What Is Slugging, Is It Right for Your Skin?

Overview of Slugging

Slugging is a skincare technique that involves applying a thick layer of an occlusive product—think Vaseline or Aquaphor—on top of your regular moisturizer. The idea behind this method is to lock in moisture and prevent it from escaping, helping to repair and protect the skin barrier. By creating a seal over your skin, slugging can provide a powerful boost to your skin’s hydration levels, making it particularly helpful for those dealing with dry, flaky, or irritated skin.

Though slugging may seem like a modern trend, its roots actually go back to Reddit, where the technique first gained attention in 2014. Over time, it gradually picked up steam, but it was TikTok that really sent it into overdrive. The hashtag #slugging has since exploded, racking up over 1.4 billion views, and turning this simple skincare hack into a viral sensation. So, while it may have started on a niche skincare forum, slugging has become a mainstream go-to for many looking to maximize their hydration and protect their skin.

Key Benefits for Your Skin

Slugging offers some pretty amazing benefits, especially for those with dry or damaged skin. Here’s how it works:

Prevents Water Loss: One of the key benefits of slugging is that it creates a strong barrier on your skin, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Essentially, it prevents the moisture from evaporating, ensuring your skin stays hydrated for longer.

Enhances Hydration: By locking in all the moisture from your moisturizer, slugging helps to plump up your skin and leave it feeling smooth and nourished. This is especially great for anyone dealing with dehydration or dry patches.

Repairs Skin Barrier: If your skin barrier is compromised, slugging can help speed up the recovery process. The occlusive layer helps seal in hydration, giving your skin a chance to heal, particularly overnight when your skin is in repair mode.

So, if you’re looking to give your skin a hydration boost or restore your skin barrier, slugging might be worth trying! Just be sure to check how your skin responds before making it a regular part of your routine.

How to Do Slugging: Simple Steps for Smooth Skin

1. Start with Your Regular Nighttime Skincare: Follow your usual routine of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Make sure your skin is well-hydrated before moving on to the next step.
   
2. Apply the Occlusive Layer: Use a pea-sized amount of a thick occlusive product like Vaseline or Aquaphor and apply it evenly over your face. This will seal in all the moisture from your previous steps.
   
3. Skip Active Ingredients: To avoid irritation, it’s best not to use strong active ingredients like retinol or AHAs before slugging. These can increase sensitivity when sealed under the occlusive layer.
   
4. Cleanse in the Morning: When you wake up, thoroughly cleanse your face to remove any leftover residue from the occlusive layer, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.

Skin Type Considerations: Is Slugging Right for You?

Slugging works wonders for certain skin types, but it’s important to know if it’s suitable for yours:

• Best for Dry Skin: Slugging is ideal for those with dry skin or anyone dealing with temporary dryness or irritation. The occlusive layer helps lock in moisture, keeping your skin hydrated throughout the night.
• Caution for Acne-Prone Skin: While petrolatum (like Vaseline or Aquaphor) is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, it can still trap oil or bacteria on the skin. This can potentially lead to breakouts, so if you have acne-prone skin, it’s best to approach slugging with caution.
• Combination Skin: If you have combination skin, you don’t have to apply slugging to your entire face. Instead, focus on the drier areas, such as the cheeks or forehead, where your skin could use a little extra hydration. This targeted approach helps avoid any potential congestion in oilier zones.

Expert Opinions: What Dermatologists Say About Slugging

Dermatologists generally approve of slugging for those with dry or compromised skin, as it can be highly effective in locking in moisture and repairing the skin barrier. However, they caution against overdoing it, as using occlusive products too frequently or too thickly can lead to clogged pores or irritation.

Some experts also recommend a more balanced approach to hydration. Instead of relying solely on occlusives, they suggest incorporating a combination of humectants (which draw moisture into the skin), emollients (which soften and smooth the skin), and occlusives (which help seal it all in). This balanced mix can provide longer-lasting hydration and nourishment without the risk of trapping excess oil or bacteria.

In short, while slugging can be a great addition to your routine, it’s important to use it thoughtfully and in combination with other well-rounded skincare products for the best results.

Potential Drawbacks of Slugging

While slugging can be a game-changer for some, there are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind:

• Lack of Hydrating Ingredients: Occlusive products like Vaseline are excellent at sealing in moisture, but they don’t actually hydrate the skin. Any hydration must come from the products applied beforehand, like your moisturizer or serum. Without proper hydration underneath, slugging may not be as effective.
• Risk of Overuse: Overdoing it with slugging can disrupt your skin’s natural processes. The thick layer can interfere with the skin’s ability to produce its own oils and lipids, potentially leading to imbalances or dryness over time. Moderation is key to ensuring that slugging supports your skin without hindering its natural function.

Safety and Purity: Is Petrolatum Safe for Your Skin?

Petrolatum, commonly used in slugging, is FDA-regulated in the U.S. and considered safe for skin, even for sensitive conditions like eczema in babies. The key is that high-quality brands—such as Vaseline, CeraVe, and Aquaphor—use USP-grade petrolatum, which ensures the product is pure and properly refined for skin use.

There are misconceptions about petrolatum being toxic or cancer-causing, but these fears are largely unfounded. When petrolatum is properly refined, it is considered safe and non-irritating. This level of refinement removes any harmful impurities, making it a reliable ingredient in skincare products.

So, as long as you’re using reputable brands and applying the product as directed, petrolatum in slugging is a safe and effective way to help hydrate and protect your skin.