Skincare in 2025 is no longer just about cleansing and moisturizing. With the rise of social media influencers and dermatologists going viral, trends like slugging, skin cycling, and serum layering are being talked about everywhere. But how effective are they really?

Slugging, for instance, involves applying a layer of petrolatum (like Vaseline) as the last step of your nighttime skincare routine. The goal is to trap moisture and repair your skin barrier overnight. Though it sounds greasy, dermatologists agree it can be highly effective for dry, irritated skin but warn it's not ideal for acne-prone skin.

Skin cycling, on the other hand, is a weekly routine that cycles through different active ingredients to prevent overuse and irritation. For example, exfoliation on day one, retinoid use on day two, and recovery days after that. It gives your skin time to heal and prevents barrier damage, which makes it a sustainable method backed by many dermatologists.

Serum layering is also gaining popularity. This technique involves applying multiple serums in a particular order like Vitamin C in the morning and hyaluronic acid at night to target different concerns at once. While layering can offer visible results, experts recommend being cautious and knowing which ingredients work well together (and which don’t).

So, are these trends worth it? According to dermatologists, yes but only when done right. The key lies in understanding your skin type, listening to your skin, and not blindly following every trend you see online.

Whether you're a skincare newbie or a product junkie, these methods can elevate your routine just be sure to do your research (and patch test!).