“Slugging” is the viral skincare trend that recently made waves across the Tik Tok beauty space. It involves using petroleum jelly as the final step of your nighttime skincare routine– but why are people participating in this oddly-named trend? Well, it’s because petroleum jelly is an occlusive, meaning it creates a protective barrier for the skin as a moisturizing agent. As a result, petroleum jelly can help prevent water loss and lock in moisture. Take this viral skincare hack a step further and say goodbye to dry hands with these simple steps.
Start by cleansing your hands with hand soap and warm water. Use a nourishing hand soap like the Côte d’Azur Revitalizing Hand Wash and lather your hands in soap for 20 seconds. Rinse away the soap with warm water. Using a moisturizing hand soap can help ward off germs without harshly stripping away the skin’s moisture.
Use a salt or sugar scrub to remove any dry skin. Soften up your hands with the Elemis Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow. Exfoliating the hands helps remove dead skin cells and any stubborn dirt. It will also leave the skin looking brighter and feeling smoother. Note that some exfoliators can be harsh on the skin with overuse, so only use it on your hands 1-2 times a week.
Humectants are common moisturizing agents found in skincare products because of their ability to retain moisture. They are often found in hydrating products like creams and lotions. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin/glycerol, and sorbitol are a few of the most common types of humectants. Treat your hands with the Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve; it’s formulated with glycerin and shea butter to deliver heavy duty hydration.
Apply some petroleum jelly to the hands (Vaseline can be used for this step). Don’t forget to rub the petroleum jelly into the cuticles, nails and between the fingers. This final layer of product will help seal in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss, the process of water evaporating from the skin’s surface due to the external environment.
For maximum results, slug your hands at night. Once you are finished applying all of the products, go ahead and cover your hands with a pair of moisture gloves. Consider using the Kitsch Spa Gloves. Covering your hands will help you achieve the best results without making a mess. When you wake up the following morning, remove the gloves to reveal soft and supple hands.