As the weather warms up and more time is spent outdoors soaking up the sun, it’s essential not only to protect your skin from harmful UV rays but also to maintain proper hydration. Luckily, this popular Korean skincare trick can help restore your skin’s protective barrier. “Slugging” is a quick and simple way to lock in precious moisture, and it’s something I’ve been doing nearly every night for the past few years.
Let’s dive into what slugging is, the potential benefits, expert opinions, and who it’s best suited for.
What Is Slugging?
Slugging refers to a Korean beauty practice where you apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly to your face. Products like Aquaphor, CeraVe Healing Ointment, or Vaseline can all be used as an occlusive agent to provide overnight hydration and protection for your skin. The trend has exploded on TikTok, where videos showcasing slugging — often with much thicker applications than necessary — have amassed over 500 million views under the #slugging hashtag.
Many users report that their skin becomes plumper, more radiant, and deeply hydrated after trying it.
How to Slug
Step 1: Cleanse your face thoroughly.
Step 2: Apply a hydrating product such as hyaluronic acid serum or glycerin.
Step 3: Follow with your regular nighttime moisturizer — this could be a lotion, oil, or cream.
Step 4: Apply a thin layer of an occlusive product like Vaseline, CeraVe, or Aquaphor. (Although TikTokers often use generous amounts, a pea-sized amount is enough to see benefits.)
Step 5: Wait a few minutes before heading to bed.
Why Does Slugging Work?
Petroleum jelly consists of oils and waxes that form a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, locking in moisture. Studies show that petroleum jelly is effective at helping repair the outer layer of skin. Besides keeping the skin hydrated, it also enhances the effects of other products applied beneath it.
Slugging works best when paired with humectants — ingredients that attract and retain moisture — such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or urea.
Reported benefits include:
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Hydrated, glowing skin
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Healthier, more youthful appearance
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Restored skin barrier
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Enhanced absorption and efficacy of skincare products
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Reduced appearance of wrinkles
What Do Experts Say?
Given petroleum jelly’s decades-long reputation as a staple skincare product, dermatologists are not surprised by this trend. They understand how occlusives effectively lock in moisture to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, believes slugging is effective “when done correctly.”
“Start with products that contain humectants and emollients,” she explains. “You can layer a hydrating serum with humectants first, followed by a facial oil containing emollients. The final step is to apply petroleum jelly as an occlusive.”
Alternatively, she says, you can use a moisturizer that already combines humectants, emollients, and occlusives, then add petroleum jelly on top for extra sealing power.
Dr. King points out that slugging is especially helpful for people living in dry environments or those with dry skin, as dryness exacerbates water loss through the skin.
However, she cautions to be mindful when using occlusives over topical medications, as they can increase absorption and potential side effects.
Dr. Debra Jaliman, a New York dermatologist and author of Skin Rules, adds that slugging is not for everyone.
“If you have very dry skin, slugging before bed is beneficial. But if you are acne-prone, this method might cause clogged pores and breakouts,” she says.
She recommends products like CeraVe Healing Ointment or Aquaphor for those who tolerate it well and agrees with Dr. King’s advice to use multi-functional moisturizers that combine hydration and barrier support. “I personally recommend thick creams containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid, such as the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.”
Tips for Successful Slugging
Use only at night. Unless you live in extremely cold and dry climates, keep slugging as a nighttime routine. During sleep, your skin can lock in moisture without the discomfort of feeling sticky during the day.
Layer properly. Petroleum jelly works by blocking moisture from leaving the skin — if your skin isn’t hydrated underneath, it won’t help. Always apply hydrating products before the occlusive.
Choose your products wisely. Petroleum jelly is affordable and widely available at any pharmacy. But for stronger hydration, Dr. King recommends high-end products like Ghost Democracy’s ceramide cream, which contains ceramides, lipids, squalane, and murumuru seed butter to support the skin barrier. She also suggests Innbeauty Project’s daily moisturizer, packed with ceramides, triglycerides, shea butter, and fatty acids for enhanced moisture retention.
Be consistent. Licensed esthetician Darnisha Monson advises incorporating slugging into your nightly routine for four to six weeks to see noticeable improvements. Slugging won’t fix your skin overnight but works cumulatively.
Best during colder months. Winter tends to dry out skin the most. Using an occlusive during cold weather or harsh conditions like wind exposure can prevent skin damage and chapping, making slugging especially beneficial during ski trips or dry winters.
Slugging isn’t just a TikTok trend — it’s a scientifically backed skincare method that many swear by to keep their skin hydrated and glowing. If you suffer from dry skin or live in a dry climate, this simple addition to your nighttime routine might be exactly what your skin needs.
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