What is slugging? What should I use for slugging my face?
What Is Slugging?
Slugging is a skincare technique that involves applying a thick layer of an occlusive agent, usually petroleum jelly or a similar product, over your face as the last step in your nighttime routine. This process helps lock in moisture, repair the skin barrier, and prevent water loss while you sleep.
The term “slugging” comes from the idea that the thick, glossy layer on your skin resembles the slimy trail of a slug. Despite its unusual name, slugging has become a popular practice, especially for those with dry, sensitive, or compromised skin.
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Benefits of Slugging
Slugging is especially beneficial for people with dry, dehydrated, or damaged skin. Here’s how it helps:
1. Prevents Moisture Loss
Occlusives like petroleum jelly create a barrier that seals in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL), keeping your skin hydrated.
2. Strengthens the Skin Barrier
If your skin is irritated or damaged from over-exfoliation, weather conditions, or harsh products, slugging can help repair and protect it.
3. Softens and Soothes Dry, Flaky Skin
Slugging prevents dry patches and flakiness by maintaining hydration levels overnight.
4. Enhances the Effects of Other Skincare Products
By sealing in serums and moisturizers, slugging helps maximize their absorption and effectiveness.
5. Helps With Skin Conditions Like Eczema and Psoriasis
Dermatologists often recommend occlusives for people with eczema or psoriasis to protect and soothe the skin.
---
What to Use for Slugging
When slugging your face, you need a pure occlusive product without active ingredients that could irritate your skin. Here are the best options:
1. Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline, Aquaphor, CeraVe Healing Ointment)
The most popular choice for slugging, petroleum jelly is highly effective in sealing moisture.
Vaseline is 100% petrolatum, while Aquaphor and CeraVe Healing Ointment contain additional soothing ingredients like ceramides and panthenol.
2. Lanolin-Based Ointments (Lansinoh, Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm)
Lanolin is a natural occlusive derived from sheep’s wool. It’s a great alternative for those who prefer a more natural option, but it may cause allergies in some people.
3. Beeswax-Based Balms (Burt’s Bees, Egyptian Magic)
Beeswax is a natural occlusive that helps protect the skin while allowing some breathability.
4. Plant-Based Occlusives (Shea Butter, Squalane, Castor Oil)
While not as heavy-duty as petroleum jelly, plant-based occlusives can be good alternatives for those who prefer a lighter option.
---
How to Slug Your Face Properly
Step 1: Cleanse Your Face Thoroughly
Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup before applying any products.
Double cleansing is recommended if you’ve worn makeup or sunscreen during the day.
Step 2: Apply Hydrating Products (Optional but Recommended)
If your skin is very dry, use a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or glycerin before slugging.
Apply a lightweight moisturizer to maximize hydration before sealing it in with an occlusive.
Step 3: Apply a Thin Layer of Your Occlusive Product
Take a pea-sized amount of petroleum jelly (or your preferred occlusive) and spread it evenly across your face.
A thick layer is unnecessary—a thin, even coat is enough to lock in moisture.
Step 4: Let It Work Overnight
The occlusive will sit on your skin and trap moisture while you sleep, allowing your skin barrier to repair itself.
If you’re worried about getting the product on your pillow, use a silk pillowcase or sleep on your back.
Step 5: Wash Your Face in the Morning
In the morning, cleanse your skin with a gentle face wash to remove any residue and follow up with your usual skincare routine.
---
Who Should and Shouldn’t Try Slugging?
Best for:
âś… People with dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin
âś… Those with a damaged skin barrier (from over-exfoliation, retinoids, or cold weather)
âś… Individuals with eczema or psoriasis
Not Ideal for:
❌ Oily or acne-prone skin – Since slugging traps everything under the occlusive layer, it can also trap excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells, potentially worsening breakouts.
❌ People using strong active ingredients (e.g., retinoids, AHAs, BHAs) – Slugging can intensify their effects, leading to irritation.
---
How Often Should You Slug?
For very dry skin: You can slug 2-3 times a week or even nightly if your skin tolerates it well.
For combination skin: Once a week may be enough, focusing on drier areas.
For normal skin: Occasional slugging during cold weather or when your skin feels extra dry can be beneficial.
---
Final Thoughts
Slugging is a simple but highly effective method to lock in moisture, repair the skin barrier, and keep your skin soft and hydrated. While it works wonders for dry and sensitive skin, it may not be suitable for those with oily or acne-prone skin. If you decide to try slugging, start slowly and observe how your skin responds.
Slugging is a skincare technique that involves applying a thick layer of an occlusive agent, usually petroleum jelly or a similar product, over your face as the last step in your nighttime routine. This process helps lock in moisture, repair the skin barrier, and prevent water loss while you sleep.
The term “slugging” comes from the idea that the thick, glossy layer on your skin resembles the slimy trail of a slug. Despite its unusual name, slugging has become a popular practice, especially for those with dry, sensitive, or compromised skin.
---
Benefits of Slugging
Slugging is especially beneficial for people with dry, dehydrated, or damaged skin. Here’s how it helps:
1. Prevents Moisture Loss
Occlusives like petroleum jelly create a barrier that seals in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL), keeping your skin hydrated.
2. Strengthens the Skin Barrier
If your skin is irritated or damaged from over-exfoliation, weather conditions, or harsh products, slugging can help repair and protect it.
3. Softens and Soothes Dry, Flaky Skin
Slugging prevents dry patches and flakiness by maintaining hydration levels overnight.
4. Enhances the Effects of Other Skincare Products
By sealing in serums and moisturizers, slugging helps maximize their absorption and effectiveness.
5. Helps With Skin Conditions Like Eczema and Psoriasis
Dermatologists often recommend occlusives for people with eczema or psoriasis to protect and soothe the skin.
---
What to Use for Slugging
When slugging your face, you need a pure occlusive product without active ingredients that could irritate your skin. Here are the best options:
1. Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline, Aquaphor, CeraVe Healing Ointment)
The most popular choice for slugging, petroleum jelly is highly effective in sealing moisture.
Vaseline is 100% petrolatum, while Aquaphor and CeraVe Healing Ointment contain additional soothing ingredients like ceramides and panthenol.
2. Lanolin-Based Ointments (Lansinoh, Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm)
Lanolin is a natural occlusive derived from sheep’s wool. It’s a great alternative for those who prefer a more natural option, but it may cause allergies in some people.
3. Beeswax-Based Balms (Burt’s Bees, Egyptian Magic)
Beeswax is a natural occlusive that helps protect the skin while allowing some breathability.
4. Plant-Based Occlusives (Shea Butter, Squalane, Castor Oil)
While not as heavy-duty as petroleum jelly, plant-based occlusives can be good alternatives for those who prefer a lighter option.
---
How to Slug Your Face Properly
Step 1: Cleanse Your Face Thoroughly
Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup before applying any products.
Double cleansing is recommended if you’ve worn makeup or sunscreen during the day.
Step 2: Apply Hydrating Products (Optional but Recommended)
If your skin is very dry, use a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or glycerin before slugging.
Apply a lightweight moisturizer to maximize hydration before sealing it in with an occlusive.
Step 3: Apply a Thin Layer of Your Occlusive Product
Take a pea-sized amount of petroleum jelly (or your preferred occlusive) and spread it evenly across your face.
A thick layer is unnecessary—a thin, even coat is enough to lock in moisture.
Step 4: Let It Work Overnight
The occlusive will sit on your skin and trap moisture while you sleep, allowing your skin barrier to repair itself.
If you’re worried about getting the product on your pillow, use a silk pillowcase or sleep on your back.
Step 5: Wash Your Face in the Morning
In the morning, cleanse your skin with a gentle face wash to remove any residue and follow up with your usual skincare routine.
---
Who Should and Shouldn’t Try Slugging?
Best for:
âś… People with dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin
âś… Those with a damaged skin barrier (from over-exfoliation, retinoids, or cold weather)
âś… Individuals with eczema or psoriasis
Not Ideal for:
❌ Oily or acne-prone skin – Since slugging traps everything under the occlusive layer, it can also trap excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells, potentially worsening breakouts.
❌ People using strong active ingredients (e.g., retinoids, AHAs, BHAs) – Slugging can intensify their effects, leading to irritation.
---
How Often Should You Slug?
For very dry skin: You can slug 2-3 times a week or even nightly if your skin tolerates it well.
For combination skin: Once a week may be enough, focusing on drier areas.
For normal skin: Occasional slugging during cold weather or when your skin feels extra dry can be beneficial.
---
Final Thoughts
Slugging is a simple but highly effective method to lock in moisture, repair the skin barrier, and keep your skin soft and hydrated. While it works wonders for dry and sensitive skin, it may not be suitable for those with oily or acne-prone skin. If you decide to try slugging, start slowly and observe how your skin responds.
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Comments
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