Slugging: The Ultimate Guide to Dewy, Hydrated Skin

Before the term "slugging" even hit the beauty scene, many of us were already practising it without a second thought. Growing up, my mum would slather Shea butter all over my face and body, and now I do the same with my daughter. In Africa, raw Shea butter is a go-to for shielding against the harsh sun, and this tradition has been embraced in the West to combat those chilly winter months by locking in moisture for healthy-looking skin.

This skincare trend has taken the beauty world by storm, and it's all about achieving that ultimate hydration and dewy glow. If you’re new to slugging or feeling a bit unsure, don’t worry! This guide will walk you through the process using trusty Shea butter and share some essential tips along the way.

When your skin barrier is dry or damaged, irritants can easily penetrate, and hydration can escape quickly. That’s where slugging comes in: by applying an occlusive layer to “seal in” all the nourishing ingredients from your skincare routine, like serums and toners, while boosting your skin’s hydration levels.

But a quick heads-up: slugging might not be the best fit for everyone, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Always keep your skin type in mind and consider targeted approaches for those tricky spots. And don’t forget, slugging isn’t just for your face—your body craves hydration too!

What’s the Deal with Different Products?

Now, let’s break down how occlusives differ from other skincare products. Unlike regular lotions and creams that provide moisture, occlusives create a protective layer on your skin’s surface. This barrier locks in moisture and your skin’s natural oils, reducing dryness caused by transepidermal water loss (a fancy term for moisture escaping from the skin). Personally, I’m a fan of Shea butter for its easy application and low risk of clogging pores.

Here’s how occlusives stack up against emollients and humectants:

• Emollients: These smooth and soften the skin by filling in gaps between skin cells, improving texture.
• Humectants: These draw moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers to keep the outer skin hydrated.
• Occlusives: These form a barrier on the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss and lock in hydration and natural oils.

The Method

Slugging is a super simple yet effective technique that involves using an occlusive product as the last step in your skincare routine. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start your nighttime routine by cleansing your face and body thoroughly.
2. Follow up with your usual skincare: Apply your toners and serums as desired.
3. Moisturise: Use a moisturiser that suits your skin type. This is key because it provides the hydration that the occlusive will seal in.
4. Time to slug! Choose an occlusive product like Shea butter. Take a small pea-sized amount, warm it up between your palms, and gently pat it onto your skin.
5. Let it absorb: Allow the occlusive to sink in before hitting the hay. You’ll wake up to beautifully moisturised skin!

A Quick Word of Caution

As with any skincare trend, consider your unique skin type and concerns before diving into slugging. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Oily Skin: If your skin tends to be oily, you might not need slugging. Your natural oils already provide a protective barrier, so adding more occlusives could lead to extra oiliness or clogged pores.

• Acne-Prone Skin: If breakouts are a concern, focus on anti-acne treatments instead. You might want to avoid slugging your whole face and just target specific areas.

• Patch Test: Always do a patch test when introducing new products.

Slugging is a straightforward and effective way to achieve intense hydration and a radiant complexion. By sealing in moisture with an occlusive, you can wake up to soft, nourished skin.

Using Shea butter for slugging offers numerous benefits, including intense hydration and nourishment thanks to its rich vitamins A, E, and F. Its lightweight texture forms a protective barrier without clogging pores, making it ideal for both face and body. Embrace Shea butter in your slugging routine for a radiant, dewy complexion!