Slugging isn't just a passing trend on TikTok—the skin-care technique has roots in Korean and black communities and will likely continue to grow in popularity for decades to come. Smudging is when you apply an occlusive product, like Vaseline, to your face before bed to lock in moisture and keep your face looking shiny before a long, dry night. Similar to how a mask locks in moisturizing essence, applying a mask creates a barrier on the skin to help prevent transepidermal moisture loss. Petroleum jelly is a commonly used product for this purpose, but the best bashing product for each person may vary based on personal preference (although it is non-negotiable that bashing paste must contain a sealant - slightly Will be introduced in detail later). To learn more, Bustle spoke with two top dermatologists who will share their insights.
Experts
Dr. Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City specializing in cosmetic and medical dermatology.
Dr. Erum Ilyas, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology and skin cancer treatment.
What are the best products for hitting?
Dr. King says a moisturizing product must contain an occlusive agent, one of the three ingredients of a good moisturizer (along with humectants and emollients). Kim tells Bustle that occlusive agents are oils or waxes that form "a layer on the skin that physically blocks transepidermal water loss." Petroleum jelly, or petroleum jelly, is one of the most common sealants, but others include "beeswax, mineral oil, silicones, lanolin, and zinc oxide." This way, your freshly moisturized skin can "get moisture without competing with the evaporation of moisture and sweat from the skin's surface," explains Dr. Elias.
Dr. Ilyas notes that the most important property of a tightening product is that it is non-comedogenic (or in other words, does not clog pores). Vaseline, although thick and greasy, won't clog pores. Other great hitting ingredients to look for include lanolin, beeswax, or carnauba wax, and most oils and butters also have occlusive properties, such as squalane, jojoba, shea butter, or tamanu oil.
Can oily or sensitive skin types get relief?
Choose an acne product because it works for you, not because it works for someone else—everyone's skin is different, and people with oily or acne-prone skin should take extra care when dealing with acne, says Dr. King. Even non-comedogenic sealants "can trap oil or other comedogenic ingredients in the skin and potentially cause breakouts," says Dr. King.
For people with oily skin, Dr. Ilyas recommends layering an oil-control product on top of another ingredient designed to control oil production, such as niacinamide or salicylic acid. "Layering prevents excessive greasiness," says Dr. Elias. Keep in mind that swiping may make any product you use more effective, so be careful when swiping on retinoids or chemical exfoliants.
Dr. Ilyas’s final advice? “Avoid slamming after microneedling as this may lead to deep clogged pores or the formation of milia.”
Buy the best hitting products
hurry? Here are the best thumping products:
- The best Vaseline for hitting: Vaseline Original Vaseline
- Another fan-favorite heavy-hitting balm: Aquaphor Healing Ointment
- Best Ceramide Fighting Cream: CeraVe Treatment Ointment
- Best Vaseline-Free Heavy Balm: Cocokind Ceramide Recovery Balm
- Best Korean Beauty Mask: Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask
1. The best Vaseline for hitting
Petrolatum jelly is a time-tested skin protectant made from 100% white petroleum jelly. It's completely occlusive, so you may want to apply a layer of moisturizer underneath to get a dose of moisturizer and emollient. "[Vaseline Petroleum Jelly] is the perfect choice for people with sensitive skin or who may be allergic to common skin care ingredients found in other sealants," says Dr. King. It's a simple, easy-to-use and affordable acne product that's suitable for all skin types, and while it's non-comedogenic, people with oily skin should still keep an eye out for signs of breakouts - petroleum jelly is great at trapping oils found in other products or comedogenic ingredients. your skin. Remember, this order comes with three jars of Vaseline, so you'll be able to use it for a long time.
Size: 39 oz. | Key Sealer: Vaseline | Vegan: Yes
Related Reviews: “Using Vaseline basically acted like an overnight mask for a few weeks and here’s my verdict. It did seem to even out my skin and make it very, very soft…my face in the morning Makeup goes on smoother once and lasts forever, and it’s very cost-effective per jar. ”
2. Another fan-favorite thumping cream
Aquaphor's Healing Ointment has been a drugstore staple for years and is perfect for chapped lips, dry heels, and minor cuts and burns. It's also great as a moisturizing balm - it contains 41% petroleum jelly, but also contains panthenol and glycerin for hydration and bisabolol for soothing, so the product creates a physical barrier on your skin, It also supports their overall health. Like Vaseline, Aquaphor is one of those universal products. After you're done, you can use it to heal tattoos, remove makeup, prevent scars - and probably a shorter list of things it can't do.
Size: 14 oz. | Primary Sealers: Vaseline, Mineral Oil, Lanolin | Vegan: None
Related Reviews: "I use this on my face at night after all my skincare and I wake up with the softest skin. It's also what I use as a lip balm... works great on rough elbows and knees, And is an excellent occlusive ointment to seal in. I also have eczema and sometimes I can simply use this instead of the prescription ointment. ”
3. The best ceramide hitting cream
CeraVe's Vaseline Treatment Ointment is packed with other skin-friendly ingredients, like the brand's signature trio of essential ceramides. "Ceramides and cholesterol support the skin barrier," explains Dr. Kim, and the ointment also contains hyaluronic acid, which attracts and locks in moisture. The ointment leaves skin feeling less greasy than pure petroleum jelly and is designed for oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin types. Like other products on this list, you can use it anywhere on your face or body that feels dry.
Size: 12 oz. | Primary Sealers: Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Dimethicone | Vegan: None
Related Reviews: “I use this treatment ointment all over my face and it helps make my moisturizer more effective. It’s unscented and goes on very smoothly. It contains quality ingredients and leaves my skin soft , moist.”
4. The Best Smashing Balm Without Vaseline
Some people prefer to avoid petroleum jelly because of its complex environmental effects. If you're one of those people, Cocokind's Ceramide Recovery Balm locks in moisture without the need for petroleum jelly, getting its occlusive action from ingredients like squalane, sunflower wax, and shea butter. The thick, balm-like texture melts on contact with skin and deeply nourishes with ingredients like ceramides and glycerin. While it's specifically designed for dry or sensitive skin types, it's also a great moisturizer for other super dry areas of the body, like cuticles or feet. Cocokind goes to great lengths to ensure its products are earth-friendly, using cruelty-free formulas and printing the carbon footprint of each product on the label.
Size: 1.7 oz | Key Sealers: Sunflower Seed Wax, Shea Butter, Berry Wax | Vegan: Yes
Related Reviews: "This is a clear balm that's very greasy, but absorbs quickly. It's designed to be truly occlusive, locking moisture in to the skin. It's thick and shiny when applied, but drying Works pretty well. Has a very light, harmless scent. This should be the last step for anyone with dry or irritated skin.”
5. Best Korean Beauty Masks
Another Vaseline-free option is Korean beauty brand Laneige's Cica Sleeping Mask, which gives your skin all the benefits without the greasiness. Designed for sensitive or dry skin types, this overnight mask contains Laneige's proprietary fermented forest yeast extract to soothe dry, irritated skin, while squalane and shea butter soften and restore moisture. . This mask hydrates, calms, and strengthens the skin's barrier without the heaviness of other powerful products.
Size: 2 oz. | Primary Sealers: Shea Butter, Propylene Glycol, Squalane | Vegan: Yes
Related Reviews: "This is my new favorite product in my nighttime skincare routine. I keep it on my bedside table and apply it before bed - after I use all my typical serums/moisturizers. Helps my skin Stay hydrated throughout the night.”
