal moisture into the skin. While slugging may be utilized at any time of the year, and at any time of the day, many people choose to use the slugging method at night. When the skin is left to rest while sleeping, they awaken to greet the morning with more youthful, glowing skin.

Sophia Collins, Master Aesthetician at EVMS Med Spa, says that with the right moisturizer and ingredients, slugging can benefit any skin type.

Moisturizers can be divided into three groups: occlusive, emollient, and humectant.  For the slugging trend, using an occlusive moisturizer/ointment is the way to go. Not all occlusive moisturizers are created equal, so it’s important to know what to look for when shopping for one. Some of the most common occlusive ingredients are:

• Petroleum and petrolatum
• Silicones, like dimethicone
• Beeswax
• Shea butter
• Squalane

“While they all work well, they are not created equal,” says Collins. “Shea butter contains antioxidants which are also great for your skin. Not only do you get the occlusive benefits, but you also get a dose of nutrients. This is not the case with petroleum jelly, which has no moisturizing benefits or added ingredients. It basically locks in whatever serum/treatment cream your use before you apply it.”

Many occlusive moisturizers come with additional active ingredients to enhance the effect they have on your skin. Some ingredients you might want to look for in your occlusive moisturizer are:

• Hyaluronic acid – for hydration and pulling water into the skin
• Ceramides – to rebuild your skin’s natural protective layer
• Retinol – to fight fine lines and acne
• Antioxidants – to fight free radicals and protect your skin
• Peptides – to help firm up the skin

EVMS Med Spa treatments offer similar benefits to slugging.

The EVMS Med Spa partners with ZO Skin Health, and Collins recommends that anyone interested in the slugging trend may benefit from using the ZO Renewal Crème. This product promotes rapid moisture replenishment with more of a weightless feel and is suitable for acne-prone skin.

Another treatment Collins recommends is a specialized facial. “In three simple steps the HydraFacial will purify, nourish and protect your skin,” says Collins.  “To purify the skin, we will gently cleanse and chemically exfoliate the skin. This process extracts dirt and debris, clearing congestion. Nourishing takes place when the skin is infused with our wide choice of super serums, for radiant, healthy-looking skin.  Protecting the skin involves our final step of hydrating the skin to lock in moisture and antioxidants for a beautiful glowing finish.”

Learn more about the EVMS Aesthetic Med Spa and schedule an appointment by calling 757.226.8089.