Slugging is a skin care trick where you slather on a thick moisturizer in a certain way to lock in hydration. If you have dry skin, slugging may just be your new best friend.
TikTokers and Redditors swear that going to bed slimy as a slug is the secret to baby-soft, healthy skin. This skin hack, called slugging, involves slathering an occlusive product likeVaselineon your face before bed to help lock in moisture.
The result: Legend has it you’ll go to bed mucus-slicked and wake up glowing and reborn.
Dermatologists likeElaine Kungagree that slugging really does work for smooth, rejuvenated skin — and this “trend” has actually been around for ages.
“The idea of layering a thick occlusive emollient as the last step of a nighttime routine is nothing new,” Kung says. Not only have derms been recommending it for decades, but “purveyors ofK-beautyhave been pushing this practice in their10-step beauty routinesfor years!”
Here’s how to live the slug life and add slugging to your skin care routine. 🐌
What is slugging, exactly?
Slugging is the process of applying an occlusive emollientcream(like the ones made by Vaseline, Aquaphor, and CeraVe) to your skin, Kung explains, which “helps reduce trans-epidermal water loss.”
Basically, an occlusive keeps moisture from evaporating through your skin. So, all those serums you applied? They’re not going anywhere. Meanwhile, it keeps the elements out, so that dry air from your rickety heater can’t work its way into your skin, either.
That’s why petrolatum (aka petroleum jelly) is often medically recommended to keep the skin hydrated duringdry winter days, dermatologistCheryl Rosenexplains. It’s also sometimes recommended for treating conditions likeeczemaandpsoriasis.
That being said, folks with various skin types swear by it as part of their year-round nightly routine. (But heads-up that it might not be ideal foroilier skin types— more on that below.)
And no, your fave TikToker didn’t invent it: As somepoint out, slugging has been a part of K-beauty, as well as many Black women’s beauty regimens, for generations.
Does slugging really work?
When in doubt, slug it out? According to the pros, yes.
Researchsuggests that when the lipids in your skin are depleted — whether as a result of your genes, the weather, or too many acidic serums — applying petrolatum can help restore your skin.
“Because the skin’s barrier is protected overnight, people wake up with softer andglowingskin,” Kung explains. (And, full disclosure, sometimes a greasy pillowcase.)
Asmall 2016 studysuggests that petrolatum boosts peptide regulation on the skin’s surface. Since peptides are the building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin, this is def promising for your dermis.
Kung notes that improving and repairing the skin barrier is especially helpful for people who:
“Slugging is very effective in retaining moisture in the skin,” Rosen says. She notes the following benefits of applying petroleum jelly:
But will slugging clog your pores?
If your skin shines bright like a diamond (and no, not because you used a ton of Fenty highlighter), then you might want to skip out on slugging.
“Slugging is not for everyone,” Kung says. Because slugging traps oils and moisture in the skin, she explains, it can worsen underlying problems in those with the following conditions:
“I have had to simplify and de-slug many of my acne patients’skin care routinesbecause they have been layering oils and sealing them with petrolatum,shea butter, and beeswax for months to years,” Kung says.
She points out that some patients have been practicing a version of slugging without even knowing it. “Many people have been usingtoners,serums, or lotions with plant-derived oils and then applying amoisturizing cream[on top], thinking those other steps in their skin care routine are not moisturizing enough.”
But if your skin is already on the oily or acne-prone side, you prob don’t need to lock in all that moisture.
“Petroleum jelly is a very thick and heavy substance that can form a film on the skin’s surface and block the pores,” Rosen says. “This can lead to the development ofblackheadsand whiteheads, as well as an increase in the number ofpimples.”
TheAmerican Academy of Dermatologyagrees: Petroleum-based products can indeedcausebreakouts. So if you tend to get zits, this trend prob just isn’t it for you.
What skin care products can you use for slugging?
OK, slugger — ready to put the products to the test? Here are a few of the most popular and effective slugging products.
Pricing guide
1.Vaseline
Rosen recommends good old-fashioned Vaseline, which is 100 percent pure petroleum jelly, as her top choice for slugging. She also recommends it for healingchapped lipsorsun-damaged skin.
If you don’t need any additional moisturizing factors in your petrolatum, Vaseline is your best (and cheapest) bet. It does have a grease factor most of us know all too well, but for serious sluggers, looking like you dunked your face in oil is a small price to pay for results.
2.Aquaphor
Not quite a lotion, not quite a cream. Whatever it is, many derms are fans of Aquaphor. The classic formula contains 41 percent petrolatum along with hydrating ingredients like mineral oil, lanolin, andglycerin.
What really puts the “aqua” in Aquaphor is its moisture content, which some people love and others can’t stand. Basically, it feels pretty wet on your skin and will stay that way until you wash it off.
Keep in mind thatlanolinis derived from sheep’s wool and might not jibe well with some sensitive skin types. If you’re the type to feel itchy, scratchy, and uncomfy AF in a wool sweater, lanolin will also irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction. Plus, if you’re vegan, you’ll want to steer clear of lanolin products.
3.CeraVe Healing Ointment
Are sluggers to blame for this iconic ointment selling out all the time? Probably. CeraVe products are always all over the Amazon personal care top 10 list, and for good reason.
In addition to petrolatum, this ointment hashyaluronic acidand ceramides, which will give your skin an extra moisture boost.
Bonus: This healing ointment has theNational Eczema Association’s Seal of Approval.
4.Cetaphil Healing Ointment
Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dermatologist-recommended — what more can a slugger ask for?
In addition to lots of petrolatum, this formula packs a decent punch of shea butter. If you havesuper dry skin, it might be just what the derm ordered. But it might have a little too much oil for folks with oilier skin types.
This one also has theNational Eczema Association’s Seal of Approval.
How to start a slugging skin care routine
Got the slugging bug? Here’s how to add slugging to your nighttime skin routine.
1. Cleanse
You know what to do: Wash your face and pat your skin gently with a towel to dry.
2. Optional: Tone
If you have dry skin, you might want to skiptoningorastringent, which will further strip your skin. Otherwise, reach fortea tree oil,witch hazel, or a chemical exfoliator — whatever’s your go-to pick.
3. Apply serum
Serum time. Whether you’re avitamin C stanor apeptide devotee, be sure your pick works well with your skin type and your slugging routine.
Kung says, “If you have irritable skin, don’t layer AHA, BHA,retinolproducts and then seal it in with petrolatum.” Basically, sensitive skin just can’t handle having all those acids locked in.
“If you have oily skin, don’t layer jojoba andmoringaoil and then seal it in with shea butter,” she adds. (That’s a recipe forwaytoo much oil.)
“But, if you haveeczema, then… yes… moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!”
When in doubt, talk with a dermatologist about your options.
4. Optional: Moisturize
Some drier skin types may benefit from an extra layer ofmoisturizerbefore the petroleum seals it all up. It might take some experimentation to figure out what works best for you.
5. Get slugging!
Time to get slimy. This part’s personal — some people really slather it on, while others swear by just adding a few dots to their T-zone and rubbing in. Again, it really depends on your unique skin.
If you’re not sure, just try a few dabs here and there and see how your skin responds to it. If it’s still a little dry, add more.
How long can you do slugging for?
When it comes to slugging, your sebum’s the limit. Basically, it all depends on your skin’s natural oil production: If your skin’s looking like an oil slick during your slugging days, you prob want to give it a rest. Ditto if you’re getting breakouts.
“My main advice is to really know your skin,” Kung says. And ifyoucan’t seem to understand it, maybe head to a derm who can.
But if your skin is glowy and thriving, then slug on.
Slugging involves layering an occlusive product on your skin to seal in moisture. It’s usually done as the last step in a nightly skin care routine.
Those with oily or acne-prone skin may want to skip it, but those who have dry skin, live in harsh winter conditions, or have skin conditions like eczema may especially benefit from it. If you’re not sure whether it’s right for you, talk with a dermatologist.
