Skin Slugging to Maintain Facial Results

If you’ve just had a facial or are interested in getting one, you’ll want to know how long your facial results last and what you can do to best maintain them. Skin slugging is a skin care method that helps retain moisture and prolong the results of your facial. Here, we discuss how long facial results last, what skin slugging is, what skin slugging does for your face, other practices for maintaining facial results, and what your facial options are at NOVA Plastic Surgery and Dermatology. 

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How Long Do Facial Results Last? 

After a pampering session at the MedSpa, showing off your new facial results can be exciting. You may wonder how long those results last before you need another facial treatment to maintain your glowing, radiant skin. 

However, there’s no simple answer to this question, as results vary depending on the type of facial, the patient’s skin, and the skin care routine used at home. Some facials last a few weeks up to a month before an additional facial is needed to retain the same results. Yet you can try things at home, such as skin slugging, to help extend the length of your facial results so you can enjoy your rejuvenated skin even longer. 

What Is Skin Slugging? 

While it has been trending in the past year on social media, skin slugging is a method that has been around for several years, originating in South Korea and having been a routine standard in K-Beauty skin care. Skin slugging is a method of retaining moisture by applying a thick ointment to the face as the last step in the skin care routine. You can do this as a part of your nighttime skin care routine and sleep with the ointment on your skin, or you can do it during the day for just a few hours if you’d like. If you slug your skin at night, wash your face in the morning to remove any remaining cream, and if you’re doing it during the day, you’ll wash your face after waiting a few hours. 

To slug your skin, complete your regular skin care routine and apply a thin layer of your choice of slugging cream to slightly damp skin. Popular choices for skin slugging ointment include Vaseline® (or similar petroleum jelly), Aquaphor®, or other thick moisturizing creams that contain petroleum. 

What Does Slugging Do for Your Skin? 

So, what exactly are the benefits of slugging your skin with a thick cream? Skin slugging is a safe and effective method of renewing your skin and preserving moisture. Many people enjoy slugging their skin because it leaves it looking glowy and plump. Slugging keeps your face hydrated, prevents moisture loss often associated with aging, and creates a barrier to protect your skin from drying as you sleep. Skin slugging can be an excellent option for retaining natural moisture and extending your facial results in between treatments. 

What Else Can You Do to Maintain Facial Results? 

Taking care of your skin after a facial is the best way to make your results last longer. Keeping your skin moisturized, wearing sunscreen, and avoiding excessive sun exposure when possible are all key to prolonging your results. 

Your Facial Options at NOVA Plastic Surgery and Dermatology 

At NOVA Plastic Surgery and Dermatology, we offer a wide range of facials to fit your skin goals, including premium, signature, express, back, and HydraFacials. We also offer other skin rejuvenation options, such as the non-surgical liquid facelift. 

Have More Questions About Maintaining Facial Results in Northern Virginia? 

If you want to get a facial and learn more about maintaining your facial results in the Northern Virginia area, call us at 703-215-9152 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a consultation. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is skin slugging?

Skin slugging is a skincare method where a thick occlusive moisturizer like Vaseline or Aquaphor is applied as the final step of your nighttime skincare routine. It creates a physical moisture-locking barrier over the skin, similar to the shiny trail left by a slug, which is where the name originates.

How does slugging benefit the skin?

By covering the skin with an occlusive barrier overnight, slugging prevents transepidermal water loss from the skin's surface. This keeps the skin intensely hydrated through the night, supports barrier repair, and seals in any active ingredients applied beforehand from serums or treatment products.

How does slugging help maintain professional facial results?

A professional facial introduces active ingredients and stimulates cellular processes that continue working after you leave the office. Slugging that evening helps lock those ingredients into the skin and creates the optimal hydrated environment for the benefits of the treatment to be fully realized and sustained.

How long do professional facial results typically last?

Results vary depending on the type of facial received. A basic hydrating facial may last a few weeks, while more intensive treatments like microneedling or a chemical peel can produce results lasting one to several months. Consistent at-home skincare including appropriate hydration and sun protection helps extend whatever results were achieved.

What facials does NOVA offer that can be complemented by slugging?

NOVA offers HydraFacial MD, chemical peels, and Lutronic Genius RF microneedling. Each delivers active benefits that continue developing after the appointment, and a consistent at-home skincare routine including slugging helps maintain and extend the results of any of these professional treatments.