Look, if you’ve spent any time on social media, you’ve seen the term “slugging.” Despite the funny name, this skincare trend has earned serious praise for its ability to transform dry, dull, or irritated skin into a plump, glowing complexion overnight.
Here’s what it actually involves:
- Slugging is a skincare technique that involves applying an occlusive product, typically petroleum jelly (like Vaseline), as the last step in your nighttime routine.
- The occlusive agent forms a barrier that seals in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while you sleep.
- It helps your skin bounce back and rebuild its protective barrier, especially if it’s feeling dry, irritated, or over-exfoliated.
Think of slugging as sealing in moisture, not creating it. It’s particularly useful during dry weather, after using alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), but make sure to wait a little while after applying them before slugging, so your skin isn’t overloaded.
Why Do You Slug? (The Purpose of Slugging)
People slug for a few main reasons, all focused on strengthening the skin barrier and reducing skin irritation:
- To help the skin heal and repair: Slugging aids your skin’s natural healing process, particularly when dryness or strong exfoliation weakens the skin barrier. Dermatologists frequently use petrolatum or mineral oil to protect and restore the skin after irritation or procedures.
- To deeply moisturize and condition: The occlusive layer traps moisture, leaving skin soft, supple, and smooth. It’s great for tightness, flakiness, or sensitivity.
- To boost the effectiveness of other skincare products: When applied last, slugging helps seal in hydration and enhances the performance of products like hyaluronic acid serums, giving your skincare routine an extra layer of moisture retention.
Despite common concerns, cosmetic-grade petrolatum (like the kind found in Vaseline or Aquaphor) is safe and non-comedogenic—meaning it won’t clog pores when used properly. It’s highly purified, so there’s no need to worry about impurities.
Who Should Consider Slugging?
Slugging isn’t something you have to do nightly. But in certain situations, it’s effective for specific skin conditions.
- Very dry or dehydrated skin: If you’re finding that your nighttime skincare routine falls short when keeping your skin hydrated overnight, give slugging a try. It seals in hydration overnight while you sleep.
- Post-procedure healing: Occlusive ointments, such as those made with mineral oil, are commonly used in clinical settings to help with healing after procedures.
- Sensitive or irritated skin: When your barrier is compromised, slugging can be a simple, low-irritant way to calm and repair skin.
- Eczema or atopic dermatitis (body slugging): The soak-and-smear method, just apply some ointment while your skin is still damp after a bath. It really helps keep your skin hydrated and feels great on any irritation you might have.
- Seasonal use: Slugging can be your go-to routine during winter or any time dry skin becomes more common.
Who Should Be Cautious Or Avoid Slugging?
While slugging works wonders for many, it’s not for everyone, here’s who should tread carefully:
- Oily skin: If your skin already produces plenty of oil, a thick occlusive layer may feel too heavy. Target only dry spots if needed.
- Humid climates or sweaty sleepers: Since occlusives trap heat and moisture, slugging can feel sticky and may worsen discomfort. You will feel too oily and wet.
- Rosacea or flush-prone skin: Sealing in heat may intensify redness or flares for some.
- Acne-prone skin: While mineral oil and petrolatum are safe for most, they can occasionally aggravate skin irritation in acne-prone types.
- After Strong Acids: Avoid slugging immediately after using AHAs or BHAs, wait at least 20–60 minutes to let the acids absorb. Doing it too soon can increase penetration and sensitivity.
How To Do Slugging Properly?
Doing it right isn’t about dunking your face in Vaseline, it’s about sealing in hydration strategically.
- Cleanse thoroughly: Whatever you seal in will stay put, so make sure to cleanse thoroughly before applying an occlusive ointment.
- Apply to damp skin: For true slugging, apply petrolatum directly onto slightly damp skin right after cleansing. The remaining moisture helps maintain hydration.
- Layer your hydrators (optional): Layer lightweight products like hyaluronic acid serum or a gentle moisturizer before sealing with your occlusive.
- Use a conservative amount: A pea-sized amount for the face is enough, too much can feel greasy.
- Timing matters: Apply 30–60 minutes before bed so the ointment can settle and reduce transfer to your pillow.
- As your final step: Slugging should always come last in your routine. You can layer it over gentle hydrators and moisturizers, but avoid trapping strong actives underneath.
- Rinse in the morning: Cleanse gently to remove residue and follow up with your usual skincare routine.
Body slugging works the same way—apply it to damp skin right after bathing to reduce transepidermal water loss and calm dry skin.
How Often Should You Be Slugging?
There’s no universal rule for how often to slug, it depends on your skin type, routine, and environment.
- Dry skin: You can use it about 3 to 4 times a week or even every night if you’re dealing with flaky or tight skin.
- Normal or combination skin: Try using it 1 to 2 times a week for that extra hydration kick, but keep it to just the dry spots.
- Oily or acne-prone skin: Occasionally — spot slugging works best.
Slugging can also be beneficial after exfoliating, traveling, or during winter, when your skin barrier needs additional support.
Skin slugging might sound strange, but it’s a proven way to strengthen your skin barrier, prevent transepidermal water loss, and restore dry skin to a healthy, glowing state.
When done right and paired with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, this simple skincare routine can transform your complexion and support your skin’s long-term health.
