New Delhi
Zarafshan ShirazSome beauty trends persist in the ever-changing skincare landscape due to their effectiveness and user-friendly nature, and one of these trends is known as “slowdown,” which has gained a lot of attention in the beauty industry lately. It includes a simple night routine designed to restore elasticity, moisture and revitalization to your skin.
Origin of Slugging
Dermatology and Cosmetology Specialist and Founder of Orijine Clinic Dr. Kritu Bandhari, in an interview with HT Lifestyle, shared, “The word ‘slow down’ in skincare originates from South Korea, which is known for its creative beauty routines and products. Those who are passionate about skincare in South Korea use the term as the final step in their nightly skincare routine.” “They started using it to describe a procedure in which they apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or a similar covering moisturizer. The layer of product resembles a trail left by a slug.”
How to “Attack” Your Skin
According to Dr Kritu Bandhari, the slow-down skincare trend is as simple as it is effective, and here’s how you can incorporate it into your nightly skincare routine.
- Clean Thoroughly: Start by using a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser to cleanse your face and remove makeup, dirt, and impurities. This first cleansing step forms the foundation of your skin care routine.
- Apply Your Skin Care Products: Stick to your usual nightly skin care routine, which may include the use of serums, moisturizers and special treatments. Allow these products to fully penetrate your skin. Make sure you use products that suit your skin type and address your specific concerns.
- Sealing with occluder: Once your other skin care products have absorbed, apply a small amount of petroleum jelly (similar to Vaseline) or a covering moisturizer and gently cover your entire face. Make sure the layer is thin and even.
- Night Moisturization: Leave the occlusive sheet on your skin overnight. It helps your skin stay moist by creating a barrier that prevents moisture loss while you sleep.
Benefits of the Slowing Skin Care Trend
Dr Kritu Bandhari explained:
- Intensive Moisturization: The primary benefit of slowing down is its ability to lock in moisture. The occlusive layer traps moisture from your previous skin care products, preventing it from evaporating overnight. This leads to well-moisturized and plump skin in the morning.
- Barrier Protection: Slowing creates a protective shield for your skin, protecting it from environmental threats such as pollution and dry air. This can be especially useful during the colder months when skin tends to dry out.
- Relaxing and Healing: Using slowdown may help people with irritated or damaged skin. It helps soften and protect the skin’s barrier, promotes faster healing and reduces redness.
- Soft and Smooth Texture: With consistent use, many people report that slowing down results in noticeably softer, smoother skin. This is especially beneficial for people with dry or rough skin.
- Affordability and Accessibility: One of the best things about the slow trend is that it’s affordable and simple to incorporate into your daily routine. Vaseline is a widely available and inexpensive product.
Considerations and Warnings
Dr Kritu Bandhari warned: “While the slow skincare trend is hugely effective for many, it may not be the right choice for everyone, especially those with extremely oily or acne-prone skin. The heavy occlusive layer can potentially lead to breakouts in such cases.” “If you have any concerns or specific skin concerns, it’s a good idea to talk to a dermatologist before trying this trend.”
He concluded: “The slowing skin care trend offers a simple yet effective way to achieve intensely moisturized and soft skin. This trend, which originated in South Korea, has spread all over the world because it can protect and help your skin retain moisture. Slowing down, at night “Adding it to your skincare routine can help your skin feel refreshed and ready for the day. Before implementing a new skincare regimen, just like any other skincare treatment, it’s important to consider your unique skin type and demands.”
