The Truth Behind Slugging
Photo by Ramez E. Nassif on Unsplash
Lately, the method of slugging is trending on social media, and many are shocked by the effects. As a person who has struggled with psoriasis and eczema since the age of 15, it is shocking that these are not common practices. Regardless of skin type (considering there are not any medical anomalies), for the most part, the number one issue with oily and dry skin is due to dehydration and gut health. Although this statement may seem like a generalization, here are a few skincare facts that can help determine a skincare routine unique to your needs.
Hydration vs. Oil
Before getting into the details of slugging and if it is an effective tool for your skin type, it is important to understand the difference between oil and hydration in skin care. What is easily misunderstood is that many people with oily skin can struggle with dehydration oily skin. This is when the skin is oily on the surface but dry on the “inside.” This essentially means that sebum (the oil on the skin) is pushed to the surface as a reaction to dehydration. Therefore, stripping away this oil can cause the skin to become more irritated and oilier. Dehydration is when the skin lacks moisture; typically, this skin type tends to soak in cream products quickly. For a more precise breakdown, watch this video by Hyram, where he also offers suggestions on skin products. WishtrendTV also provides advice and explanations on better-understanding skin types along with tips.
Gut Health and Skin Care
Another important factor that tends to get glossed over is gut health. According to this article from the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, their findings show that those who suffer from rosacea are ten times more likely to have small intestinal bacteria. Additionally, Healthline also shows that gut health and probiotics do share a relationship. Studies on brain and gut health have been conducted for many years, and there is also significant evidence to show that gut health also affects your mood. Therefore affecting stress levels and potential lifestyle choices. Many people also refer to the gut as “the second brain” due to the impact it has on the overall body and the flow of emotions. Skin care is not limited to products, but it has everything to do with how the body is nourished mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Create an Effective Skin Care Routine
Skincare routines are always reflective of the needs of the body. However, like anything in life, balance is required. It is not necessarily that dry or oily skin cannot use certain techniques, rather, it is the way that oil and hydration are balanced for that skin type. Get to know your skin type and play around with different techniques. That said, slugging is a great method to combine moisture and oil. This technique may be daunting for those with an oilier complexion. However, using an emollient after serums are a great way to seal moisture and prevent wrinkles. The misconception is that it must be an emollient. The truth is using a hydrating cream will still maintain the same results. The important part is that the serums are covered by cream in order for the skin to stay hydrated at night. The drier the skin, the more often the technique is used. Just remember to do a thorough cleansing routine in the morning so that pores can be breathed and remain fresh throughout the day.
Conclusion
The truth is, there is no right or wrong way to skin care, but understanding how the skin works and the science behind it is useful. Mastering the balance between hydration and oils is also a game changer for visible results. Products should be simple, and in all honesty - less is more. The easier it is to read the products and use strategic combinations with products, it will lead to successful skin health. The body knows what it needs, so relax, experiment and listen to the reactions to create a skin regime that is unique to you.
