Skin Flooding vs. Slugging: Which is Worth the Hype?
As we fight through the frigid months of the winter season, there is one enemy we at The Edge are determined to defeat: dry, cracking skin. If your go-to moisturizer or skincare routine aren’t quite cutting it anymore, we’ve got you covered. You’ve probably seen the viral hydration hacks slugging and skin flooding overtaking your For You pages, but are they really worth the hype and the bucks? Well, we’re here to help you decide.
Hydration isn’t only about achieving a plump, radiant complexion – it’s also essential for your overall skin health. Dry skin is the leading cause of a lot of additional skin issues, including inflammation, redness, acne, and irritation. It also is a sign of a weakened skin barrier, which is responsible for preventing transepidermal water loss and skin pollutants. So, keeping your skin properly hydrated is KEY, and here’s how to do it!
Slugging
If you’re searching for an easy, affordable step to supercharge your skincare routine, slugging might be your new best friend. Named after the slick, shiny appearance it leaves on the skin (as if a slug worked its way across your face), slugging consists of applying occlusive ointment – most commonly Vaseline or Aquaphor – to the skin as a final step to your evening skincare routine. Adding this simple step to your routine is believed to produce smoother, more “glass”-looking skin.
However, this method is not for everyone. While it works best for dry or sensitive skin, it can actually stimulate acne on oily or combination skin. Vaseline in itself isn’t a harmful product, as it is surprisingly non-comedogenic (meaning it doesn’t clog pores). Because of its thickness, though, the product can trap skin oils and actually stimulate acne, making it a counterproductive method for already oily skin types. If this is the case for you, we have another method that might work better!
Skin Flooding
While skin flooding may seem intimidating, chances are it is a process you’re already doing without realizing! At its core, it is the strategic layering of various hydrating products to lock in moisture, effectively “flooding” the skin with hydration. The goal? A plump, dewy, and long-lasting glow! So how do you do it?
Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and makeup, and prep the skin.
Apply a hydrating serum, like hyaluronic acid. This helps bind moisture to the skin.
Layer on a niacinamide serum, which strengthens the skin barrier and improves hydration.
Seal everything in with a moisturizer to lock in moisture!
This method is most productive on both dry and sensitive skin, but can also work for oily and combination skin. However, proceed with caution: overloading naturally oily skin with too many layers of hydration on an everyday basis can lead to congestion and breakouts. If you have combination or oily skin, try to limit this routine to once or twice a week to avoid an influx of acne.
The Verdict
Both skin flooding and slugging have powerful hydration benefits, so it all boils down to which is better for you! If you still are unsure, here are our recommendations:
If you have dry or sensitive skin, try slugging for an overnight moisture boost.
If you prefer more of a lightweight hydration, try skin flooding to achieve a plump, dewy complexion.
If you have more oily or acne-prone skin, trying skin flooding (but in moderation) might be best for you.
No matter what method is best fit for you, hydration is KEY for more radiant, youthful looking skin. We at The Edge are here to keep your skin looking and feeling its best, and hope we helped you find your new routine!