Welcome to the world of slugging—no, we’re not talking about baseball or slimy creatures! Slugging is the latest skincare trend that has taken the beauty world by storm, and it’s all about giving your skin the hydration and moisture it craves. The best part? You can get in on this skincare magic with natural, powerhouse ingredients like shea butter, a luxurious body butter, and the ultimate hydrating hero, coconut oil.

So, what exactly is slugging, and why should you be doing it with shea butter and body butter? Grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let’s dive into the juicy (and hydrated) world of skincare.

What Is Slugging?

Before we get into the benefits, let’s clear up what slugging actually is. This skincare technique involves applying an occlusive layer—something that locks in moisture—on top of your skin care products, particularly overnight. This “slug” layer traps moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL), meaning your skin stays hydrated, plump, and dewy while you snooze.

Traditionally, people have used petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) for slugging, but we’ve got a better, more natural alternative: shea butter and coconut oil. Not only do they deliver intense hydration, but they also come packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids to nourish your skin like no other.

The Magic of Shea Butter

Now, why should you choose shea butter for slugging? Shea butter is a rich, creamy, plant-based fat derived from the nuts of the shea tree. It's been used for centuries in Africa for its incredible moisturizing and healing properties, and it’s an absolute star when it comes to skincare.

Here’s why slugging with shea butter is a game-changer:

1. Intense Moisture Retention

Shea butter is loaded with fatty acids, including oleic, stearic, and linoleic acids. These fatty acids work together to lock moisture into your skin and reinforce your skin’s natural barrier. When you apply shea butter as the final step in your skincare routine, you’re creating a moisture-sealing blanket that keeps your skin hydrated for hours on end.

2. Rich in Vitamins

Shea butter is brimming with vitamins A, E, and F, which are known for their skin-repairing and anti-aging properties. These vitamins help rejuvenate dry and flaky skin while promoting collagen production for smoother, firmer skin. Essentially, you’re turning back the clock while you sleep!

3. Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Shea butter is naturally anti-inflammatory, making it perfect for calming irritated skin. Whether you’re dealing with eczema, psoriasis, or just some good ol’ winter dryness, slugging with shea butter can soothe redness, itching, and irritation.

4. Non-Comedogenic

Unlike petroleum jelly, which can sometimes clog pores, shea butter is non-comedogenic. This means it won’t block your pores, making it a fantastic option for those with acne-prone skin who still want to reap the benefits of slugging.

The Power of Body Butter

If you want to take your slugging game to the next level, opt for a nourishing body butter. Body butter is like shea butter’s ultra-luxurious cousin, formulated with additional hydrating ingredients to give your skin an extra layer of love.

Our ILERA Apothecary Body Butter (because we couldn’t resist a little plug!) combines shea butter with other skin-loving ingredients like cocoa butter, coconut oil, and natural oils. It delivers intense hydration while leaving your skin feeling silky smooth.

Here’s why body butter deserves a spot in your skincare routine:

1. Double the Hydration

Body butter is thicker than lotion, which makes it perfect for slugging. It creates an even thicker moisture barrier, locking in all the hydrating goodness of your serums, oils, and creams beneath it. Think of it like tucking your skin into a cozy, hydrating blanket for the night.

2. Nourishing Ingredients

Most body butters contain a blend of moisturizing oils, like coconut oil and jojoba oil, which provide your skin with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. These ingredients work together to repair and replenish your skin, leaving it soft and radiant.

3. Long-Lasting Protection

Body butter doesn’t just hydrate your skin—it protects it. The thick formula forms a barrier against environmental factors like cold weather and pollution, so your skin stays soft and smooth no matter what the day throws at you.

Coconut Oil: The Hydration Hero

We couldn’t talk about slugging without giving a shout-out to coconut oil—a true hero when it comes to hydration. This natural oil is a skin savior for dry, thirsty skin, and when used in slugging, it works wonders.

1. Ultra-Hydrating

Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids like lauric acid, which penetrate deep into the skin, providing intense hydration from the inside out. When you use coconut oil for slugging, you’re giving your skin a deep drink of moisture that lasts.

2. Antibacterial and Antifungal

Coconut oil has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a great option for keeping your skin healthy and free from breakouts. This is particularly important when slugging, as you want to ensure that you’re not trapping any bacteria under that occlusive layer.

3. Soothes and Repairs

Coconut oil is famous for its ability to soothe dry, irritated skin. Whether you’re dealing with chapped lips, cracked heels, or dry elbows, applying coconut oil before bed can help repair and soften even the driest patches.

How to Slug the Right Way

Now that we’ve convinced you to hop on the slugging train, here’s how to do it:

1. Start with Clean Skin: Make sure your skin is clean and free from makeup and dirt. You can cleanse with a gentle face wash or your favorite cleanser.

2. Apply Your Serums and Moisturizers: Follow your usual skincare routine—apply serums, moisturizers, and any targeted treatments like retinol or vitamin C.

3. Seal it in with Shea Butter or Body Butter: Now comes the slugging! Take a small amount of shea butter, body butter, or coconut oil, and apply it all over your face (or any dry areas on your body). A little goes a long way!

4. Wake Up Glowing: In the morning, rinse your face with lukewarm water and cleanse as usual. Get ready to be amazed at how soft, plump, and hydrated your skin feels.

Slugging Isn’t Just for Your Face!

While facial slugging is all the rage, don’t forget that your body needs love too! Try slugging on areas that tend to get extra dry, like your hands, feet, and elbows. Shea butter, body butter, and coconut oil can work wonders on these areas, leaving them soft, supple, and smooth.

In Conclusion

Slugging with shea butter, body butter, and coconut oil is the ultimate way to give your skin the hydration it deserves. Not only does it lock in moisture, but it also delivers nourishing vitamins and antioxidants that help repair, protect, and rejuvenate your skin. Whether you’re new to slugging or a seasoned pro, incorporating these natural ingredients into your routine is a guaranteed way to wake up with glowing, radiant skin.

So go ahead, embrace the slug life! Your skin will thank you.