Can dry skin be alleviated by following the viral body slugging trend? A specialist offers perspective

What is body slugging, exactly? “Skin slugging” is the practice of using a heavy lotion, such as petroleum jelly, after your evening skin care routine. This last layer functions as an occlusive to help your skin retain moisture, according to Dr. Trishna Gupte, a clinical cosmetologist and trichologist, international trainer, head of academics, founder, and owner of The Cosmo-Square Clinic, ISCA. Supporters of this trend claim that it prevents water loss, retains moisture in the skin, and leaves the skin feeling smooth and supple.

Keeping your skin hydrated is the major objective of slugging. To put it briefly, you could just awaken from a slick, slug-like slumber with glowing, plump, and dewy skin. Setting aside its obvious benefits, slugging is a beauty trick worth attempting because of these deeper benefits.

The body-slugging trend relies heavily on the application of occlusive substances, such as heavy moisturisers and oils, to help get rid of dry skin. These occlusive agents work by creating a barrier on the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss and retain moisture. When used in conjunction with a body washing regimen, these occlusive products effectively hydrate and nourish dry skin, leaving it feeling smooth, supple, and revitalised. Because of their occlusive qualities, these products help to keep moisture in the skin, which makes them excellent for treating dryness and improving skin hydration.

The temperature outside and the state of your skin will mostly determine how often you apply it. This method is quite helpful in the winter months, when your skin becomes dehydrated.

Again, if you have really dry skin, you could find that slugging a few times a week, or even every day for a bit, really helps. Your skin’s surface will also clearly show the advantages. However, if you have oily skin, you may want to wait to stick to it until you start to see dry skin.