“Slugging,” a moisture-loss prevention technique that slid its way into many a skin care routine, has now migrated to other places of the body in need of extra hydration: the nails. (Like many beauty trends these days, we can thank TikTok for this latest iteration of slugging.)
More and more people have noticed that drier weather conditions or damage left by acrylics have begun to wreak havoc on their nail beds and cuticles. Trendy as it may be, Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, Florida, said that the act of slugging is here to stay.
“It aids in growing healthier nails during these [colder] seasons by preventing dry, brittle and splitting nails, thus, preventing the bacteria and germs to enter into the matrix area where nails are formed and may cause inflammation or infections,” Chacon told HuffPost.
For those of you that have never slugged anything before, Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Modern Dermatology, explained that it’s the nighttime process of layering nourishing and ingredient-rich oils or treatments on your nails and surrounding areas before following up with a hand cream and finally, a rich occlusive layer. Arguably one of the most important aspects of slugging, this thicker layer is typically a petroleum jelly that works to seal everything in, prevent transepidermal water loss and promote better product absorption.
“Slugging really only seals in whatever you’ve applied beneath it, so it’s important to seek out high quality ingredients in your cuticle oil, serum [and] hand cream for this to really be an effective strategy,” Robinson said.
If you have nails that are thin and peeling or cuticles that are raw and painfully dry, then it might be worth your while to keep scrolling to see the steps and products that Chacon, Robinson and other dermatologists recommend so you and your nails can live their best slug life.
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Susanne Kaufman's plant-based hand scrub is Chacon's exfoliator of choice because "it has hydrating oils to keep hands supple." This state-of-the art peel is packed with anti-inflammatory vitamin E, nourishing oils and butters, and unique biodegradable exfoliating beads that dissolve into skin when the formula reaches the optimal temperature.
Lanolin, which helps prevent moisture loss due to its high fat content, can help prevent nails from cracking and splitting, while the addition of beeswax works to thicken and strengthen cuticle fibers. This combination can help promote healthier and smoother nail regrowth.
"Apply to the hands and rub it into the cuticles, nails and in between fingers," Chacon said. "This seals in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss the process of water evaporating from the skin’s surface due to the external environment."
These two pairs of gloves are breathable, comfortable to wear and machine-washable.
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