You may have heard of slugging on TikTok. It is something that a lot of influencers are swearing by. What is slugging you may be asking? Slugging is when you take a thick emollient such as plain petroleum jelly (Vaseline), Aquaphor, or another moisturizer and apply a generous layer to your face for several hours, most commonly overnight, and then wipe it off the next day with the promise that you will then have glowing skin. Sounds slimy… that’s because it is and hence where the name comes from.
What are the benefits?
As we age our skin naturally becomes drier. That is because our skin barrier is thinning over time. When the skin barrier breaks down it becomes easier for us to lose moisture. Slugging is a way to trap moisture in our skin by essentially occluding it with a thick layer of Vaseline or another similar product. In doing so we are also protecting it from any irritating chemicals such as ingredients found in certain skincare and household products.
Is it right for your skin?
As a dermatology PA, here is my take on it: it can be helpful under the right circumstances. Is slugging for everyone? No. If you have acne, slugging can clog your pores and potentially worsen your acne. If you are applying skincare products such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or topical retinoids then I would avoid slugging on top of these as it can enhance the product’s intended purpose and be too irritating for the skin.
On the other hand, if you have dry skin then slugging is a great way to add and trap moisture. In fact, I have been recommending a form of slugging for my eczema patients for years now. If you have hand eczema a great way to treat it is to lather your hands in plain Vaseline and sleep with white cotton gloves on. The moisture gets trapped and will absorb much better versus simply applying a lotion to your hands.
How do you “slug” properly?
If you are not prone to acne or rosacea and you want to give it a try then I recommend starting with a clean face. Make sure all your makeup has been wiped off and then use a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil or CeraVe to wash your face. Avoid applying any other normal over-the-counter or prescription products. While your skin is still damp apply a thin layer of plain petroleum jelly to your entire face and neck. You will likely want to use an old pillowcase that you don’t care about getting greasy. Go to bed and the next morning gently wipe off and wash your face again with a gentle cleanser and voila! Are you looking for other ways to get clear skin? Read more here about what products I use on my own skin.
Have you tried slugging before? Comment below with your results and if you would do it again!
*Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of my employer. Information on this website is for education and entertainment purposes only. Content is my opinion. It is not substituted for your own doctor’s medical care or advice. One should not make any health or medical-related decisions based in whole or in part on any content on this site. Content is not intended to replace the services of a licensed, trained health professional. Content may not apply to you as an individual. Although I will update my website with current information, this website is not a definitive guide to dermatology.
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