Slugging with Aquaphor: how to do it

Which Aquaphor should you use?

Use Aquaphor Healing Ointment, not an Aquaphor lotion or cream: those are moisturizers rather than the sealing step described here. The US Healing Ointment contains 41% petrolatum, plus mineral oil, ceresin, lanolin alcohol, panthenol, glycerin and bisabolol. It is fragrance free and preservative free. Aquaphor updates ingredients, so check your own packaging rather than assuming every product carrying the name has the same formula.134

How to slug with Aquaphor

1. 1Cleanse gently in the evening to remove makeup, sunscreen and dirt.
2. 2Apply moisturizer before the ointment. The sealing layer helps hold onto hydration from the products underneath.
3. 3Spread a small amount of Aquaphor Healing Ointment into a thin, even layer over dry areas. You do not have to cover your whole face. Keep the ointment out of your eyes.
4. 4Allow about 30 minutes before bed for the products to settle, then leave the ointment on overnight.
5. 5Cleanse gently in the morning to remove the remaining ointment and anything that has stuck to it.

Your pillowcase can collect ointment, so it has a small supporting role in this skincare trend. A towel over the pillowcase can help protect it.2

Can you put Aquaphor over retinol or acids?

Avoid slugging over retinoids, including retinol, or exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids. Trapping these ingredients beneath an occlusive layer can increase irritation. For prescription creams, including steroid creams, follow your prescriber's directions about layering rather than adding an overnight ointment coating yourself.25

How often should you slug, and what should you expect?

Use slugging occasionally when skin feels dry or tight, rather than making it an automatic nightly routine. A couple of nights in a row can help during a dry spell. It is generally more useful in cold, dry weather than in warm, humid conditions.12

The aim is to retain moisture overnight; skin may feel softer and less rough as dryness improves. The ointment can feel rich and greasy, which is less glamorous than the word 'glow' suggests. Occlusive ingredients hold existing water in rather than adding water themselves, which is why moisturizer comes first. For dry lips or eyelids, general petroleum jelly guidance supports using a small amount on damp skin, while Aquaphor must stay out of the eyes.13567

Who should be careful, and when should you stop?

Occlusive products can aggravate acne and folliculitis, inflammation around hair follicles. Sensitive skin can also react to moisturizers, even without fragrance. Introduce only one new product at a time so a reaction is easier to trace. Skip slugging over infected skin or open wounds; minor wound care is a separate use, not a reason to coat an injured face overnight.256

Stop slugging and seek medical advice if redness, a rash or irritation develops. Aquaphor's label says to stop use and ask a doctor if the condition worsens, lasts more than seven days, or clears and returns within a few days. Do not use it on deep or puncture wounds, animal bites or serious burns.35