If you have been browsing skincare tips lately, you have probably seen the word slugging pop up. It’s been trending all over social media, but what exactly is it?
Slugging skincare is a simple, low-maintenance method that helps lock in moisture to heal dry, irritated skin. The name sounds a little funny. It comes from the shiny, “slug-like” look your face has when it is coated in a thick layer of moisturiser.
This skincare trick originally comes from Korean beauty routines, which focus on keeping skin healthy, soft, and well-hydrated. Over time, slugging has become popular all around the world, including right here in Australia, where many people are discovering how helpful it can be, especially during our chilly winter months.
Why Slugging is Particularly Useful in Australian Winters
Australian winters might not be as icy as Europe or North America, but they can still be harsh on our skin. The cold air, dry winds, and lower humidity in many parts of Australia can leave skin feeling rough, flaky, and sometimes even painful.
When the air is dry, the moisture in our skin can easily disappear. This is called trans-epidermal water loss. Basically, your skin dries out while you sleep, especially if you don’t protect it properly.
Slugging skincare is perfect for winter skincare in Australia because it acts like a barrier, sealing in moisture and stopping your skin from drying out overnight. It also helps repair your skin’s natural barrier, which can get damaged when your skin is too dry. By slugging, you’re giving your skin a chance to heal while you rest, making for more hydrated skin in winter.
How to Slug: A Step-by-Step Night Routine
Getting started with slugging skincare is surprisingly easy. It’s typically done at night just before bed, in conjunction with your normal routine. Here’s a simple night routine to follow for optimum results:
1. Cleanse Your Face
Wash your face gently to remove makeup, sunscreen, or dirt. This step is super important as you don’t want to trap anything under the slugging layer.
2. Hydrate Your Skin
Do you have a normal nightly routine when it comes to products? If the answer is yes, stick to that. Whether it be using moisturisers or hydrating serums, whatever you use normally is what we typically recommend. If you don’t have a routine, we can help you build one with our skin quiz! Products with hyaluronic acid or glycerin work well because they pull water into your skin. Otherwise, we are strong advocates of ingredients using kakadul plum, full of vitamins, perfect for hydration!
3. Seal It All In
Finally, apply a thin layer of an occlusive product, like a balm or thick ointment, to lock in all that moisture. Commonly, people would use petroleum-based products; however, more people are opting for natural plant-based alternatives, which is why we’ve created our Botanical Barrier Balm. Apply it all over your skin after That’s it, you’re slugging!
How Often Should You Slug?
In winter, 2-3 times a week is a good starting point. If your skin is really dry, you might slug every night. If you have oily or breakout-prone skin, you can try slugging skincare just once a week or only on dry patches. There is no limit on how often you can slug, you just do what feels right for you or based on your dermatologist's recommendations.
Tips to Avoid Clogged Pores and Ensure Results:
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Always start with a clean face.
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Gently exfoliate once or twice a week to keep your skin smooth and prevent clogged pores.
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Use fragrance-free products to avoid irritation.
Products to Use for Slugging
Here in Australia, there are plenty of products you can use for slugging, however, not all are as great for your face as others. Most supermarket options will be petroleum-based, which still achieves the results; however, they also have their drawbacks when compared with plant-based alternatives.
Natural or Plant-Based Options:
Founder’s Formula SLUG: This is a plant-based slugging balm made right here in Australia. It’s a great option if you want something natural that still gives strong hydration.
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Lanolin-Based Balms: Lanolin comes from wool and works really well to seal in moisture.
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Shea Butter Products: Shea butter is a natural fat that’s rich, creamy, and very nourishing.
Why Natural Plant-Based Alternatives Are Better Than Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly is great for locking in moisture, but it doesn’t actually nourish your skin, it just sits on top like a skin barrier protection.
Natural, plant-based products (like lanolin, shea butter, and Founder’s Formula SLUG) do more. They protect your skin and feed it with vitamins and healthy oils that help it heal and stay soft.
Plant-based options also:
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Feel lighter and less greasy
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Are kinder to sensitive skin
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Are better for the environment
If you want your skin to feel healthy, not just covered, natural alternatives are the better choice.
Practical Advice for Winter Slugging Skincare
Always take care of the following things:
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Keep Your Bedding Clean: Slugging can leave some product on your pillow. You can protect your pillow by laying down a clean towel or using a silk pillowcase, which also helps your skin and hair.
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Adjust to Your Skin Type: If your skin is oily or prone to breakouts, you can still slug- just try doing it less often or only on dry spots like cheeks or under your eyes.
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Listen to Your Skin: If your skin starts feeling heavy or if you notice any breakouts, it’s okay to slug less often or try switching to a plant-based balm.
FAQs about Slugging
Let us answer some common queries about slugging skincare:
1. Can people with oily or acne-prone skin try slugging?
Yes, absolutely. Just go slowly, try it once a week or only in areas that feel really dry.
2. Will slugging clog my pores?
Not if you apply it to clean skin and choose gentle, fragrance-free products. If you’re worried, start with a light layer and see how your skin feels.
3. Is slugging good for summer?
Slugging skincare works best in winter when the air is dry, as it works best for dry skin repair. In humid Australian summers, it can feel too heavy and might make your skin sweat. If you really need to slug in summer, try a very thin layer or just treat dry patches instead of your whole face.
Conclusion
Slugging skincare is a simple, affordable, and super-effective way to care for dry skin in Australia’s winter months. It helps protect your skin barrier, keeps moisture locked in, and can leave your face feeling soft, smooth, and calm by morning.
Whether you choose a petroleum-based balm or a natural, plant-based product like Founder’s Formula SLUG, slugging is an easy step to add to your overnight skincare routine for stronger, healthier skin.
If you’re ready to try slugging, check out the plant-powered skincare at Founder’s Formula. It’s designed with Australian skin and weather in mind.