Slugging has been all the rage on TikTok, too — popularised by skincare influencer Charlotte Palermino. And unlike hacks on the Internet that turn out to be shams, city-based Dr Rinky Kapoor, cosmetic dermatologist and dermato-surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics, vouches for this one. She explains the science behind it: “Slugging entails using an occlusive [an agent that blocks moisture]. It ensures that there is no transepidermal water loss from the skin. Normally, you have water evaporating all the time from your skin. When you put an occlusive film on to the skin, like petrolatum, the water loss is stopped and the moisture is locked in. So, it’s not a moisturiser per se, but because it blocks the loss of water, it ends up hydrating the skin, and the products you put underneath the occlusive film work better.”  

Healing properties: Putting occlusives on the skin is an age-old practice in dermatology, Kapoor maintains, although it wasn’t being used as part of a skin care routine which slugging has made possible. “We used to use it for healing our patients including those who’ve undergone a chemical peel or laser treatment,” she says. Hence, slugging is best suited for normal to dry skin.

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Layering rule: Don’t use petrolatum over strong products such as those with vitamin A or retinoids. “These products will end up penetrating deeper into the skin and may cause irritation. Also, avoid using products that are acne-prone or comedogenic. Stick to light cleansers, toners and moisturisers or serums with vitamin C and peptides,” Kapoor advises.

Frequency of routine: How often should you do slugging? Kapoor says it depends on the condition of your skin. If you have flaky skin, do it daily for a couple of weeks, and then twice or thrice a week. For normal skin, slugging twice a week will suffice.

Key tips
>> Slugging is not advisable for oily skin, but if you wish to try it for hydration of softening, Kapoor advises washing off your face in two to three hours.

>> Strictly avoid slugging if you have whiteheads, blackheads, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and pustular acne.