A Viral Tik-Tok Skincare Technique That Promises to Make Your Skin Look Amazing

Sometimes it’s the goopy stuff that gets you glowing.

Slugging?

It sounds like some teenage dance, doesn’t it?

Well, it’s not.

It’s actually a viral beauty trend sweeping social media, and it may be just what you’re looking to make your face look smoother, younger, and more vibrant.

What is slugging?

The term “slugging” means coating your face in a thin layer of Vaseline and leaving it on overnight.

I know, I know. It doesn’t sound very appealing to lie down with a face smothered in slick, slimy, gummy cream. However, dermatologists and skin care professionals say it can be very beneficial for specific skin types.

The advantages of slugging

Vaseline, Aquaphor, and other petroleum jellies function as occlusives.

Occlusives are products that trap and hold water in your skin. As a result, they prevent the skin from losing valuable moisture needed for your face to look fresh and dewy.

Cleveland Health Clinic Dermatologist cites dermatologist Amy Kassouf, who details that “retained hydration [from occlusives like Vaseline or other petroleum jellies]can fill the epidermis like a sponge, thickening it and making it more elastic.”

Style Craze lists the four main benefits of slugging, stating the technique does the following:

• Creates a protective barrier that keeps moisture in and harmful environmental elements out
• Activates skin repair and wound healing
• Dramatically increases hydration
• Lessens the look of aging by making skin look plumper and more glowing

How to slug

It’s important to understand that petroleum jelly does not add moisture but works only to lock it in.

For this reason, board-certified dermatologist Hadley King points out in Huff Post that humectants and emollients in moisturizers or serums should be applied before slugging (Be sure and cleanse the skin first). If they aren’t used beforehand, she warns that if you have dry skin, “the occlusive will seal in that dryness.”

She also states that if you don’t like the consistency of petroleum jelly, using a thick moisturizer to “slug” is a good substitute.

However, if you choose to use Vaseline, the good news is you don’t have to use a large amount to do the trick.

Most dermatologists suggest slugging should be done only about two to three times a week. They also advise that you apply the ointment about thirty minutes before bed to allow it to soak into your skin instead of into your pillow.

Who does slugging work best for?

Though opinions are mixed, slugging is generally not recommended for acne-prone or excessively oily skin. In addition, Shape details the advice of dermatologist Neda Mehr, who communicates that those whose skincare regimen includes products such as tretinoin (Retin A) or hydroxy acids should refrain from slugging.

The people most likely to benefit from slugging are those suffering from aging, extremely dry skin, or irritation from overly aggressive skin care products or exfoliation.

Slugging can also improve eczema. For example, Byrdie mentions that petroleum jelly is so gentle that “the American Academy of Dermatology recommends it for use on small babies” with the condition.

The bottom line:

Michel Coulombe, makeup artist for luxury cosmetic brand Laura Mercier says:

“Glowing skin is a result of proper skincare. It means you can wear less makeup and let the skin shine through.”

Now I don’t know about you, but if a two-dollar jar of petroleum jelly can make my skin look younger and more beautiful, I’m all in.

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