If your skin’s been feeling dry, tight, or generally a bit meh, you’ve likely stumbled across the skincare trend known as ‘slugging’.
The name? A little questionable. The results? Very worth it.
Slugging seals in hydration overnight using an occlusive layer as the final step in your routine. Done properly, it can help skin feel plumper, calmer, and deeply hydrated by morning. Let's break down what slugging actually is and how to do it without causing total chaos.
What Is Slugging Skincare?
Slugging is an overnight skincare technique where you apply a thick occlusive product as the last step of your routine to lock everything in. Originating from K-beauty, it's been named after the shiny, glossy finish it leaves on your skin. (Akin to, you guessed it! A slug.)
How Slugging Works
Slugging relies on the same logic as wrapping your leftovers in glad wrap—it provides a protective layer to stop your skin (or snack!) from drying out.
When slugging, you swap your glad wrap for a layer of occlusives. These are ingredients that sit on top of the skin and create a physical barrier to help prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
By sealing in moisture overnight, slugging helps:
Support a damaged or compromised skin barrier: Occlusives create a protective layer on the skin’s surface, giving the barrier time and space to repair itself. This is especially helpful when skin is stressed, sensitised, or recovering from any heavy-duty actives.
Reduce dryness, flakiness, and tightness: When moisture is locked in, skin is less likely to feel tight or look flaky. Slugging helps to stop the hydration in your skin from being zapped by TEWL (the common culprit behind that dry, uncomfortable, yuck feeling your skin can sometimes get).
Leave skin feeling softer, smoother, plumper by morning: With hydration sealed in all night, skin wakes up feeling more supple and comfortable. Rough patches are softened, and texture tends to look more even and smooth.
Who Should (And Shouldn’t) Try Slugging?
Slugging isn’t for everyone. It definitely has its favourites, including:
Dry or dehydrated skin: Slugging helps seal in moisture and prevent overnight water loss, which makes it especially useful for skin types that struggle to hold onto hydration on their own.
Compromised skin barriers: When the skin barrier is damaged, moisture tends to escape and irritation creeps in. Slugging gives the barrier a chance to recover by creating a protective layer on the skin’s surface.
Bouts of flakiness, redness, or tightness: Locking in hydration overnight can help calm visible irritation and soften rough, flaky patches, making skin feel more comfortable by morning.
Cold climates or air-conditioned environments: Cold air and air conditioning can dry skin out fast. Slugging helps provide a protective layer that defends against moisture loss while you sleep.
Anyone using actives like retinoids who needs extra barrier support: Actives can be effective but drying. Slugging on alternate nights can help counteract dryness and support skin recovery without interfering with results.
Slugging likely won’t play nice with:
Very oily or acne-prone skin: Occlusives can trap excess oil in the pores, leading to congestion for skin that already produces a lot of sebum.
Congested or breakout-prone skin: If pores are already blocked, slugging can lock in oil and bacteria, making breakouts more likely.
Skin dealing with active inflammation or cystic acne: Highly inflamed breakouts need targeted treatment and airflow. Slugging can sometimes worsen discomfort or prolong healing in these cases.
How To Do The Slugging Method The Right Way
A slugging skincare routine is simple—but there’s definitely a right order to follow. Here’s how to slug without totally sabotaging your pores.
Step 1: Cleanse
Start with a double cleanse to remove any makeup, SPF, and daily grime.
Step 2: Hydrate
Apply hydrating layers like serums or essences. This is where you actually add moisture.
Step 3: Moisturise
Use your regular moisturiser to nourish and replenish the skin.
Step 4: Slug (Last Step)
Apply a thin layer of your occlusive product over the top, like the Very Luxe Repair Mask. This seals everything in while you sleep. For something a little extra, add generous layer of lip balm over your lips as well.
Step 5: SPF (In The Morning)
You’ve done all this hard work—may as well protect it in the morning.
Best Products For Slugging: What To Use For Slugging Skin
Slugging doesn’t mean piling on random products. It’s about pairing the right skincare with the right occlusive.
Hydrating layers: Look for lightweight serums or essences that draw moisture into the skin before sealing it in. (Think humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.) Slugging works best when the products underneath are hydrating and calming, not intensely exfoliating or overly active.
Replenishing moisturisers: Your moisturiser should support the skin barrier and prep the skin for slugging—especially if you’re dry or sensitised. Slugging doesn’t replace moisturising, it supports it.
Nourishing occlusives: Choose something simple, non-irritating, and rich in nourishing ingredients. The goal is protection, not active treatments. Very Luxe Repair Mask makes a great pick.
Common Myths And Misconceptions About Slugging
“Slugging hydrates your skin.”
Not exactly. Slugging locks in hydration—it doesn’t add it. You still need hydrating products underneath.
“Slugging works for everyone.”
It can be amazing for some skin types and not ideal for others. Skin type, climate, and routine all matter. Dry, dehydrated, or stressed skin tends to benefit the most.
“You need to slug every night.”
Say it with me: Slugging is a tool, not a lifestyle. 1–3 times a week is plenty!
FAQs About The Slugging Method
Can slugging cause breakouts?
Sometimes. If your skin is already congested or acne-prone, the occlusive slugging layer can trap everything underneath—including oil and bacteria—and block your pores. Slug with caution—start with a thin layer and see how you go.
How often should you slug your skin?
No more than 1–3 times per week. Short term daily slugging can be helpful if your skin is extremely dry or compromised.
Do I apply slugging products on damp skin?
Apply hydrating layers on damp skin, then moisturiser, then your occlusive on top. Dampening your skin before that final slugging layer runs the risk of disrupting the skincare you’ve already applied.
Can I slug with active ingredients like vitamin A or AHAs?
Proceed carefully. Slugging can intensify actives by trapping them against the skin, which may increase irritation.
If you’re using strong actives, slug on alternate nights.
Is slugging safe for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin?
Often yes—as long as products are gentle, fragrance-free, and soothing. Always patch test first.
Is slugging good for dry skin?
Definitely! By sealing in moisture overnight, slugging helps prevent water loss and gives the skin barrier time to recover. The key is applying hydrating products underneath, then using a gentle occlusive to lock everything in.
Does slugging work for oily skin?
Since slugging adds an occlusive layer to the skin, it;s not recommended for oily, acne-prone skin types. Instead, reach for a nourishing treatment oil, designed to balance oil without disrupting your barrier.
Can I slug during the day or just at night?
Save for nighttime. During the day, occlusives can feel heavy, shiny, and uncomfortable.
Are there pregnancy-safe products for slugging?
Yep! Stick to gentle, hydrating, barrier-supporting products (like Very Luxe Repair Mask). When unsure, always check with your healthcare provider.
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