Over the past few years, the skincare world has been buzzing with the term slugging. If you haven’t heard of it yet, don’t worry—you're not alone. Slugging is a practice where an occlusive layer of moisturizer (usually something thick like petroleum jelly) is applied to the skin overnight to lock in moisture and help the skin repair and recover while you sleep. And the results? A smoother, softer complexion and a healthy glow.
But how does slugging actually work, and what’s the best way to incorporate it into your skincare routine? There’s a lot of misinformation out there, so let’s break down the facts and clear up any confusion so you can make the most of this easy yet effective technique.
What is Slugging?
Slugging is simply applying a thick, occlusive moisturizer to your face overnight. While petroleum jelly is the most common product used, alternatives like Aquaphor or CeraVe Healing Ointment are also popular. These products work by creating a protective barrier on the skin, which helps to prevent water loss and reduces the risk of irritation, especially in dry environments like air-conditioned or heated rooms.
When you wake up in the morning after slugging, your skin should feel soft, supple, and dewy—without any of the dryness or tightness that can come from nighttime moisture loss.
Why Does Slugging Work?
Slugging is effective because it helps maintain your skin’s moisture levels by creating a physical barrier that locks in hydration. As we sleep, especially in dry environments, our skin loses moisture. Slugging helps to minimize this process and keeps your skin from becoming too dry or irritated.
Additionally, for people with sensitive skin, slugging can act as a calming agent. By sealing in moisture and protecting the skin’s natural barrier, it can reduce irritation and inflammation, making it an ideal practice for those with conditions like eczema or rosacea. The barrier effect can also help people with mixed skin types, where parts of the face are oily while others are dry, by giving the skin time to reset and restore its natural balance.
The Right Way to Slug
To get the best results from slugging, it’s important to follow a few key steps:
Start with a Clean, Calm Base
Before applying any occlusive product, make sure your skin is clean. Use lukewarm water to gently wash your face. If you’re wearing makeup, remove it with a gentle oil like coconut or sunflower oil. Avoid using harsh cleansers, exfoliators, or physical scrubs, as these can irritate your skin and make slugging less effective.
Choose the Right Product
The best product for slugging is petroleum jelly—specifically, white petroleum jelly. It’s the most effective occlusive agent, helping to lock in moisture and prevent dehydration. While alternatives like Aquaphor and CeraVe are good options, they’re essentially watered-down versions of petroleum jelly. If you’re comfortable with the texture, go for the real deal.
Apply a Thin Layer
Don’t be tempted to slather on too much! The key to successful slugging is using just enough product to form a thin, protective layer on your face. You want to avoid having excess petroleum jelly visible on your skin. If you find it hard to avoid a greasy look, try using a towel or cloth on your pillow to protect your sheets from stains.
Simplify Your Routine
One of the most important things to remember is to keep your slugging routine simple. Don’t mix in additional serums, oils, or other treatments before applying your occlusive layer. Adding too many layers can increase the risk of clogged pores or breakouts. Just stick to one product, and let it do the job of sealing in moisture and protecting your skin.
Sleep and Let Your Skin Recover
Once you’ve applied your petroleum jelly (or other occlusive product), simply go to sleep. There’s no need for anything fancy. In the morning, you can gently remove the product with lukewarm water. If you don’t mind the greasy feeling, you can leave it on for a few hours after waking up for extra hydration.
Who Can Benefit from Slugging?
While slugging is beneficial for almost anyone, it’s particularly effective for people with dry, sensitive, or mixed skin. For those with dry skin, slugging helps to lock in moisture that would otherwise escape overnight, leaving the skin softer and more hydrated. People with sensitive skin often experience fewer flare-ups, as the occlusive layer protects the skin from environmental factors that could lead to irritation.
Slugging can also help with mixed skin types (where the T-zone is oily and the cheeks are dry). Excessive washing or cleansing can lead to this condition, but slugging can help restore balance by protecting the skin and allowing it to recover.
Even those with oily skin can benefit from slugging, especially in dry climates. While it may seem counterintuitive, slugging helps maintain the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss, which is crucial for keeping your skin in balance.
Busting the Myths
One common myth about slugging is that it can cause breakouts. However, petroleum jelly is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. As long as you’re using a simple, effective product like white petroleum jelly and not layering on other potential pore-clogging ingredients, the risk of pimples is minimal.
Another misconception is that slugging is only for people with dry skin. In fact, anyone—no matter their skin type—can benefit from the practice, especially if they live in a dry environment or need extra protection against irritants.
Final Thoughts
Slugging is a simple, affordable way to keep your skin hydrated, soft, and protected. By using a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a similar occlusive product, you can lock in moisture and help your skin recover overnight. Whether you have dry, sensitive, mixed, or even oily skin, slugging can be a powerful addition to your skincare routine.
So, if you're looking for a low-maintenance, high-reward skincare practice, give slugging a try. Keep it simple, use high-quality products, and see the benefits for yourself. Your skin will thank you!
If you found this helpful, subscribe to Dr. Bibi's Newsletter for cutting edge skincare and share this article. For further insights into skincare simplification, check out my book "Sick Skin - Skin Care Made Simple" on Amazon, now available in audio.
Thanks for reading and God bless.
Yuval Bibi, MD/PhD - Board Certified Dermatologist
Share and get 15% off!
Simply share this product on one of the following social networks and you will unlock 15% off!