Slugging vs. Sealing: The Latest Skincare Trends Decoded

In the ever-evolving world of skincare, new trends emerge regularly, each promising to revolutionize your routine and deliver glowing, healthy skin. Two of the latest buzzwords making waves in the beauty community are slugging and sealing.

Both methods aim to enhance moisture retention and improve skin health, but what exactly are they, and how do they differ? This blog will decode these trends, helping you find the best approach for your skincare needs.

Understanding Slugging

Slugging, a term popularized by Korean beauty (K-beauty) enthusiasts, involves applying a thick layer of an occlusive product, such as petroleum jelly or a thick cream, as the last step in your nighttime skincare routine. The idea behind slugging is to create a barrier that locks in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while you sleep.

Benefits of Slugging

• Intense Hydration: By sealing in your skincare products, slugging ensures maximum hydration.
• Enhanced Product Efficacy: The occlusive layer helps other products penetrate deeper into the skin.
• Barrier Repair: Slugging is excellent for repairing a compromised skin barrier, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin.

How to Slug

1. Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities.
2. Hydrate: Apply your usual serums and moisturizers.
3. Slug: Finish with a layer of an occlusive product like petroleum jelly.

For those looking for a non-petroleum option, consider a premium Acne clearing gel or a thick organic moisturizing cream for dry skin that offers similar benefits.

Understanding Sealing

Sealing, on the other hand, is a method often used in hair care but can also be applied to skincare. Sealing involves applying a light oil or serum to lock in moisture from previous skincare steps. Unlike slugging, sealing typically uses lighter products that don’t create as heavy a barrier.

Benefits of Sealing

• Lightweight Hydration: Sealing provides moisture retention without the heaviness of slugging.
• Versatility: Suitable for various skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.
• Enhanced Absorption: Oils used in sealing can help other products absorb better.

How to Seal

1. Cleanse: Begin with a quality cleanser.
2. Moisturize: Apply your serums and moisturizers.
3. Seal: Use a lightweight oil or serum to seal in the moisture.

For sealing, look for quality skin care products that include lightweight oils like squalane or rosehip oil. These oils can effectively lock in moisture while providing additional skin benefits.

Skin Type Considerations

• Dry Skin: Slugging can be particularly beneficial for dry, flaky skin, providing intense hydration and barrier repair.
• Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Sealing might be a better option as it offers hydration without the potential pore-clogging effects of heavier occlusive.

Hair Care Considerations

While slugging is primarily a skincare technique, sealing is also beneficial for hair care. Using lightweight oils to seal in moisture can improve scalp and hair health, making hair more manageable and reducing frizz.

Explore AfyaDerm’s range of best high-quality skincare products designed to suit all skin types and needs. Shop the right skincare products for you and achieve flawless skin effortlessly! Call us now.