What is slugging, and who is it for?

Key Takeaways

• Slugging means applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly as the last step of a nighttime routine, to help hold moisture in overnight.

• It suits skin that feels dry or dehydrated, and a Cleveland Clinic dermatologist says it’s more likely to help in the dry winter months.

• Oily skin types, skin prone to clogged pores, and skin with an infection or open wound are better off skipping it.

• Exfoliating acids and Retinoids are best left out of a slugging night, since they can irritate once trapped under the layer.

What slugging is

Slugging is a social media name for coating your face with petroleum jelly overnight. Cleveland Clinic explains that the name comes from the slimy trail slugs leave behind, which is roughly what your face looks like afterward.

Petroleum jelly is another name for Petrolatum. Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Amy Kassouf calls petroleum jelly “a simple and very occlusive ointment,” meaning it forms a protective layer over skin.

How slugging works

That layer slows down the water evaporating from your face. A 2022 review of moisturizers in Medicina names Petrolatum and Mineral Oil as the occlusive ingredients “with the best sealing performance.” Dr. Kassouf adds that the layer “can help prevent outside molecules from entering the skin and causing irritation.”

Slugging works by holding in the water and moisturizer already on your skin, so it’s applied as the final step.

Who slugging suits, and who should skip it

Slugging is mainly for skin that feels dry or dehydrated. Dr. Kassouf says it’s “more likely to be helpful in the dry winter months and less necessary in the warmer, more humid months.” If you’re not sure which you’re dealing with, the difference between dry and dehydrated skin is worth a read first.

She suggests skipping it in three cases:

• Oily skin types, which she says already have an adequate lipid layer.

• Skin prone to clogged pores, for the same reason.

• Skin with an infection or open wound, since slugging “may not allow the infection to clear.”

How to try it

Leave Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy Acids, and Retinoids out of a slugging night. Cleveland Clinic notes they can irritate skin once trapped under the petroleum jelly. Then cleanse, apply your usual moisturizer, then smooth on a small amount of petroleum jelly. You don’t have to cover your whole face. Cleveland Clinic suggests the thinnest, driest-feeling areas, such as the eyelids and lips, can be enough. Give it about half an hour before bed, and wash your face in the morning. For where moisturizer sits in the evening lineup, see a guide to skincare routine order.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can you slug?

There’s no set rule. Dr. Kassouf says a couple of nights in a row can help skin catch up, but slugging should rarely become an every-night routine. If skin looks visibly red or irritated afterward, she suggests seeing a dermatologist.

Does slugging need a special product?

No. Cleveland Clinic suggests plain petroleum jelly, or one with only minimal added ingredients.