“Skin basting refers to applying a zinc-based cream on your face overnight to improve hydration and gain additional benefits from the anti-inflammatory properties of zinc,” explained Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York.
If you’re wondering what butt paste is, you may not have hung out much with babies.
Just like slugging, butt paste (diaper cream, to be precise) is a thick and occlusive product that’s applied as the last step of your nighttime skin care routine to trap in moisture by way of preventing transepidermal water loss. The goal is to increase the effectiveness of the skin care products layered underneath.
The difference between slugging and face basting, as Camp mentioned, lies in the inclusion of zinc-oxide, a mineral that can influence the activity of immune cells, and reduce redness, irritation and inflammation caused by bacteria build-up.
Camp also reminded us that, similar to slugging, skin basting is a method best used for dry skin types and possibly not always ideal for acne-prone skin, since the thick consistency of the rash ointment could potentially block pores.
“Retinoids and retinols can cause skin irritation in the form of redness, dryness, itching, and flaking. Skin basting may be an option to help skin recover from this type of reaction,” Camp said with the disclaimer that the two ingredients (retinoids and zinc-oxide) shouldn’t be used at the same time.