Slugging: Great or Gross?
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If the idea of slathering petroleum jelly on your face sounds like a disgusting mess, you aren’t alone. But people are actually doing it and swear up and down that it is good for their skin.
You’re probably here because you’re curious about something you’ve seen on TikTok or Instagram. So let’s figure out whether slugging is great or gross.
What is Slugging?
Slugging is the process of putting petroleum jelly on your face, usually overnight. It’s done using petroleum based products like Vaseline or Aquaphor. The term “slugging" is inspired by the slimy mucus trail that slugs leave behind. In fact, legend has it that Marilyn Monroe used Vaseline as part of her beauty routine in order to keep her skin soft and have a healthy glow.
So what’s the point? Proponents say that it:
Creates a seal over the skin to lock in moisture.
Heals the skin barrier.
Helps to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
Give the skin a plumper appearance.
It’s a budget friendly way to hydrate the skin.
What’s even more interesting is that some dermatologists approve of the practice! Petroleum products have been clinically proven to benefit extremely dry or cracked skin. There is even some evidence that slugging can help intensify any products underneath the slimy layer (such as a serum). Dermatologists do recommend that you use caution if you’re applying occlusives over prescription medication such as tretinoin because that could cause extreme side effects.
If your skin is on the oily side or if you are acne prone, you may not want to include slugging in your regular routine. If you want to try it, doctors recommend using a serum with a low level of glycolic acid as the base (here is our recommendation) and then applying a very thin layer of Aquaphor on top. This should only be done once a week.
Slugging the Right Way
If you’re going to slug, you need to do it properly so that you don’t end up with skin in worse shape. Here is a breakdown of the process:
Cleansing: This may be the most important step. You need to be sure you’ve cleansed your skin thoroughly because if you apply a thick product on top of any leftover dirt or make up, there is a higher risk of clogging pores.
Apply serums or other specialty products. This includes ceramides, peptides or hyaluronic acid (try our favorite version!). Again, be sure to avoid any prescription products as the slug layer can intensify their effects and cause damage.
Apply a thin layer of product while your face is still a little damp. A lot of the social media videos show an influencer with a handful of Vaseline. This is probably for dramatic effect! You don’t really need that much.
If you’re going to let it sit overnight, protect your pillow with a towel.
When the process is done, rinse the product off with warm water.
What About Snail Mucin?
Snails and slugs are close cousins but you can’t use snail mucin for slugging. Snail mucin is exactly what you think it is- it’s the goo that snails leave behind in their path. It came about as a skincare treatment when people who handled snails noticed that the slime made their hands softer. In the skin care world, snail mucin is usually used under moisturizers as more of a serum but is not put on top of the skin to lock everything in.
Snail mucin seems to have benefits though. According to a scientific review, subjects saw improvement in fine lines and wrinkles as compared to subjects in control groups. Scientists have also confirmed the healing and antioxidant properties. It’s been proven that snail mucin can help with skin regeneration after injuries or surgery. Another study looked at whether the mucin can protect against melanoma, a form of skin cancer. The results showed that the snail mucus decreased the spread and growth of the cancer cells in a lab setting. Most studies show that snail mucin is safe but there is some evidence that people who are allergic to dust mites may have a reaction.
We do have one word of caution about snail mucin- some of it may not be cruelty free. There are companies that collect mucin in ways that harm snails and we don’t want to promote that process. Animal testing is illegal in Korea so finding products sourced there will likely mean that the process was cruelty free. They do this by placing snails on a light mesh where they can crawl around in a safe environment where they are comfortable and untouched. After 30 minutes, the snails are brought back to their homes to rest and the mucin they left behind is gathered. We will leave it up to you to do research on these products and collection methods if you want to learn more.
Summary
Slugging is safe and studies seem to point to it being an effective way to combat seriously dry skin. But it’s not for everyone, especially those with oily skin. If the idea of it grosses you out, there are other treatments that the licensed estheticians at Water House Wellness can recommend.
The idea behind our Luminous Glass Facial is similar to slugging and has the same results. This facial is rooted in Korean skincare where slugging originates. You don’t have to deal with the mess and will walk away with recommendations for personalized products from a professional. You can book the service online or text (781) 590-3519. If you prefer talking to a human, call us at (339) 707-0476.
