What does skincare slugging mean in Hindi?

What does slugging actually do?

Your skin barrier is the outermost layer that protects your body and prevents water loss. When that barrier is damaged, more water escapes and skin becomes more sensitive to irritants. Petroleum jelly forms an occlusive layer, meaning a protective covering that reduces water evaporation. Slugging helps retain moisture rather than adding water to your skin.23

Moisturizers can do several jobs: humectants attract and retain water, emollients soften and smooth skin, and occlusives reduce water loss. That is why moisturizing and sealing are different steps. Ointments provide a longer lasting protective effect than lighter creams because they contain more oil, but their greasy finish is part of the bargain, not a packaging error.3

How do you do slugging?

1. 1Clean your face in the evening. Slugging belongs on clean skin.
2. 2Apply moisturizer. Moisturizers work best immediately after bathing, and petroleum jelly works best on damp skin.
3. 3Apply a small amount of plain petroleum jelly as the final layer. You can cover only dry areas rather than your whole face.
4. 4Wait about 30 minutes before bed. A towel over your pillowcase can protect it from the greasy coating.
5. 5Leave the layer on overnight, then wash your face in the morning to remove residue and anything stuck to it.

Pure petroleum jelly is enough; a dedicated slugging product is not necessary. For dry lips or flaky eyelids, a small amount of petroleum jelly can provide moisture and protection without covering the rest of your face.14

Who should try it, and who should skip it?

Slugging suits dry, dehydrated skin and is more useful in dry winter weather than humid conditions. Skip facial slugging if your skin is oily or prone to acne. Petroleum jelly can cause breakouts in some people, and occlusive moisturizers can also aggravate inflammation around the mouth or hair follicles.134

Do not slug over infected skin or open wounds. Avoid trapping retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids beneath petroleum jelly, because they can irritate skin under the covering. Sensitive skin can react to moisturizer ingredients with burning or stinging. Fragrances and preservatives can also cause contact allergy, an itchy inflammatory skin reaction.123

How often should you slug?

Use dryness as the reason to slug, rather than making it an automatic nightly routine. A couple of consecutive nights can help dry skin, but nightly slugging is rarely necessary. If your skin becomes red or irritated after slugging, stop and see a dermatologist. Discontinue any moisturizer that causes allergic contact dermatitis.13