If you’re like most of us, scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, you’ve probably come across the skincare trend called slugging. The name might sound weird—maybe even a little gross—but slugging has nothing to do with actual slugs. It’s all about applying a thick layer of petroleum jelly (or similar products) on your face as the final step in your nighttime skincare routine. The goal? To lock in moisture and repair the skin barrier overnight, leaving you with soft, glowing skin by morning.
But is slugging really as amazing as social media claims? Can this simple technique make a noticeable difference in your skin’s health?
The Science Behind Slugging
Slugging is about protecting your skin’s moisture barrier. The outermost layer of our skin, the stratum corneum, acts as a shield against environmental damage and water loss. However, cold weather, harsh cleansers, and over-exfoliation can weaken this barrier, leading to dryness, flakiness, and irritation.
Slugging works by using an occlusive—a product that forms a physical barrier over the skin—to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Petroleum jelly can reduce TEWL by more than 98%, making it one of the most effective occlusives available. This means it’s excellent for keeping moisture locked in and protecting the skin from environmental irritants.
Moisturizers containing occlusives like petrolatum can restore lipids and help repair the skin barrier. Lipids are the natural fats in our skin that keep it hydrated, elastic, and protected from bacteria. When our skin loses lipids, it becomes dry and more prone to damage. Slugging helps restore these lipids, giving the skin a chance to heal and function properly.
Why Slugging Might Be a Game-Changer
So, what makes slugging stand out in a world full of skincare hacks? Here’s why it might deserve a spot in your skincare routine:
Intense Hydration
Slugging is perfect for people dealing with dry or dehydrated skin. By sealing in moisture, it allows your skin to soak up the benefits of your serums and moisturizers. You’ll wake up with skin that feels soft, plump, and hydrated.
Barrier Repair
If your skin feels irritated or looks dull, chances are your skin barrier is compromised. Slugging gives your skin the time and protection it needs to repair itself by preventing further moisture loss and blocking out irritants.
Anti-Aging Benefits
Dry skin can make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable. By keeping the skin hydrated and plump, slugging can help reduce the appearance of these lines, giving you a smoother, more youthful look.
Budget-Friendly Skincare
In a world where some moisturizers cost $100 or more, petroleum jelly products like Vaseline and Aquaphor are incredibly affordable and widely available. You do not need to break the bank for hydrated, healthy skin.
When Slugging Is Not a Good Idea
As great as slugging sounds, it is not for everyone. It is important to understand when this trend might actually do more harm than good.
Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, slugging could worsen your breakouts. Though petroleum jelly is non-comedogenic (meaning it shouldn’t clog pores), it can trap dirt, oils, and bacteria if applied over an uncleansed or acne-prone skin. This can lead to clogged pores and more pimples.
Using Strong Actives
Applying slugging products over strong active ingredients like retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) can be risky. These ingredients are designed to exfoliate and renew the skin, but when trapped under a thick occlusive, they can penetrate deeper and cause irritation.
Certain Skin Conditions
People with conditions like rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis should consult a dermatologist before trying slugging. In some cases, the occlusive barrier might trap irritants or bacteria and worsen these conditions.
How to Slug Properly
If you’re ready to try slugging, it’s important to do it the right way. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin
Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Clean skin is crucial because you don’t want to trap any impurities under the occlusive layer.
Step 2: Apply Your Regular Skincare Products
Use your toner, serum, and moisturizer as usual. However, avoid using strong actives like retinoids or acids right before slugging.
Step 3: Apply a Thin Layer of Occlusive
Use a small amount of petroleum jelly (about a pea-sized amount) and spread it evenly over your face. You can also target dry areas like the lips or around the eyes.
Step 4: Protect Your Bedding
Petroleum jelly can stain pillowcases, so it might be a good idea to put a towel over your pillow or use pillowcases you don’t mind getting a little messy.
Step 5: Rinse in the Morning
In the morning, wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove the occlusive layer. Your skin should feel soft, smooth, and refreshed.
Slugging vs. Professional Skincare Treatments
Slugging is a great at-home method for boosting hydration and protecting your skin barrier, but it can only do so much. For more targeted skin concerns like fine lines, hyperpigmentation, or acne scars, professional treatments can offer deeper and longer-lasting results.
At Zeam Health & Wellness, we offer advanced skincare treatments in Sacramento, Roseville, and Folsom designed to complement your skincare routine:
- Chemical Peels exfoliate dead skin cells and brighten your complexion, enhancing the absorption of products like moisturizers used in slugging.
- Microneedling stimulates collagen production to improve skin texture and reduce fine lines.
- Injectables like Botox and fillers help target wrinkles and volume loss, offering results that go beyond what slugging can do.
- Thread Lifts provide non-surgical lifting and firming for sagging skin.
Slugging vs. Professional Skincare Treatments
For those struggling with dry, flaky, or sensitive skin, slugging can be a game-changer. It’s affordable, easy to do, and backed by dermatologists. However, for more advanced skin concerns, pairing slugging with professional treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, or injectables can deliver even more impressive results.
At Zeam Health & Wellness, we are passionate about helping you achieve healthy, glowing skin. Whether you’re curious about slugging or interested in more advanced aesthetic treatments, our expert team in Sacramento, Roseville, and Folsom is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our wide range of skincare and aesthetic services.
