What does slugging mean in skincare?

What is slugging for your face?

An occlusive is a moisturizing ingredient that forms a protective layer over the skin, reducing the amount of water that evaporates. Petrolatum, also called petroleum jelly, is commonly used for slugging. The name describes the shine left by the ointment, not a requirement to involve actual wildlife. Face slugging means leaving that protective layer on overnight, either across the face or just on dry areas.123

Is slugging good for your skin?

For dry, dehydrated skin, slugging helps retain hydration and allows the skin to repair itself without continuing to lose as much water. Retained moisture makes the outer skin layer more pliable and elastic. The protective coating also helps limit contact with outside substances that can cause irritation. Slugging is more useful in dry winter weather than in warm, humid conditions.2

Your skin barrier is the outer protective layer of skin, made of cells and fats that help keep water in and harmful substances out. Harsh soaps, excessive scrubbing and skipping moisturizer can damage it. Slugging adds protection over the surface, but gentle cleansing and regular moisturizing still matter. Wash with warm rather than hot water, and use a mild cleanser without soap or fragrance instead of trying to scrub dryness away.4

What should you use for slugging?

Plain petroleum jelly is enough; an ointment with only a few additional ingredients is another option. Slugging is a technique rather than a special product category, which gives the shopping list a rare chance to stay short. CeraVe Healing Ointment is one example of an ointment used for this purpose.12

Ointments have a higher oil content than creams and provide a longer lasting protective effect, but feel greasier. Creams are lighter and absorb more quickly; lotions are less occlusive and are often used for mild dryness. For slugging, the ointment goes over your moisturizer rather than serving as an extra serum. Moisturizers can combine humectants, which attract and retain water, emollients, which soften skin, and occlusives, which reduce water loss. These are different jobs within a moisturizing routine.3

How do you slug your face?

1. 1Cleanse gently. Start with clean skin, using a gentle cleanser and warm water. Pat your skin rather than rubbing it dry.
2. 2Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp. Choose a gentle formula without fragrance. Leave retinoids and exfoliating acids out of the routine on slugging nights.
3. 3Apply a small amount of ointment last. Spread an even layer over the areas that need it. You can focus on dry patches instead of coating your whole face.
4. 4Let the products settle. Wait about 30 minutes before going to bed, then leave the ointment on overnight.
5. 5Wash your face in the morning. Use a gentle cleanser to remove the remaining ointment and anything that has collected on it.

A towel over your pillowcase can protect it from ointment, because bedding has not volunteered for the routine. Keeping your hair away from your face also helps prevent it from sticking to the coating overnight.2

Can you slug over retinol or exfoliating acids?

Avoid sealing retinol, other retinoids, or exfoliating acids under the ointment: trapping them beneath the coating can cause irritation. That includes salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid. Use gentle, hydrating products underneath instead, such as a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or ceramides. If you use a prescribed skin treatment, ask your prescriber before adding an occlusive layer over it rather than changing the treatment yourself.15

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

Slugging is usually a nighttime step, not something you need every night indefinitely. Alternate slugging nights with nights without the ointment, adjusting to dryness. A temporary increase during very dry, cold weather can be useful. The aim is softer, more hydrated skin, not a compulsory nightly coating. There is no fixed timetable for visible results from slugging, so do not treat an overnight glow as a deadline for recovery.1

Broader skin barrier recovery is slower than applying a protective layer. Improvements from changing your skincare products and habits can take three or four months to become apparent. That is a general barrier care timeline, not a reason to keep slugging for months if your skin becomes irritated.4

Who should be careful, and when should you stop?

Avoid facial petroleum jelly if your skin is prone to acne, because it can cause breakouts in some people. Occlusive moisturizers can also aggravate inflammation around the mouth or hair follicles. Do not use a full face slugging routine over infected skin or open wounds. Applying petroleum jelly to a cleaned minor cut is a separate wound care use, not a reason to coat an infected area.236

For dry eyelids or lips, a small amount of petroleum jelly can provide moisture and protection without treating the whole face. Eyelid skin is especially thin and easily irritated. Apply petroleum jelly when the skin is damp for the best results. Sensitive skin can still react to moisturizers, so stop a product that causes a rash and seek medical advice.36

See a dermatologist if slugging leaves your skin red or irritated, or if products cause burning or stinging. Persistent dryness despite gentle cleansing and regular moisturizing also needs assessment: an underlying skin condition can require treatment beyond an ointment. If you already have a dry skin treatment plan, follow it rather than replacing it with slugging.25

Can you slug dry areas on your body?

The same layering method can help dry hands, feet, elbows and knees. After showering, apply your usual body moisturizer, then an ointment over the dry areas. Moisturizers work best immediately after bathing, when water remains in the outer skin layer. Petroleum jelly can also be applied to damp nails and cuticles between polishes to reduce brittleness and chipping.136