Skin and Hair
Slugging: Should You Coat Your Face in Petroleum Jelly at Night?
Is slugging good for your skin? Slugging means putting a thin layer of an ointment, like petroleum jelly, on your face as the last step before bed. The name comes from the shiny, slug like look. It went viral as a cheap way to wake up with soft, glowing skin. Here is a fair look.
What supporters say online
Many people online say slugging:
- Leaves skin soft, smooth, and dewy in the morning
- Helps dry, flaky patches heal
- Costs very little
- Can get rid of blackheads
What dermatologists say
Cleveland Clinic says slugging can be great for dry skin because it locks in moisture and helps protect and repair the skin barrier. But a dermatologist there says to skip it if you have oily or acne prone skin, or any infection or open wound. She also warns not to slug over strong products like acids or retinoids, because trapping them can irritate your skin.
Dermatology Times calls slugging one of the few social media trends with real evidence, as long as it fits your skin. Petroleum jelly itself is not likely to clog pores. But sealing it over unwashed skin, pimples, or heavy products can trap oil and germs and lead to breakouts. It also notes that fancy slugging balms usually work the same as a cheap jar of petroleum jelly.
A dermatologist at Nebraska Medicine disagrees with the claim that slugging clears blackheads. He says people with acne should avoid it, and that thick ointments can cause milia, which are tiny white bumps.
Positives
- Helps very dry or irritated skin.
- Cheap. Basic petroleum jelly works.
- Simple. One extra step at night.
Negatives
- Can cause breakouts in oily or acne prone skin.
- Can trap irritating products if layered over acids or retinoids.
- Milia. Tiny bumps can form, especially near the eyes.
- Messy. It can get on your pillow and hair.
Bottom line
Slugging can be a good fix for dry skin, but it is not for everyone and it does not clear blackheads. If you have acne, it is more likely to make things worse. Calm, healthy skin looks great on camera, and The Face They See lets people of the opposite gender rank your photos for free.