Slugging: TikTok's Latest Beauty Craze May Be Doing More Damage Than Good

TikTok is certainly a forced to be reckoned with, with people from all over the world started sharing beauty, fashion, entertainment tips, and even setting some fashion trends of their own.  Of course, some of these skin tips are very welcome, but there are some unsupported by science that can detrimental to your skin.

Now, the latest beauty craze to take over the popular social media network is “ slugging ”. The technique consists of coating the skin with a thick, occlusive layer of petroleum jelly, creating a kind of shiny face mask - just like a slug. The concept behind "slugging" is that by applying a completely occlusive barrier to the skin and letting it rest overnight, the skin's water loss process will be inhibited, leaving skin hydrated in the process.

This is not the first time we've heard of this trend - previously, it was recommended in Reddit's Skin Care Addiction forum, where users sing the praise of petroleum jelly as facial moisturiser. Many users have faved about how this technique has transformed their skin overnight.

However, there is an opposite effect in this process, and it prevents the skin from releasing excess oils and bacteria, and this is exactly how pimples and other bacteria can develop on skin. Matter fact, some dermatologists have spoken out against this method, stating that it can set off bad outbreaks.

Petrolatum is comedogenic, which can cause acne, and has no other health benefits other than keeping wounds moist so they can heal, says Chicago dermatologist Carolyn Jacob.

So while there won't be major harm in giving slugging a go, be cautious as it may lead to unwanted outbreaks.