Dry, cracked lips are a struggle many of us face, especially when the seasons shift or the air turns chilly. If you’ve ever winced at the sting of chapped lips or felt self-conscious about flaky skin, you’re not alone. Step forward, then, lip slugging, a new hot beauty trend dominating the web, and one that delivers soft, hydrated lips that are great-looking as well as feel great. It’s easy, cheap, and very powerful, so much so that it’s been a savior for anyone experiencing dry lips issues.
Slugging your lips is just locking in moisture with a heavy, occlusive balm that feels like a gentle blanket around your lips. It’s a barrier that locks in hydration and keeps coarse things out. Borrowing from the bad-guy face slugging trend where beauty enthusiasts apply thick moisturizers at night to lock in serums slugging your lips applies the same principle to your mouth with products that are specifically lip products or multitasking balms such as Aquaphor.
So why is this technique so in demand? It’s not all looks; it’s relaxation and treating yourself. The lips lack the oil glands that other areas of skin contain, so they dry out quickly. It’s cold, wintery weather, indoor dry heat, or chronic lip licking your lips are treated poorly every day. Lip slugging provides a quick solution to re-humidify, fix cracks, and get you smiling with a full, healthy smile that boosts your confidence.
Why Lip Slugging Works:
- No oil glands: Lips lack oil glands, so they must use external moisture to remain soft.
- Thin skin: Thin lips dry out fast, particularly in extreme weather.
- Barrier protection: Thick balms make a seal that prevents moisture loss and guards against irritants.
The Science Behind Lip Slugging’s Success
You may ask yourself why lip slugging works so well when regular lip balms don’t work at times. The reason is found in the science of how lips work or rather, don’t. While the rest of your skin has sebaceous glands producing oils to protect it, lips do not have them, exposing them to the wind, cold or air in houses. Since drying becomes a daily struggle, and especially around seasonal transitions when the lips tend to become tight and tender, lip balms are found not to be able to keep up.
Lip slugging is achieved by creating an occlusive barrier that holds in water and excludes irritants. Ointments such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment, a dermatologist favorite, contain ingredients such as petrolatum that create the barrier seal. These balms, according to skin experts, not only moisturize but also calm irritation and repair the natural barrier of the skin so that lips can recover from the abuse and use of everyday wear.
Besides hydration, lip slugging also changes the texture of your lips. By plugging small cracks and smoothing out bumpy bits, it makes lips soft to the touch and appearing plump. Whether it’s treating peeling skin or simply keeping your pout in tip-top condition, this technique achieves visible results with minimal fuss. And the cherry on top, it’s science-backed and consumer-approved, with Aquaphor’s 14 oz jar having a 4.8-star rating from more than 90,000 Amazon reviews.
Benefits of Lip Slugging:
- Holds moisture: Stops water loss for long-term hydration.
- Sothes irritation: Eases redness and discomfort from dry, chapped lips.
- Multi-purpose repair: Good for tiny cracks, burns, or dry patches anywhere on the body.
Top Products for Successful Lip Slugging
Not all balms are created equal when it comes to lip slugging. Group go-to is often Aquaphor Healing Ointment, a do-everything product that’s been around for decades. At $17.79 for a 14 oz jar on Amazon, it’s hypoallergenic, waterless, and clinically tested to restore smooth, healthy skin. Users love how easy it is to use, putting it on everything from dry lips to minor cuts, with one reviewer reporting that it’s a “go-to product” for his family’s skin problem of dryness.
If Aquaphor isn’t your thing, that’s okay. There are plenty of other great options. Vaseline, being pure petrolatum, is another excellent option for sensitive skin as it steer-clears scratchy suspects like lanolin, some dermatologists suggest, that can clog pores or break out on some individuals. Bag Balm is a much-loved favorite in another form, creamy in texture, and works spectacularly at slugging but feels slightly heavier. All of these balms create that crucial occlusive barrier, leaving your lips hydrated all night long.
For a higher-end feel, try LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask in Berry ($24, 4.6 stars from 49,281 reviews). Its balm-like texture and hyaluronic acid-enriched formula earn it the loyal following of overnight hydration devotees. A “lifesaver for dry lips,” one Amazon reviewer raved, for its shiny finish and plumping effect. Whatever you select, seek out petrolatum, ceramides, or vitamin E to enhance healing and comfort.
Most Popular Lip Slugging Products:
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Hypoallergenic, retains moisture, for all skin types.
- Vaseline: Pure petrolatum, ideal for sensitive lips, economical.
- LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask: Moisturizing texture, with hyaluronic acid added for an additional dose of hydration.
- Burt’s Bees Overnight Lip Treatment: Peppermint flavor, fills fine lines, 100% natural.
How to Develop Your Lip Slugging Routine
Getting started with lip slugging is as simple as it comes, but a bit of preparation makes all the difference. The ease of this routine is what makes it so wonderful mere steps before bed can change your lips by morning. Both skincare beginner and experienced pro will find lip slugging easily incorporated into their evening routine, promising great results for little effort.
Start with soft exfoliation of your lips to remove dead skin. A sugar lip scrub or a damp cloth works great to buff the surface. Don’t use harsh scrubbers, as lips are thin and can easily get irritated. This causes your balm to last longer and penetrate deeper, to lock in maximum moisturizing. Products such as Burt’s Bees Overnight Lip Treatment ($8.97, 4.5 out of 5 stars on 16,013 reviews) can be used with this step utilizing its ceramide-enriched formula that moisturizes overnight.
Next, apply a light hydrating layer, like a lip serum or glycerin- or aloe vera-based balm, to draw moisture in the lips. Last but not least, lock it all in with a thick layer of your go-to occlusive balm Aquaphor, Vaseline, or LANEIGE all fit the bill perfectly. Use liberally to create a barrier. Wake up in the morning to gently plumped lips that are game for whatever.
Steps in the Perfect Lip Slugging Routine:
- Gentle exfoliation: Remove dead skin with a sugar scrub or gentle brush.
- Prehydration: Use a light serum or balm to give your lips a little bit of hydration.
- Balm seal: Top it off with an occlusive heavy duty like Aquaphor.
Why Lip Slugging Feels Like Self-Care
Lip slugging isn’t merely hydrating dry lips; it’s a tiny gesture of love that can brighten up your day. Having a moment to treat your lips can be wonderfully soothing, as if getting a miniature spa treatment right before bed. It’s a respite to pause and look after yourself for just a minute. And waking up to silky, healthy lips can provide you with that additional boost of confidence who wouldn’t love a radiant smile?
This process is also very convenient. Though heavy hydration should be done in the evening, you can make adjustments to include daytime. Aquaphor applied lightly is a shiny gloss that moisturizes and gives shine without leaving you feeling greasy. Even a customer on Amazon uses it as a substitute for lip gloss, enjoying that it moisturizes lips on-the-go during the day. Convenience and ease make lip slugging available to everyone regardless of your lifestyle.
Apart from the physical advantages, lip slugging can transform your lip care routine. It’s not grabbing chapstick when your lips dry out; it’s science-informed prevention. Dr. Dan’s Cortibalm ($18.99 for 3, 4.7 stars from 15,060 reviews) employs 1% hydrocortisone to calm bad chapping, and it’s a favorite among those taking medications such as Accutane. This considerate treatment keeps your lips healthier and your routine more rewarding.
Self-Care Benefits of Lip Slugging:
- Increases confidence: Shiney, smooth lips put you in a good mood and smiley vibes.
- Relaxing ritual: A short nighttime ritual is a luxury.
- Preventative care: Remains ahead of dryness before it happens, saving you the woe.
Finding the Best Product for You
With all the balms available, picking the best for lip slugging can be daunting. Begin with tried-and-true favorites such as Aquaphor or Vaseline, which are both cheap and easily found. Aquaphor’s 14 oz is a bargain considering how handy it is, and Vaseline’s no-fuss petrolatum is comforting to delicate lips. If you prefer something a little more fancy, LANEIGE’s Berry Lip Sleeping Mask provides the luxury feel and subtle scent that make the experience more indulgent.
Consider your skin’s needs when choosing. If you’re prone to sensitivity, steer clear of balms with lanolin or heavy fragrances, as they can irritate or clog pores. Dr. Dan’s Cortibalm, for instance, is free of harsh additives and designed for severe chapping, making it ideal for those with medical-related dryness. A reviewer on Amazon praised it for healing lips cracked from Accutane, noting its smooth application and lasting relief.
Experimentioning is half the fun. Try a few of the products and discover what works for you perhaps Aquaphor’s rich seal at night, or Burt’s Bees peppermint-flavored treatment for a tingle of cool. Look on ingredient labels for soothing ingredients such as chamomile or vitamin E, which can aid in healing. In a price range from $8.97 for Burt’s Bees to $24 for LANEIGE, there is something for every budget and taste.
How to Select Your Balm:
- Inspect ingredients: Find petrolatum, ceramides, or vitamin E for best healing.
- Skip irritants: Skip lanolin or fragrances if you are sensitive.
- Experiment with textures: Experiment with a few brands to discover the texture you love most.
Last Thoughts on Lip Slugging
Lip slugging is not a fad; it’s a swift, science-proven method to soften, hydrate, and maintain healthy lips. With the locking of moisture with emollients such as Aquaphor, Vaseline, or LANEIGE, adios hurt, chapped lips and hola free, smiling self. Its ease and affordability make it available to all, be it a skincare newbie or a beauty guru.
The convenience of the routine is half the appeal just slough, moisturize, and seal at bedtime and allow the balm to get to work as you sleep. Whether you’re fighting winter dryness or just need an easy solution to treat yourself, lip slugging is the answer. Treatments such as Dr. Dan’s Cortibalm or Burt’s Bees Overnight Treatment provide targeted help for whatever you’re dealing with, so you can be sure to discover one that will suit your needs.
So go ahead and grab a tub of your preferred balm and try lip slugging. It’s an easy move that will have a dramatic impact, softening lips and your heart ever so slightly. With hundreds of positive reviews and dermatologist seal of approval, this is one beauty hack that’s really worth trying.
