Skin Care Slugging?!
It's the latest TikTok fad!...
So what is slugging (like the shiny sheen left on your face - just like that of a slug), exactly?
"According to Tracy Evans MD, MPH, board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology, “slugging is the process of covering the skin (of the face usually) with an occlusive product such as Vaseline (petrolatum), Aquaphor, or a very heavy cream-based moisturizer and keeping it on overnight.” The process may be especially relevant to dry-skin peeps, as it’s “intended to keep moisture in the skin by preventing transdermal water loss.” -Who What Wear, Dec. 5, 2023
Ok, Vaseline is one of the major products in skin slugging, but what is Vaseline?
Vaseline is a by product of the petroleum industry. It was invented by Robert Augustus Chesebrough when he observed that the workers in a petroleum drilling station applying a jelly-like by-product generated in the process, on their skin against wounds. He further developed the process and finally reached a uniform product, branded later as “Vaseline”. Lexology -Searchable database of in-house articles and bulletins produced by law firms.
Where should you not use Vaseline?
Never use petroleum jelly in or around nostrils, especially on children, says Alexis Parcells, MD, owner of Parcells Plastic Surgery and a clinical instructor at RWJ Barnabas Health in Metuchen, New Jersey. You may end up with a condition called lipid pneumonia, an infection caused by the inhalation of fats. Though rare, it can lead to serious and long-term health problems. - The Healthy, a Readers Digest Brand, May 12, 2021
Is there anything harmful in Vaseline?
What isn't as well known are the potential side effects of using Vaseline. These side effects include allergies, infections, clogged pores, and hydrocarbon exposure. Petroleum jelly runs a high risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contaminants linked to cancer. -David Suzuki Foundation, One Nature
Petroleum and coating motor boats!...
Petroleum jelly can be used to coat corrosion-prone items such as metallic trinkets, non-stainless steel blades, and gun barrels prior to storage as it serves as an excellent and inexpensive water repellent. It is used as an environmentally friendly underwater antifouling coating for motor boats and sailing yachts. It was recommended in the Porsche owner's manual as a preservative for light alloy (alleny) anodized Fuchs wheels to protect them against corrosion from road salts and brake dust. -Ataman Chemicals
Side effects...
Cancer
The primary concern with petrolatum is the potential contamination with PAHs. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) considers PAHs as a class to contain reasonably anticipated carcinogens; the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) lists 14 PAHs as probable or possible carcinogens and one PAH as a known carcinogen. A study on Long Island, NY, found that those women with high levels of PAH-DNA adducts had a 50 percent greater risk of breast cancer. The formation of PAH-DNA adducts, an indicator of PAH exposure, is linked to cancer development. - CSC, Campaign For Safe Cosmetics
Clogged Pores
The skin can not breathe with any mineral oil or Vaseline based product. The skin can develop acne breakouts due to clogged pores.
Allergies
Some people tend to be sensitive to petroleum-derived products.
If petroleum jelly is aspirated (enters the breathing tube and lungs), symptoms may be more serious and may include:
Cough
Lung disease and pneumonia
Difficulty breathing during activity
Chest pain
Coughing up blood
Fever and chills
Night sweats
Weight loss
The European Union restricts the use of petrolatum in cosmetics and has set a PAH limit as well.
*Remember, you can't make a natural, safe, non-toxic product out of an unnatural, unsafe, toxic, chemical laden product no matter how good your marketing is.
Alternatives To Petroleum Jelly
Some of the natural alternatives to petroleum jelly include shea butter, avocado oil, jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, etc. All these alternative options are deeply nourishing and exceptionally great for your skin. How simple!
Conclusion: Healthy, natural, safe products are always best.
Takeaway: TikTok is a bit of a mess for correct information in my opinion. :)
With Love and Blessings!
Rebecca
