What are the benefits of slugging?

How does slugging help your skin?

Petroleum jelly is an occlusive, meaning it forms a protective layer that slows water evaporation from the skin's surface. Keeping that moisture in helps dehydrated skin repair itself. Moisturizers also reduce dryness and scaling and help maintain the skin's flexibility and barrier function. Slugging is a moisture sealing step, not a reason to give your evening routine a supporting cast.12

Expect a greasy coating: ointments have a longer lasting protective effect than lighter creams because of their higher oil content. The useful benefit is moisture retention, rather than a lightweight finish. If that texture bothers you, applying petroleum jelly only to dry patches avoids coating the whole face.12

Who benefits most?

Dry lips and eyelids are useful places to target. Ointments are more effective and less irritating than lotions for dry skin, and a small amount of petroleum jelly can give dry, flaky eyelids moisture and protection. Apply petroleum jelly while the skin is damp for the best results. Petroleum jelly is inexpensive, so the moisture seal does not need a luxury budget.3

How do you slug?

1. 1Cleanse your face in the evening, then apply moisturizer.
2. 2Leave out alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and retinoids on slugging nights. Trapping these beneath petroleum jelly can increase irritation.
3. 3Apply a small amount of plain petroleum jelly over your moisturizer. Cover only the driest areas if needed.
4. 4Wait about 30 minutes before bed so the products can settle.
5. 5Wash your face in the morning to remove the coating and anything that has stuck to it.

Do you need to slug every night?

Use slugging when your skin feels dry, rather than automatically every evening. A couple of consecutive nights can help, but nightly slugging is rarely necessary. It is more useful during dry winter weather and less necessary in warm, humid months.1

Who should skip slugging?

Skip facial slugging if your skin is oily or acne prone, or if you have an infection or open wound. Petroleum jelly can cause breakouts in some people. Occlusive moisturizers can also aggravate folliculitis, inflammation around hair follicles. If slugging leaves your skin red or irritated, stop and see a dermatologist.123