Slugging, a popular skincare technique, has gained traction in recent years as an effective way to achieve dewy, hydrated, and plump skin. By using occlusives like Vaseline or Aquaphor as the final step in your skincare routine, slugging locks in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss. But how does slugging interact with tretinoin, retinol, or Retin-A? Read on to discover everything you need to know about slugging and its impact on tretinoin.
What Is Slugging?
Slugging refers to the application of a thick layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor to your skin as the last step in your skincare routine. This technique aims to seal in moisture from previous skincare products, resulting in soft and supple skin. For optimal results, it is recommended to pair slugging with humectants and other hydrating ingredients. The next morning, you can expect a dewy, plump, and hydrated complexion.
Benefits of Slugging:
- Locks in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss.
- Helps repair and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Treats and prevents dry skin.
- Can aid in managing eczema flare-ups.
- Promotes wound healing.
- Assists in reducing signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Can You Use Vaseline or Aquaphor After Tretinoin?
While tretinoin offers remarkable benefits for the skin, it is known to cause dryness and irritation. Fortunately, slugging with occlusives like Aquaphor, Vaseline, or Cerave Healing Ointment can counteract these negative effects, promoting optimal skin health and preventing dryness and irritation caused by tretinoin or Retin-A. Some professionals may argue that using occlusives with chemical exfoliants, including tretinoin and glycolic acid, might lead to irritation, as the occlusive essentially “traps” the active ingredients on the skin. However, slugging over tretinoin or Retin-A is an effective way to combat dryness and flakiness caused by these active ingredients. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of slugging with tretinoin may vary from person to person. While some individuals tolerate it well, others might experience dryness, irritation, or flakiness. It is recommended to try slugging with tretinoin for yourself, especially if you struggle with dryness and irritation. If any adverse effects occur, simply discontinue using an occlusive on the nights you apply tretinoin. Retain the other benefits of slugging without the risk of irritation.
Can You Slug Over Retinol?
Retinol, similar to tretinoin and Retin-A, effectively reduces signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. However, it can also cause dryness and irritation. Adding an occlusive to your skincare routine can neutralize these negative effects, maintain moisture, and strengthen your skin barrier. As retinol is milder than tretinoin, using an occlusive over retinol is generally well-tolerated without adverse side effects. However, if you experience dryness, irritation, or flakiness, it is advisable to avoid slugging over retinol and restrict slugging to nights without the use of any active ingredients.
Benefits of Slugging Over Tretinoin:
Tretinoin, a form of vitamin A, is renowned for its effectiveness in treating wrinkles, acne, uneven texture, and pigmentation. However, it can cause excessive dryness and irritation in certain individuals. Applying an occlusive layer over tretinoin helps prevent dryness and irritation while allowing it to penetrate deeper into the skin. Some concerns regarding increased irritation due to trapping tretinoin on the surface exist, but the effectiveness varies from person to person. It is best to experiment and determine what works for your skin.
How To Slug Your Face:
If you’re interested in trying slugging, here are a few simple steps to follow, regardless of whether you use tretinoin or not:
Step 1: Wash your hands.
Step 2: Cleanse your skin as usual.
Step 3: Apply your tretinoin/retin-a/retinol or other skincare serums.
Step 4: Allow at least 20 minutes for absorption.
Step 5: Apply your moisturizer.
Step 6: Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor, Vaseline, or Cerave Healing Ointment.
Can You Slug Over Tretinoin FAQ’s:
- How often can you slug? There is no limit to how often you can slug. Most individuals prefer slugging at night due to the lingering greasy feel on the skin. However, some people can tolerate slugging in the morning. If you experience increased dryness or irritation when slugging with tretinoin or retinol, you can slug only on nights without using these active ingredients in your routine.
- Can you slug with Aquaphor? Absolutely! Aquaphor is an excellent occlusive for slugging due to its thinner texture and additional ingredients like glycerin and panthenol, which nourish and soothe the skin.
- Can you slug every night? Yes, it is perfectly fine to slug every night. However, if you experience any negative side effects like dryness or irritation, it is best to avoid slugging on nights when you use active ingredients.
Can I use Vaseline before tretinoin?
When using tretinoin or Retin-A, experts often recommend “buffering” or preparing the skin with a moisturizer or occlusive like Vaseline. This helps dilute the tretinoin, reducing the risk of irritation or redness. However, occlusives like Vaseline or Aquaphor create a barrier on the skin to prevent irritants from reaching it. Therefore, when Vaseline is applied before tretinoin, it may hinder the tretinoin’s effectiveness. It is better to buffer tretinoin with a regular moisturizer.
Can You Slug Over Tretinoin Wrap Up:
Slugging, though not a new technique, has gained popularity thanks to social media. Dermatologists often recommend using an occlusive layer to prevent water loss and maintain a strong and healthy skin barrier. Slugging with tretinoin can help alleviate the dryness and irritation commonly associated with this powerful active ingredient. However, some experts caution against slugging with retinol or tretinoin due to potential increased irritation and dryness caused by “trapping” the active ingredient on the skin. Ultimately, the effectiveness of slugging depends on individual skin types. If your skin tolerates slugging well, it can provide the benefits of tretinoin without the side effects. However, if your skin cannot handle the combination of slugging and tretinoin, slug only on nights when you don’t use any active ingredients.
Personally, I have found slugging with Aquaphor or CeraVe Healing Ointment to be a game-changer, and I highly recommend trying it if you experience dryness or irritation from tretinoin or retinol. Aquaphor’s thinner texture and CeraVe Healing Ointment’s lightweight feel make them preferable alternatives to Vaseline. Moreover, both products contain hydrating ingredients that nourish and soothe the skin.
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