" " Please: Don’t Combine Retinol and Slugging – Wellness for Life " "
Wellness for Life
Advertisement
  • Home
  • News
  • Family Wellness
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Mental Wellness
  • Contact us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Family Wellness
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Mental Wellness
  • Contact us
No Result
View All Result
Wellness for Life
No Result
View All Result
Home Health and Wellbeing

Please: Don’t Combine Retinol and Slugging

admin by admin
August 31, 2023
in Health and Wellbeing


Sunscreen aside, retinol has long been the dermatologist darling of the skin-care world, widely considered the gold standard when it comes to treating signs of aging. The vitamin A derivative helps increase skin cell turnover and refine texture, as well as minimize fine lines and wrinkles, boost collagen production, and clear clogged pores. But this skin-care panacea isn’t without its risks; after all, with great power comes great responsibility. And with great retinol comes the possibility of purging, redness, dryness, irritation, and flaking.

According to board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, those risks are highest during the first two to four weeks of use, as the skin adjusts to the powerful ingredient. But even after the skin acclimates, there’s still the potential for irritation and other side effects—even after two to six months, when users typically start seeing visible results, the risks continue to loom large.

While a rocky first month of use is par for the course, any side effects or irritation after that period tend to come as the result of changes in skin health or skin-care routine—perhaps you’re using too much retinol or over-scrubbing your face, or maybe your skin barrier’s been compromised by ultra-cold weather. In other words, once your skin has had the time to acclimate to retinol, any lingering side effects are likely the result of outside sources.

And, according to both Dr. Zeichner and board-certified dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, MD, there’s one sneaky mistake they’re seeing more and more when it comes to retinol irritation. Enter slugging.

Related Stories

What is slugging?

For the uninitiated, slugging refers to a skin-care technique in which moisture and hydration are locked into the skin via a heavy occlusive (like petroleum jelly) that’s applied as the last step in a nighttime skin-care routine. This boosts water retention, restores the skin barrier, and leaves skin looking plump and supple. The phenomenon went viral on #beautytok a few years ago, and has since spawned an entirely new skin-care category.

While it only recently reached virality online, slugging is nothing new: In fact, it’s been in practice since the 15th century, and has been a mainstay in K-Beauty for decades. Dermatologists have long considered it an effective method to repair the skin barrier and provide deep hydration, especially for dry skin.

Given retinol’s tendency to leave skin dry and flakey, many have turned to slugging to combat that irritation and boost barrier function. While, in theory, this logic seems sound, it ignores some major red flags—and can ultimately make things worse for your skin instead of better.

How does slugging affect retinol?

It’s important to remember that slugging doesn’t lock only moisture and hydration into the skin; it also enhances penetration and boosts the potency of any products layered underneath that thick occlusive layer, Dr. Hirsch explains. And that’s not always a good thing, especially when it comes to the already-omnipotent retinol.

In fact, slugging over retinol often yields the exact opposite of the intended effects. Instead of strengthening the barrier and giving skin a boost of hydration, retinol’s effects—and side effects—become even stronger when sealed with a heavy occlusive, nearly guaranteeing irritation and dryness.

“Sealing retinol in with an occlusive is irritating to many—even those who can tolerate a retinol when used properly,” Dr. Hirsch says. “I almost never have patients do this. It’s super imprecise, not without risk, and offers limited benefits, if any.”

And Dr. Zeichner agrees: “In the case of retinol, layering petroleum jelly on top of it boosts potency, but it also boosts potential irritation at the same time. It’s generally not something I recommend doing. Instead, I recommend combining retinol with a moisturizer to maintain skin hydration and minimize potential irritation.” That’s not to say you can’t slug on nights when you aren’t using retinol—in fact, it can be a great way to combat some of retinol’s more finicky effects. But for the sake of your skin, keep retinol and those heavy occlusives separate.





Source link

Previous Post

Juicy Pan Seared Chicken Breast

Next Post

What’s Next for Geographic Atrophy

Next Post

What’s Next for Geographic Atrophy

Recommended

Please: Don’t Combine Retinol and Slugging

August 31, 2023

War on the ‘Village Yokel’: An Ancient Gimmick of the Elites

March 22, 2023

Don't miss it

Family Wellness

Fall Family Fun: Experiences, Spots and Events for the Season

October 2, 2023
Family Wellness

The Financial Impact of Multiple Sclerosis

October 1, 2023
Health and Wellbeing

This Protein Milkshake Is the Tastiest Way to Re-Fuel

October 1, 2023
Health and Wellbeing

Chicken Enchilada Skillet – Fit Foodie Finds

October 1, 2023
News

Contributed: Advancing patient care through simulation learning

October 1, 2023
News

What’s Actually in the COVID-19 Vaccines?

October 1, 2023

© Wellness For Life News Hubb All rights reserved.

Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement unless specified. By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Navigate Site

  • Home
  • News
  • Family Wellness
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Mental Wellness
  • Contact us

Newsletter Sign Up

Loading
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Family Wellness
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Mental Wellness
  • Contact us

© 2022 Wellness For Life News Hubb All rights reserved.