Slugging Trend: Is It Worth Trying for Your Skin Type?

The Slugging Trend: Is It Worth It for Your Skin?

If you’re a skincare enthusiast—or a TikTok user like us (and yes, we’ve tried chlorophyll water)—you’ve likely heard of the recent skincare trend “slugging.” At first glance, the term might sound unappealing. After all, the word “slug” conjures up images of slimy creatures leaving a trail behind them. However, enthusiasts, including none other than Martha Stewart, swear by slugging as a miracle for dry, aging skin—and some even claim it can help alleviate eczema. But should you jump on the slugging bandwagon, or is this trend just another passing skincare fad?

We spoke with dermatologists Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, and Dr. Nancy Samulitis, MD, PhD, to get their expert opinions on whether slugging really delivers skin benefits or if it’s just an overhyped skincare trend. Here’s what we learned.

What is Slugging?

Slugging is a skincare practice that originates from Korean beauty (K-beauty) routines, although it has been around for over a century, according to Dr. Samulitis. Despite its resurgence on Reddit and TikTok, the practice of slugging is not exactly new—it’s simply gaining more attention in modern skincare culture. But what does “slugging” actually mean?

At its core, slugging involves applying a thick layer of an occlusive moisturizer (like petroleum jelly) over your face as the final step of your evening skincare routine. The purpose is to lock in moisture and create a barrier that prevents water loss from your skin overnight. While this practice is meant to hydrate dry skin, protect the skin barrier, and give your skin a glowing, plump appearance, there are a few things to consider before incorporating this trend into your skincare regimen.

Understanding Occlusive and Emollient Ingredients

Before jumping into slugging, let’s first break down some important terms: occlusive and emollient. You’ve probably encountered these terms while browsing beauty blogs or skincare product labels, but what do they really mean?

Occlusive Ingredients: These ingredients create a barrier on the skin’s surface that prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is the evaporation of moisture from your skin. This helps to seal in hydration and prevent dryness. Occlusive ingredients can include petroleum jelly, lanolin, and certain oils.

Emollient Ingredients: These are ingredients that soften the skin and improve its texture by filling in the spaces between skin cells. Emollients include substances like shea butter, coconut oil, and fatty acids.

Together, occlusive and emollient ingredients help maintain a healthy moisture barrier, ensuring your skin remains smooth, supple, and protected from external stressors like pollution and harsh climates. For individuals with dry or compromised skin barriers, these types of products can be especially beneficial.

The Benefits of Slugging: Is It Really That Great?

According to Dr. Chacon, slugging can indeed be beneficial, especially for people with dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin. “Slugging is particularly helpful because it prevents moisture loss, which is crucial for individuals with dry skin, eczematous dermatitis, or those recovering from treatments like laser sessions or chemical peels,” she explains.

By applying a thick layer of occlusive moisturizer like petroleum jelly (or a more luxurious alternative), you’re effectively locking in all the hydration your skin needs overnight. Dr. Chacon adds that slugging can even help to smooth the appearance of fine lines and crepey skin over time, thanks to its ability to support a healthy moisture barrier.

Slugging can also be a great option for people dealing with flare-ups of eczema or other inflammatory skin conditions. It offers intense hydration, which helps to reduce irritation and promote healing. Furthermore, slugging may help calm skin that’s been damaged by harsh environmental factors, like cold weather, pollution, or sunburn.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind About Slugging:

Barrier Support: While slugging creates a temporary moisture barrier, it’s important to note that it’s not about “locking in” ingredients, but more about creating an environment that helps your skin heal and retain moisture. In fact, Dr. Samulitis advises focusing on supporting your skin’s natural barrier. “Instead of adding a barrier on top of your skin, prioritize products that help fortify your skin’s own barrier,” she says.

Best for Dry and Sensitive Skin: If you have dry, eczema-prone, or sensitive skin, slugging can be a game changer. For individuals with oily skin or acne, however, slugging may not be as beneficial and could even lead to breakouts. Petroleum jelly is highly occlusive, and while it is non-comedogenic when properly refined, it can trap excess oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria beneath it, leading to clogged pores and potential breakouts.

Don’t Overdo It: Slugging is intended to be an occasional treat for your skin. If you’re slugging every night, you might overwhelm your skin’s natural functions. Dr. Chacon suggests that slugging is most beneficial after intense treatments like peels, retinol use, or sunburn. Regular slugging is not necessary unless you have extremely dry skin or are trying to repair a compromised skin barrier.

The Ideal Slugging Products

While petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) is the go-to for many slugging enthusiasts, it’s not your only option. The idea behind slugging is to apply a thick layer of an occlusive ingredient, so look for moisturizers with similar properties.

Some slugging alternatives include:

Squalane: A lightweight but powerful emollient that also offers occlusive properties, making it a great choice for people with oily or acne-prone skin.

Marula Oil: This oil is emollient and occlusive, providing moisture while also offering antioxidants that can help soothe inflammation.

Coconut Oil: Known for its moisturizing properties, coconut oil is another option for those with dry skin but should be avoided by people with acne-prone skin.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment: A versatile product with occlusive properties that can be used for slugging without the greasiness of petroleum jelly.

Can Oily or Acne-Prone Skin Benefit from Slugging?

This is the million-dollar question, and Dr. Chacon’s response is clear: It depends on your skin and how you use the product. Oily and acne-prone skin types might find slugging uncomfortable, as the thick layers can exacerbate oil buildup and lead to clogged pores. That said, incorporating slugging as an occasional step—such as when recovering from retinol use or acne treatments—may help prevent moisture loss.

Dr. Chacon suggests opting for a non-comedogenic, lightweight occlusive product if you’re prone to breakouts. Squalane or marula oil are good alternatives to petroleum jelly as they hydrate and lock in moisture without making your skin feel greasy.

Dr. Samulitis’ Advice for Barrier Repair

While slugging can work for certain skin types, Dr. Samulitis emphasizes that it’s essential to focus on maintaining a healthy skin barrier rather than just “slugging” it up. “Avoid over-exfoliating with too many actives, and be gentle with your skin. Your skin’s natural barrier is your first line of defense against irritants, so nurturing that barrier should always be a priority,” she advises.

To repair the skin barrier, look for moisturizers with ceramides—ingredients that mimic the lipids in your skin and help seal the skin barrier naturally. Dr. Samulitis also recommends using hydrating serums and mild cleansers to maintain a balance of moisture in the skin, which will keep it resilient against dryness and irritation.

Should You Try Slugging?

Ultimately, slugging isn’t for everyone, but it can offer significant benefits for dry, sensitive, or compromised skin. It’s a great tool for locking in moisture after a treatment or calming inflammation from conditions like eczema. However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, it’s better to use slugging sparingly and opt for lighter, non-comedogenic alternatives.

The key to great skin is balance—using the right products for your unique skin type and needs, whether that means slugging once a week or focusing on strengthening your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Always listen to your skin and consult with a dermatologist if you’re unsure which route is best for you.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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