Is Slugging the Secret to Hydrated, Healthy Skin?

New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Melissa Doft confirms that slugging has its roots in K-beauty. Basically, it's where an occlusive layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, is applied to skin to lock in moisture overnight.

This shiny barrier layer is what helped give the trend its name. "Slugging results in a dewy, shiny complexion, much like the mucous-covered skin of the popular technique of applying slugs on the skin and the mucous slime left behind," explains Dr. Purvisha Patel, board certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare. Slugging is free of any critters, however.

"I'll admit it's a weird term for the beauty business, but because slugging leaves your skin a little slimy people thought analogizing it to a slug was appropriate," concedes Sarah Akram, celebrity master esthetician and owner of Sarah Akram Skincare.

Image via Imaxtree