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.
"Slugging can potentially trap oils and clog the skin's pores and especially irritate acne-prone skin, contributing to breakouts."
Vaseline is typically used for slugging, and according to Dr. Michele, it's a great product because it's safe to use on sensitive skin and is "noncomedogenic." That means it shouldn't clog your pores. However, slugging is typically recommended for those with dry skin.
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.
Yes, slugging can cause breakouts. Slugging is not an effective skincare method for all skin types and if you don't watch out, this skincare trend can leave your skin with more of the very break-outs you are trying to avoid in the first place.
When Not to Slug. I don't recommend slugging for oily or acne-prone skin. Although petroleum jelly products are non-comedogenic, they can trap bacteria and dead skin cells worsening acne. Never slug when using active ingredients such at retinoids, salicylic, glycolic or lactic acids.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
A buildup of dirt, oil or dead skin cells can cause clogged pores. The condition is most common in people with very oily skin. A gentle skin care routine can help resolve clogged pores.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises against touching, picking, or popping any type of clogged pore or acne.
When applied to delicate areas, like under the eyes, slugging could cause milia, which are small, painless white bumps that appear when keratin gets trapped beneath the skin's surface, says Beach. “[Milia] occur more commonly when people are using a heavy product around the eyelid or the eye area,” she explains.
“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.
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!
Follow with moisturizer: Slugging is really just a last addition to your everyday skin care routine, so you perform all your previous steps as normal. That said, massage in your daily moisturizer—you'll then top it with your occlusive.
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 skin types is slugging good for? Dr. Kim recommends slugging only for people with dry skin or mature skin, since as we age, our skin starts to lose its ability to retain moisture. "This is certainly not for anyone with acne-prone, oily skin or combination skin," says Dr.
Step 1: Cleanse your skin with a gentle hydrating cleanser. Step 2: While your skin is still damp, apply a thin layer of Vaseline all over your face and neck. Step 3: Wait! Leave it on your skin overnight.
I personally am a night showerer so I do my skincare routine about 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. If you're going to be slugging, I would recommend applying your skincare and slug at least an hour before bed so your petroleum jelly has time to absorb before laying on a pillow.
Step 2: While your skin is still damp, apply a thin layer of Vaseline all over your face and neck. Step 3: Wait! Leave it on your skin overnight. Final step: When slug-time is over, wash your face with plain water.