What is Slugging in Skincare?

TikTok users may have heard about “slugging,” a trend in skincare that involves applying an opaque layer of petroleum jelly at night after applying your skincare products, to seal in moisture and heal dry patches on your skin while improving complexion. Slugging has long touted for helping penetrate products more deeply into skin while healing dryness faster, creating better overall complexion results and providing relief.

As with most skincare fads, this one may not suit everyone.

Table of Contents

1 It’s messy
2 Slugging is not for everyone
3 Slugging is not for oily skin
4 It’s not for acne-prone skin

It’s messy

If you follow K-beauty YouTubers or read beauty blogs regularly, chances are you’ve heard about’slugging’ as a skin care trend. Slugging involves applying thick, heavy-duty occlusives (typically Vaseline or another petrolatum product) before bedtime to prevent transepidermal water loss from the epidermis – leaving your skin feeling plump and soft upon awakening!

Petroleum jelly masking has quickly become a beloved component of many skincare routines due to its demonstrated success and ability to lock in hydration overnight, particularly helpful for dry skin types. But before rushing out to purchase some for yourself and try it yourself, it is worthwhile weighing all its potential benefits and drawbacks before jumping in with both feet.

Slugging can be messy and may not be for everyone. To use, apply an occlusive lotion before bed and cover your pillow or wear a sleep hat to avoid getting an oily mess on sheets and hair in the morning. Slugging may lead to breakouts if done improperly since occlusives lock everything under your skin including bacteria and oil, according to Hartman.

An ingredient list on a bottle of Vaseline may be intimidating for someone with sensitive skin, but there are safer occlusives out there that are less sticky and gentler on your skin such as ceramides and jojoba oil, which help replenish skin barrier functions while locking moisture inside.

Slugging may not be suitable for people with naturally oily skin as it can make pores look even larger and feel clogged up with oil. Furthermore, using it with any active ingredients that could irritate your skin such as retinol or chemical exfoliants could increase their effectiveness significantly.

Though not for everyone, slugging can be an effective addition to the skin care regimen of those suffering from dry or irritated skin. Although it might require additional efforts in order to stop moisturizer from escaping during the night and strengthen your weakening barrier layer, slugging can certainly be worth exploring for some people.

Slugging is not for everyone

If you’re into skincare, the latest beauty trend that’s taken the Internet by storm may be “slugging.” This moisturizing technique involves layering petroleum-based moisturizer over another moisturizer to form a barrier and avoid dehydration while simultaneously giving skin a plumped and glowy appearance.

But is slugging safe? And, if so, how often should it occur? We consulted three board-certified dermatologists on this emerging skincare phenomenon.

Slugging has been around for decades, but recently has seen renewed popularity thanks to K-beauty trends and viral social media content featuring it. Most often done as the last step of an evening skin-care routine.

Slugging can be very beneficial to dry skin types and those living in harsh climates, helping restore their barrier, reduce trans-epidermal water loss, and ease inflammation caused by acne and eczema. When applied correctly it can also help restore their barrier and restore moisture loss from trans-epidermal water loss while simultaneously decreasing inflammation related to acne or eczema.

However, slugging may worsen acne breakouts if you’re oily or experiencing active breakouts. Furthermore, this practice shouldn’t undertake if suffering from chronic conditions like rosacea, dermatitis and psoriasis as it could irritate skin further.

Slugging can also be hazardous for those with compromised skin barriers, including burn victims and other serious skin injuries. Petroatum-based products’ occlusive nature prevents oxygen from reaching their skin and thus results in oxidative stress and cell damage – further increasing risk.

Slugging should only use sparingly and on areas that are particularly dry or flaky on your face, according to Nelson. “Slugging can benefit anyone; however, its best application comes when required by listening to your skin’s needs,” Nelson advises.

If you are planning on trying slugging, make sure you apply an occlusive immediately following cleansing while your skin is still damp. Be sure to wash off before going to sleep so as not to clog your pores with leftover product! Additionally, only ever use one type of product at a time and don’t go beyond 24 hours without washing off!

Slugging is not for oily skin

Slugging refers to coating your face in an occlusive product such as Vaseline or petrolatum-based solutions such as petrolatum to increase skin hydration and retain key skin care ingredients. By creating an impenetrable barrier on top of your skin that stops moisture evaporating away, slugging is an ideal remedy for those suffering from dry and flaky winter skin types who find relief through increased hydration.

Slugging poses several disadvantages, though, including trapping excess oils and dead skin cells on your face that could promote bacterial overgrowth and lead to breakouts. According to Mudgil, those with oily or acne-prone skin should eschew this trend altogether as it could clog pores leading to even more pimples.

To avoid clogged pores, be sure to choose an occlusive that’s non-comedogenic; that means it won’t lead to breakouts. Furthermore, it is imperative that after using any occlusive product on your face for too long you cleanse and moisturize with proper products as any lingering product could potentially cause irritation and dryness of skin.

Mudgil suggests using a non-comedogenic formula without active ingredients such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids and retinoids for experienced batters. She advises applying thin layers before other skincare products used or before sleeping, washing off any remaining product the following morning.

As with anything, it’s essential that you listen to and follow the requirements of your skin. If it is normal-oily skin, try treating yourself two or three times each week with non-comedogenic serum and heavy occlusive product such as Vaseline; but if your sensitive skin prevents that approach altogether, instead opting for light hydrating creams as alternatives.

It’s not for acne-prone skin

Every time a new skincare hack goes viral, thousands of people try it and either praise or criticise it. While the recent “Slugging” trend that has emerged on Tik Tok and Reddit may benefit some skin types, it could actually harm others.

Slugging is a technique in which thick skin-nourishing moisturizers (like Vaseline) applied all over the face before sleeping to minimize water loss during sleep and leave skin looking full and fresh in the morning. The aim is to keep it looking supple and vibrant!

Though slugging may not be ideal for everyone, it may prove useful for those with very dry skin. Unfortunately, though, occlusive ointments could clog pores and make them appear larger; also, sensitive skin types shouldn’t try it as this could irritate it further.

Dermatologists often suggest opting for products made with pure petroleum jelly because these undergo an intensive manufacturing process without any added additives or fillers. You could also consider opting for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides which increase skin hydration levels.

Be mindful that before applying ointment, it’s crucial that your skin is properly cleansed. Otherwise, the layer of petroleum jelly could clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Furthermore, if using spot treatments such as retinoids and glycolic acids – it would be wiser to wait for healing time before returning to slugging again.

No one should slug while wearing makeup or working out, since the ointment may rub off onto clothing or hair and lead to an unsightly mess. Furthermore, applying too much may feel heavy or uncomfortable; only apply a pea-sized dollop of the product and spread it around evenly for optimal results. Also make sure that when applying too much product it dries completely to avoid grease marks on sheets!

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