Who doesn’t love skincare trends?
Most aesthetic professionals do not care for skincare trends. They’re often not rooted in any actual science and can even be detrimental to skin health.
Let’s talk “slugging.” The concept isn’t new, just the name. And it’s hardly dangerous. So do I recommend it? No… and yes.
Simply put, slugging is applying a thin layer of an occlusive ointment or balm as the final step in your nighttime skincare routine to prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). What the heck is that?
TEWL allows excess moisture to evaporate from the skin into the atmosphere. It’s a process that healthy skin naturally regulates. Circumstances that affect TEWL levels can be skin injury, low-humidity weather conditions, or a weakened skin barrier.
Slugging can be appropriate when: 1) You’re recovering from certain chemical peels 2) You’re going to be exposed to an arid, harsh environment (e.g. outdoor cold-weather activities) or 3) You have a skin condition that affects your skin barrier (eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, etc.)
Healthy skin with solid barrier function will find this step unnecessary in most circumstances. Instead of slapping Vaseline on your whole face every night (RIP to your lovely silk pillowcases), come to talk to me about WHY your skin is dry, “sensitive,” and reacts to everything. We can get it strong and healthy with a bit of education and time!
Below are a few medical-grade, multi-tasking finishing products recommended instead of slugging with an occlusive:
ZO Growth Factor: a lightweight, velvety gel consistency with beta-glucan and angelica polymorpha Sinensis root extract to calm and soothe skin. This anti-aging powerhouse is one of my personal favorites.
ZO Recovery Crème: not only does this formula feel rich and luxurious with squalane, shea butter, and ceramide NG, it has the same exclusive ZO firming complex as ZO Firming Serum.
ZO Hydrating Crème: with soothing colloidal oatmeal, a time-release antioxidant complex, and my fave tongue twister, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, this is my go-to for aggressive regimens and after skin resurfacing procedures.
Medical Day Spa of Chapel Hill has curated the best medical-grade skin care products to address our patients’ specific needs and help them achieve optimal skin health.
To learn more or schedule a skincare consultation please call Medical Day Spa of Chapel Hill at 919-904-7111.
If you live in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Hillsborough or anywhere in the Triangle area of North Carolina come on in and experience our 5 star MedSpa!
#zoskincare #slugging #healthyskin #hylaronicacid #smootherskin
