🐌 Slugging 101: Why Everyone on TikTok is Glazing Their Face Like a Krispy Kreme Donut

If you’ve ever scrolled TikTok at 2am and wondered, “Why does this girl look like she dipped her face in bacon grease?” - congratulations, you’ve just discovered slugging.

And no, it has nothing to do with slugs. Or slime. Or an unfortunate boxing match.

It’s a K-beauty-inspired skincare trend that’s taken over TikTok faster than you can say “ceramide barrier.” Let’s dive in.

💡 Quick Tip: If you're acne-prone, try slugging only on targeted areas like under the eyes, around your nose, or dry patches. It's called spot slugging - because sometimes your whole face doesn’t need to be an oil painting, just the highlights.

Start with clean, really clean skin

Double cleanse if you wore makeup or sunscreen - micellar water followed by a gentle cleanser. Slugging over dirty skin is like sealing a burrito with mystery meat inside. Don't do it.

Apply your hydrating serums + moisturizer

Slugging is the final step, not the entire skincare routine. Layer on a hyaluronic acid serum or barrier-repair cream before sealing everything in - because slugging over dry skin is like putting Saran wrap over air.

Choose your goo wisely

Vaseline, Aquaphor, or a fancier option like CeraVe Healing Ointment all work. Want a plant-based vibe? Try squalane oil or balm formulas with jojoba and beeswax. Just avoid anything with fragrance or essential oils unless your skin likes to live dangerously.

Apply a thin layer

Keyword: thin. You’re trying to look dewy, not like you lost a fight with a deep fryer. A pea-sized amount can go a long way - unless you’re trying to lubricate your entire pillowcase.

Don't forget your lips and brows

Slugging your lips = instant overnight hydration. Bonus: dab a little on your brows to condition the hairs and keep them fluffy and fabulous.

Sleep on a pillowcase you don’t love

Even a light layer can transfer, so maybe skip the 800-thread-count Egyptian cotton tonight. This is a sacrifice for the greater glow.

Rinse gently in the morning

Use a gentle cleanser (preferably cream-based) to remove any leftover residue. Follow up with your usual daytime routine, preferably involving SPF because we are not battling our barrier just to fry it in the sun.

Original Video Creator @dermdoctor

💧 What is Slugging?

Slugging is the art of coating your face in an occlusive layer (usually Vaseline or a petrolatum-based balm) after your regular skincare routine.

Why? To lock in moisture like Fort Knox.

Think of it as shrink-wrapping your juicy skincare serums so they can party all night long on your face. No more losing hydration to the cruel, dry air of your apartment (thanks, winter).

🧴 What Products Do You Use for Slugging?

Here’s what TikTokers are reaching for:

Vaseline – Cheap, effective, grandma-approved.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment – For people who want that luxury slug life.
CeraVe Healing Ointment – Dermatologist darling with niacinamide.
Slug Balm by Futurewise – For when you’re fancy and wanna tell people, “Oh, it’s actually a slug balm.”

Whatever you choose, make sure it’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, unless your goal is slugging and sprouting a surprise constellation of pimples.

🐌 How to Slug Your Face (Without Feeling Like a Greasy Meatball)

Do your normal skincare – cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer.
Apply a thin layer of your occlusive – emphasis on thin, unless you’re trying to audition for a role as a glazed ham.
Go to bed – with your face looking like it could fry an egg.
Wake up with baby seal skin – wash off any leftover goo with a gentle cleanser and admire the glow.

🚫 Slugging Don’ts

Don’t slug over active ingredients like retinol or acids unless you want a surprise chemical peel.
Don’t slug during the day unless you want to be perceived as “emotionally unstable” in public.
Don’t use it if you're super acne-prone - occlusives can trap oil and bacteria too. Spot test first!

🎯 SEO Takeaway: Why Slugging is the Skincare Trend You Didn’t Know You Needed

Slugging is more than a viral beauty trend - it’s a hydration hack that restores your skin barrier, helps with flakiness, and gives you that glowy, dewy look people pay $300 for at a spa.

If your skin feels drier than your dating life, you might want to start slugging tonight.

🧠 FAQ: Slugging Edition

Q: Is slugging good for all skin types?

A: It’s great for dry and sensitive skin. If you’re oily or acne-prone, proceed with caution (or pick a lighter occlusive like squalane oil).

Q: Can I slug every night?

A: You can - but most people do it a few nights a week. Your pillowcase will thank you.

Q: What do dermatologists think?

A: Many are on board - as long as you’re not sealing in exfoliants or applying Vaseline over a fresh sunburn (ouch).

Q: Will I break out from slugging?

A: Maybe. Do a patch test and avoid if your skin hates petrolatum-based products.

⭐ Check out this post on How to Apply Foundation Properly!

How to Apply Foundation Properly (Without Looking Like a Cake Pop)

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