If you have spent more than five minutes on the internet lately, you have likely seen someone looking like a human glazed donut. No, they are not trying to get a job at the local bakery; they are slugging. It is the skincare trend that sounds like a garden pest infestation but actually promises the kind of glow usually reserved for people who drink three liters of water a day and never experience stress. As a beauty editor who has seen everything from bird poop facials to vibrating gold bars, I usually approach these viral moments with a healthy dose of skepticism. However, slugging is one of those rare instances where the science actually backs up the hype.
What Exactly Is Slugging?
Despite the name, no actual slugs are involved in this process. Slugging is the practice of applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a heavy occlusive ointment as the final step of your nighttime skincare routine . You layer it over your serums and moisturizers to create a seal. The goal is to trap all that goodness underneath and prevent it from evaporating into the ether while you sleep. The term comes from the shiny, slightly slimy finish it leaves on the skin, which resembles the trail left by our friendly neighborhood gastropods.
The trend exploded on TikTok in early 2022, racking up over 268 million views under the hashtag #slugging. While the internet might have given it a catchy new name, the practice itself is far from new. It has roots in K-Beauty communities and has been a staple in Black community skincare routines for decades. It is a classic example of the internet discovering an old secret and turning it into a viral phenomenon.
The Science of the Seal
You might be wondering why anyone would want to put something as heavy as petrolatum on their face. The answer lies in a concept called transepidermal water loss, or TEWL for those of us who like acronyms. As we sleep, our skin naturally loses moisture to the air. If your skin barrier is compromised, this loss happens even faster, leading to dryness, irritation, and that tight, itchy feeling we all dread.
This is where the heavy hitters come in. Petrolatum has been proven to reduce transepidermal water loss by up to 99%. That is an incredible number. By creating an airtight seal, you are essentially forcing your skin to stay hydrated. It is one of the most efficient ways to preserve hydration and allow the skin barrier to repair itself without being constantly attacked by dry indoor air or cold weather.
Expert Opinions and Skin Barriers
Dermatologists are generally fans of this trend, provided you are the right candidate for it. Dr. Omer Ibrahim, a board-certified dermatologist, notes that petrolatum-based products are amazing for patients with a breakdown of the skin barrier, sensitivity of the skin, and eczema on the face. When your skin is raw, red, or peeling, it is crying out for protection. Slugging provides that physical shield.
According to experts at the Cleveland Clinic and West Lake Dermatology, slugging is particularly beneficial after cosmetic procedures or for those dealing with specific skin rashes. If you have just had a chemical peel or a laser treatment , your skin is essentially an open wound. Slugging helps it heal in a moist environment, which is much faster and more effective than letting it scab over and dry out.
How to Slug Without Making a Mess
If you are ready to embrace the slime, you need to do it correctly. You cannot just smear Vaseline over a dirty face and hope for the best. In fact, doing it wrong can actually trap bacteria and cause more harm than good. Here is the step-by-step guide to doing it right:
- Cleanse thoroughly: Start with a clean slate. You do not want to trap dirt, oil, or makeup under your occlusive layer.
- Hydrate: Apply your usual humectants, like a hyaluronic acid serum or a glycerin-based moisturizer. These ingredients pull water into the skin.
- Seal it in: Take a pea-sized amount of your chosen ointment and spread it evenly over your face. You do not need a thick coat; a thin film is enough to do the job.
- Protect your bedding: Put a towel over your pillowcase or use an old one you do not mind getting a bit greasy.
- Wash it off: In the morning, use a gentle cleanser to remove the remaining product.
Is Slugging for Everyone?
Here is the catch: slugging is not a universal solution. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you should probably sit this one out. While petrolatum itself is non-comedogenic (meaning it does not clog pores on its own), it is so good at sealing things in that it can trap your skin's natural oils and bacteria underneath. For someone prone to breakouts, this is a recipe for a disaster. Dr. Kassouf from the Cleveland Clinic suggests that those with oily skin types should be very cautious.
However, if you have extremely sensitive skin, eczema, or you live in a climate that is currently trying to turn your face into parchment paper, slugging could be your new best friend. It is all about listening to what your skin needs at that specific moment.
The Shopping List: What to Use
You do not need to spend a fortune to try this. In fact, some of the best products for slugging are available at your local drugstore. Here are the top recommendations from dermatologists and beauty editors alike:
- Vaseline Petroleum Jelly: The classic, pure option. It is simple, effective, and incredibly affordable.
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment: A favorite for many because it includes extra ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help repair the barrier while it seals.
- CeraVe Healing Ointment: Similar to Aquaphor but with a slightly different texture and minimal additional ingredients, making it great for very sensitive types.
- Vaniply: A petrolatum-based occlusive balm that is often recommended for those who find traditional jellies too heavy or sticky.
Final Thoughts
Slugging might look ridiculous, and you will definitely need to warn your partner before you climb into bed looking like a shiny statue. But in a world of overpriced serums and complicated ten-step routines, there is something refreshing about a trend that relies on a five-dollar jar of jelly. It is simple, it is backed by science, and for those of us with dry skin, it is a total game changer. Just remember: keep it clean, keep it thin, and maybe buy some extra pillowcases.
