Buzz
On social media, beauty advice that was once considered tried and true can quickly become a viral trend after it's rebranded as something revolutionary. Just as quickly, a new trend might come along, contradicting the previous one. Remember when beauty influencers swore by applying a large, downward-facing triangle of concealer under each eye, only to later advise a small amount applied to the outer corners, which, by the way, should be pointed upward and outward? Now, each time you contour, you find yourself questioning which method is considered the “right” way to apply concealer—at least according to some highly-paid, conventionally attractive influencers on YouTube and TikTok.
It’s wiser to stay aware of trends, try them for yourself, and adopt only the ones that make sense for your face, your lifestyle, budget, or time constraints. ‘Slugging’ is a perfect example of a beauty trend that’s currently all the rage, but might not be the best choice for your skin, just like huge triangles of concealer didn’t do your under-eye area any favors back in 2017.
Here’s everything you should know about slugging before you try it.
What exactly is slugging?
‘Slugging’ refers to the beauty trend of applying a thick layer of something like Vaseline or Aquaphor to your skin and leaving it on overnight. The theory behind it is that these occlusive products form a barrier, helping your skin retain moisture, which should leave your face feeling hydrated, less dry, and plumper—at least in theory.
Slugging isn’t exactly a new concept. While the term has been around for years, it’s recently taken off on TikTok, where the hashtag has accumulated over 189.5 million views. Many of the influencers who are recording videos instructing viewers to generously apply Vaseline to their faces also claim this technique was passed down to them by their mothers or grandmothers, who have been using it for decades to achieve flawless skin.
Does slugging actually work?
Like with any skincare method, it might work for some people and not for others. Your skin’s response depends on various factors, from your hormonal cycle to the external weather. If simply slathering Aquaphor on your face could guarantee perfect skin, dermatologists would be out of a job.
Slugging can certainly be helpful in locking in moisture, but only if it doesn't clog your pores. While beauty influencers swear by this slimy process, there's no certainty until you give it a go yourself. The most important thing is to properly cleanse and exfoliate before layering anything thick on your face. If you're aiming to create a barrier that retains water, think about how bad it would be to trap dirt underneath.
Some updates have surfaced since this trend took off, so you don't have to rely on your own trial and error. Dr. Mamina Turegano pointed out in her TikTok video that slugging can aggravate acne-prone skin, but clarified that it’s generally beneficial for other skin types. So, if you tend to break out or get blackheads easily, slugging might not be your best option.
Another downside: Your pillowcase is going to get filthy and will need frequent washing.
How exactly do you do slugging? Here’s a quick guide.
If you decide to give slugging a try, begin by pulling your hair back with a headband. Your face will be covered in a sticky, gooey mess, so keep that in mind. Start by cleansing your face, and if it's an exfoliating night, go ahead with that (but don't exfoliate every night). Follow your usual skincare routine, including toner, serums, retinol, and even your regular moisturizer.
Take a clean scoop or use a clean finger (if you're not sharing the tub of Vaseline with anyone) to grab some of your petroleum-based product. Even better, opt for an ointment in a squeezable tube. Gently apply the product to your face. You don’t need to slather it on—just enough to cover your entire face and seal in the benefits of your serums and moisturizer.
This is only one step in a personalized routine that will vary for everyone. Slugging by itself isn't magical; it needs to be layered over the products you want to preserve. These products are crucial, as is consistency, the right amounts, and the proper order of application. For plump, hydrated skin, for example, a hyaluronic acid serum is ideal, and slugging over it will amplify the effect. If you use an alcohol-based toner, however, it will dry out your skin, so consider switching to something else. Notice how all your skincare choices must work in harmony? While slugging is popular now—and reportedly has been for decades—if you don’t want to slide around on your pillow every night in pursuit of trendy hydration, there are plenty of effective skincare options available.
