If you’re even remotely interested in skincare then it’s very likely you’ve heard of the newest trend to take TikTok by storm: slugging. In coating clean, dry skin with a layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor to create a slug-like appearance, the idea is this process will help to provide long term hydration to the complexion while locking in your other skincare ingredients to make them more effective. But as with any new beauty trend it begs the question of whether or not slugging actually has any proven benefits for the skin. We spoke with celebrity esthetician and skin care expert Renee Rouleau to get the full rundown on slugging so before you lather up in Vaseline, keep reading to find out if it’s *really* worth your time.
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For those with particularly dry or sensitive skin, slugging may be appealing for its claim of locking in moisture and eliminating flaky patches from the complexion. After applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your skin following the rest of your evening skincare routine, this process may truly be beneficial in strengthening the outer barrier of your skin and locking in moisture, especially during the dry winter months.
“This should help strengthen and support your skin’s natural moisture barrier if it’s damaged due to over-exfoliation, retinoid use, or other environmental and lifestyle factors such as cold weather,” notes Rouleau.
There will never be a magic skincare cure that can eliminate all your beauty woes in an instant, and it’s important not to view slugging as such. While this step can certainly help to enhance hydration in your face in tandem with your other moisturizing skincare ingredients, relying on this step alone would be a mistake and potentially leave your skin more parched than before.
“[Slugging] does provide protection from moisture loss, but the product doesn’t contain any lipids of its own so it can’t really fix the underlying issue,” explains Rouleau. “This means that it isn’t a long-term solution to repairing barrier damage, but rather a band-aid to help you deal with the symptoms.”
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Fortunately, slugging is a skincare step that comes with fairly minimal potential downsides, but it is worth noting that it may clog the pores when followed daily due to the nature of a petroleum jelly or Vaseline product.
“When it comes to slugging, using something so occlusive all over your face every day means the chances of it leading to clogged pores are high,” notes Rouleau. “It also shouldn’t be used at the same time as active ingredients like exfoliating acids or retinoids as this could actually increase sensitivity.” That said, your skin should experience relatively immediate benefits after slugging, and after washing the Vaseline off in the morning your skin may be visibly softer, plumper, and more hydrated.
As for whether or not slugging is a useful anti-aging tool, Rouleau says it shouldn’t be relied on as your only solution to fine lines and wrinkles. “It’s more of a temporary solution to barrier damage than a permanent fix. I recommend addressing underlying barrier damage by using ingredients such as niacinamide, ceramides, and plant oils to strengthen it,” she explains. “Additionally, be sure to wear sun protection every day and incorporate ingredients like antioxidants, peptides, and retinol into your routine for healthy skin aging.”
At the end of the day, slugging is a great way to support the skin barrier and hydrate your complexion with little downsides, but it should not be relied upon as the only solution to anti-aging or other skin concerns.
