Slugging should be the last step in your night-time skincare routine, so save it for after cleansing, using treatments like serums and applying your usual moisturizer. Once you've applied the other products in your skincare routine, "apply a thin layer of petrolatum-based ointment like Vaseline or
“Use a moisturizer or hydrating serum prior to applying your slugging product of choice,” says Clay. They'll get sealed into your skin nicely thanks to the Vaseline or other product you decide to use.
For the best results, it's important to load up your skin with hydrating and moisturizing products first, then slather your slugging product on top to keep moisture from evaporating off your skin.
Petrolatum-based, healing ointments are recommended occlusives for slugging. Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, says that these products, like Aquaphor, "include glycerin, lanolin, bisabolol, and mineral oil for additional hydrating, soothing, and barrier-supporting properties."
What type of products should you avoid when slugging? Dr. Parcells advises against using active ingredients, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or retinoids when slugging at night.
Experts say slugging should be used as the last step of your skincare routine — after cleansing and moisturizing. Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, a board-certified dermatologist with over 400,000 TikTok followers, recommends a "very thin layer" over your whole face — especially during the winter months.
It consists of applying Vaseline petroleum jelly as an occlusive moisturizer to hydrate the skin and seal in moisture and your skin-care products overnight, and then washing it off with a gentle cleanser the next day.”
The downside is that slugging can trap dead skin cells, oil, and debris, encouraging bacterial overgrowth, and it may worsen acne breakouts. “If you have acne-prone or oily skin, you may want to skip this trend,” Hartman says.
If you usually wash your face come morning, go ahead and do so, but it's not necessary to wash off your slugging product from the night before, she says. Either way, be sure to admire your gorgeously glowy new skin.
Apply A Layer Of Petroleum Jelly
Once you are done with your skin care routine, you can go to sleep and wake up to glowing, glass-like skin after slugging from the previous night!
As Rouleau explains, “Slugging can lead to comedogenicity—how likely a product is to clog your pores and cause bumps—if continued over a period of time. If you're using a product with a very high concentration of petrolatum all over your face every day, the chances of it leading to clogged pores (bumps) are high.” Dr.
When to Slug. You can do it nightly to heal dehydrated, dry, cracked or inflamed skin. To maintain results, I recommend slugging 2-3 times per week.
For best results, Dr. Que recommends using the slug life routine at night to ensure that your skin is as clean as possible before putting on your moisturizer. And Dr. Sisto says you can do it as frequently as every night if you wish.
The easiest way to slug is to do it at night. Simply apply a thin layer and go to bed. To get started, you'll want to cleanse before you slug. Then, apply a thin layer of Vaseline while your face is still wet.
Applying an occlusive over acne treatments may help strengthen the actives and, thus, deliver results. That said, slugging for acne isn't for everyone, and experts warn that doing so could lead to irritation or worsened acne. It's recommended that you speak to your dermatologist before giving the trend a try.
If you suffer from constantly dry, itchy skin, slugging could help. Even people with normal skin could benefit, especially during winter months when skin can dry out. However, experts say it's not for everyone. Those with acne-prone or oily skin should avoid it, as should people who have problems with clogged pores.
As far as frequency goes, it's completely dependent on your skin type and concerns. If you have dry, you may benefit from slugging several times per week or even daily for a period of time. Those that have oily skin, however, may find they want to take part less or only during the winter months.
While petroleum jelly has many benefits, it shouldn't be used for everything. Avoid putting petroleum jelly on your face if you are acne-prone, as this may cause breakouts in some people. If you have questions about your skin or how to take care of it, see a board-certified dermatologist.
And apparently, the petroleum jelly does not ruin your pillows - a question brought up numerous times on Reddit. According to those who use Vaseline in their nighttime routines, the petroleum jelly soaks into your skin, leaving your pillowcases clear from the goo.
Step 1: Do your normal skincare routine, but omit any spot treatments or face oils. Step 2: While your skin is still slightly damp from products, spread a pea-size scoop of Vaseline over your skin. You don't need a thick layer—as long as you're covered, you're slugging.
Applying Vaseline® Jelly under eyes is a tried-and-tested way to lock in moisture, keeping skin in the eye area soft and elastic, and rejuvenating skin that looks dry and tired.
Increased breakouts
While Vaseline helps seal moisture into the skin, some experts have suggested that it may also trap in oil and dirt. As such, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) warn that people who are prone to acne may experience breakouts after applying Vaseline to the face.