Is the Slugging Skincare Trend Worth a Try?

If you're not up-to-date with skincare news, chances are you've come across the term "slugging" by now. This popular trend, which involves applying petroleum jelly on your face overnight, has been all the rage on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter for weeks. Many content creators swear by this simple skincare technique, leaving us to wonder why exactly people are so obsessed with slugging. And more importantly, does this method truly benefit your skin in the long run?
To uncover the truth behind social media's latest skincare craze, we sought the expert opinions of two board-certified dermatologists. Keep reading to find out what they had to say.

What exactly is slugging in skincare?
In the world of K-beauty, many trends have emerged. However, slugging is not one of them. Slugging is simply the act of applying petroleum jelly, such as Aquaphor, Cerave, or Vaseline, as an overnight moisturizer to lock in your skincare products.
While this technique may seem new to social media, it has been used for years by individuals with dry or eczema-prone skin. Most parents have probably used this method on their children at some point. It just didn't have a trendy name until now.

Speaking of its name, it likely originates from the resemblance between the residue left by petroleum jelly and the secretions left behind by a slug. Even after a full night's sleep, petroleum jelly tends to leave a film or residue on the skin.

The slugging skincare benefits are worth exploring, for sure. Essentially, petroleum jelly acts as a protective barrier that locks in moisture, effectively preventing skin dehydration while you rest. Consequently, it may potentially enhance the functionality of the skin barrier. As stated by Zeichner, it can address issues concerning dryness and irritation, which might explain its current rise in popularity, particularly due to the discomfort caused by face masks. Nonetheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that slugging does not hold the ultimate answer in skincare, nor is it suitable for everyone.

Now, is slugging detrimental to those with acne-prone or oily skin? According to Kanika Gangahar, the answer is a straightforward "no." While the aforementioned ointments boast non-comedogenic properties that make them suitable for general body use, it is not recommended to apply them all over the entire face if you tend to develop acne or possess excessively oily skin, as this could result in pore clogging.

Furthermore, Nacharel advises against using petroleum jelly alongside ingredients like retinol or hydroxy acids, as it may intensify their penetration, potentially leading to skin irritation. In the context of slugging, she suggests confining the use of jelly to milder ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide.

At Nacharel, we express reservations about the effectiveness of slugging as a solution to moisture loss. We propose alternative approaches that do not entail the application of a thick, sticky ointment before bed. While we respect the personal choice to slug, we urge you to consider other options that may deliver better results for your skin. It is worth noting that dermatologists and editors we have consulted with discourage slugging.

Instead of slugging, we recommend selecting a moisturizing cream that incorporates a combination of occlusives, emollients, and humectants. In colder months, implementing the "sandwich" technique can be beneficial, particularly when using products with active ingredients such as retinoids that may have a drying or irritating effect. This technique involves layering moisturizers or hyaluronic acid serum between these products. It is also advantageous for individuals with acne-prone skin.

Ultimately, if slugging captures your interest, it is essential to evaluate whether it is suitable for your skin's condition on any given day. Additionally, opt for a formulation that contains the optimal proportions of ingredients that benefit the skin.

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