Slugging Every Night? Here’s When It Actually Works

TikTok Skincare: Science or Scam?

Slugging is one of TikTok's favorite skincare hacks, and for good reason. The idea is simple: you apply a thick layer of something like petroleum jelly over your nighttime routine to "seal everything in."

It looks glossy, feels gooey, and claims to leave you glowing by morning. But does your skin really need slugging every night?

Let's break it down.

🔍What Is Slugging?

Slugging involves using an occlusive (usually petrolatum) as the final step in your skincare routine. Occlusives work by forming a barrier over your skin to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is just a fancier way of saying it locks in moisture.[1]

Petrolatum (the stuff in Vaseline) is especially effective. It can reduce water loss from the skin by up to 98 percent.[2]

🧪When Slugging Actually Helps

Slugging can be helpful in certain situations:

• If your skin barrier is damaged from over-exfoliating or harsh products

• During dry, cold weather or low-humidity environments

• When you're using active ingredients that make your skin dry or flaky, like tretinoin or acids[3]

• For people with eczema, irritation, or visible dryness

In these cases, sealing in moisture and protecting your barrier overnight can make a big difference.[4]

🚫But Should You Do It Every Night?

Best not to.

Using an occlusive every night, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin, can trap sweat, sebum, and bacteria. This doesn't "detox" the skin: it may clog pores or trigger breakouts in some people.[5]

Also, if your skin is already well-hydrated and your barrier is intact, you probably don't need to slug. Your skin doesn't always need to be sealed like a Ziploc bag.

💡Bottom Line

Slugging is a legit skincare technique, but it's not for everyone, and it's definitely not a one-size-fits-all nightly ritual. Think of it as a recovery tool, not a daily essential.

And please, don't mix slugging with actives like retinoids unless you know your skin can tolerate it. Occlusives can intensify absorption and potentially increase irritation.[6]