Slugging:
Slugging is a moisturizing technique to restore moisture by occluding the skin with a thick moisturizer that is usually oil/petroleum based. The occlusive nature of slugging helps lock in moisture, preventing dehydration and promoting a smoother, plumper complexion. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Slugging may not be suitable for those with oily or acne-prone skin as it can potentially clog pores and lead to breakouts and milia.
Skin Cycling:
Skin cycling is a method to introduce new products as well as change routines in your skin care routine. This is a common method for example with retinoids. Retinoids need to be gradually cycled into the skin care routine in order to have the skin gain tolerance and efficacy. Also occasionally ingredients can develop resistance or efficacy so taking a break and then restarting again can help with this. The drawback, however, can be that frequent changes in products or routines can disrupt the skin’s natural balance and potentially cause irritation or sensitivity. It may also make it challenging to track the effectiveness of specific products.
Sandwiching:
Sandwiching involves layering products after adding moisture between the steps. This can improve the absorption of active ingredients, reduce potential for irritation, and enhance overall effectiveness. However, sandwiching requires applying multiple layers of skincare products and may not be suitable for all skin concerns or active ingredients since it can also lead to acne, milia and clogged pores.