Body … ‘slugging’?

Body slugging, what? I hear you ask. That’s the first question I had when I came across this latest beauty trend.

According to Shoshanna Eisner, founder of QED Skincare, “slugging” refers to the application of a thick layer of moisturiser to your face and body (including hands, feet and elbows), just before bed.

Ms Eisner says that this process helps the moisturiser to deeply penetrate the skin while you sleep, so you wake up with soft, nourished and “noticeably happy skin”.

This is particularly useful for the cooler months because as the temperature drops and the air becomes drier skin often becomes dry, scaly and even itchy.

Those with sensitive skin may notice flare-ups of eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis or just irritated skin.

So, keeping moisturised is key, especially during the wintry months – and body slugging, according to Ms Eisner is great for this.

“Body slugging […] is a great pick-me-up for dry skin,” Ms Eisner says, “and can be done whenever time allows.”

“In winter, I body slug at least twice a week,” she says.

How to body slug 

Ms Eisner shares her tips on how to body slug – ‘The body slugging 1,2,3.’

Step 1: Exfoliate 

“Before bed, exfoliate your body from your neck to your feet paying special attention to those extra dry areas like elbows, knees, heels and feet,” she says.

Step 2: Moisturise 

“Before you hop into bed, apply a thick layer [moisturiser] all over your body,” says Ms Eisner, suggesting the QED Ultra-Sensitive Body Balm.

“The product will not penetrate your skin immediately and will feel a little greasy.  That is the plan!  Apply more to drier areas like heels, feet, knees, elbows and hands,” she says.

“As you sleep, this pure-oil product will absorb completely into your skin, (not your sheets). Benefits include: Super-soft, plumped skin.  Dewy Skin.  Richly-hydrated skin, which is less prone to irritation.

“This process also helps build your skin barrier that gets damaged during colder months.”

For even better results and “ultimate hydration”, Ms Eisner suggests wearing cotton gloves and cotton socks, once you’ve applied the moisturiser. This, she says, will speed up the absorption, “pushing moisture deep into your hands and feet”.

“You will feel a difference,” she says.

Step 3: The next morning 

“When you wake up in the morning you will feel a noticeable difference in your skin,” says Ms Eisner.

“It will feel soft and well hydrated. Moisturise your body as normal after bathing. You will need to use less and less regular moisturiser as your skin’s baseline hydration increases.”

To learn more about QED Skincare and the products available that are said to help with body slugging, visit: qedskincare.com.