Routine Guide

Evidence reviewedNovember 13, 2026

Medical reviewDr. Abdurrahman Efem

Practical reviewMerve Akkaya

What is slugging?

Slugging is a trend with a simple idea behind it: finish your evening routine with a thin layer of petroleum jelly so skin loses less water overnight. It can genuinely help very dry skin. It can also backfire on oily, acne-prone or infected skin. Here is who it suits and how to do it.

A thin occlusive seal at night Best for dry, dehydrated skin Skip it if acne-prone

WhatThin petroleum jelly layer

WhenLast step at night

SuitsDry or dehydrated skin

Skip ifOily, acne-prone, infected skin

The short answer

Slugging can help if your skin is dry, flaky or tight, especially in cold, dry weather: a thin layer of plain petroleum jelly over your moisturizer slows overnight water loss. Skip it if your skin is oily or acne-prone, or if you have an infection or open wound, and do not put it over retinoids or exfoliating acids. Most people only need it on some nights, or only on the driest spots.

Key takeaways

Slugging seals in moisture with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, which strongly slows water loss from the skin.
It suits dry and dehydrated skin, but can worsen acne and should be skipped on oily, acne-prone or infected skin.
Never slug over retinoids or exfoliating acids, and keep it to the driest areas or the nights you need it.

The basics

How does slugging work?

Slugging means applying a thin layer of petrolatum (petroleum jelly) as the last step of your evening routine. The name comes from the glossy, slug-like shine it leaves.

Petroleum jelly is an occlusive. That means it sits on top of the skin and forms a water-repelling film that slows water evaporating from the outer layer of skin. A dermatology review reports that petrolatum at 5% or more reduces this water loss by more than 98%, while lanolin, mineral oil and silicones reduce it by only 20 to 30%.

Less water loss lets the outer skin layer stay hydrated, softer and more flexible. That is why slugging can make very dry skin feel noticeably better by morning.

It does not add water or active ingredients on its own. It only holds in what is already there, so it works best over a simple moisturizer on clean, slightly damp skin.

Occlusive: seals in water (petroleum jelly, dimethicone, mineral oil).
Humectant: draws water in (glycerin, hyaluronic acid).
Slugging adds a strong occlusive on top of your usual moisturizer.

Who it suits

Is slugging right for your skin?

Skin or situation	Slugging?	Why
Dry, tight or flaky skin	Often helpful	A Cleveland Clinic dermatologist calls it great for dry, parched skin, especially in dry winter months.
Irritated or over-exfoliated skin (no infection)	Can help, short term	Limiting water loss may help a stressed barrier recover. Keep the rest of the routine very plain.
Chapped lips, dry eyelids	Often helpful	Cleveland Clinic suggests focusing on the thinnest, driest areas such as eyelids and lips.
Normal or combination skin	Spot use only	Try it only on dry patches, or skip it.
Oily skin	Usually skip	Oily skin does not need extra oil on the surface, so it gains little.
Acne-prone skin	Skip	DermNet notes occlusive emollients can cause or worsen acne and inflamed hair follicles (folliculitis).
Perioral dermatitis	Usually skip	DermNet lists perioral dermatitis among conditions occlusive emollients can aggravate.
Infection or open wound	Skip	Cleveland Clinic advises against slugging over infections or open wounds. See a doctor instead.

Step by step

How to slug safely

Cleanse gently
Use a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. See how to choose a cleanser.
Skip strong actives that night
Do not slug over retinoids, retinol, AHAs or BHAs. Cleveland Clinic warns that trapping them under petroleum jelly can increase irritation.
Moisturize damp skin
Apply a simple, fragrance-free moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp.
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly
Use a small amount, warmed between your fingertips. Smooth it on, rather than rubbing, in the direction hair grows; the NHS says this helps prevent blocked follicles.
Target the driest areas
You do not have to cover your whole face. Eyelids, lips and dry patches are often enough.
Let it settle and protect bedding
Give it some time before bed and cover your pillowcase with a towel or an old case.
Wash it off in the morning
Use a gentle cleanser, then your usual morning routine with sunscreen.

Do and avoid

Slugging rules that keep it helpful

Do

Use plain petroleum jelly or a simple ointment with few added ingredients.
Apply a thin layer; more is not better.
Slug on the nights your skin feels dry, not by default.
Use it more in cold, dry weather and less in warm, humid weather.
Change pillowcases often.

Avoid

Slugging over retinoids, exfoliating acids or prescription creams unless a doctor advises it.
Slugging on breakouts, oily areas or skin prone to folliculitis.
Slugging over an infection, cold sore or open wound.
Fragranced balms, which add irritation risk.
Smoking or open flames near bedding or clothing that has absorbed emollients.

Fire safety: the NHS warns that clothing and bedding in contact with any emollient, paraffin-based or not, can catch fire easily. Keep away from flames and cigarettes, and change pillowcases often.

Other options

What if slugging is not for you?

Simplest

A richer moisturizer

A cream or ointment-style moisturizer often gives enough comfort without a separate layer. See how to choose a moisturizer.

Lighter feel

Barrier-repair cream

A moisturizer with ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids supports the barrier with less grease.

Less shine

Dimethicone-based products

Dimethicone is a lighter occlusive that many people find less heavy on the face.

Targeted

Spot slugging only

Petroleum jelly on lips, eyelids or dry patches only, with your usual moisturizer elsewhere.

Safety and professional-help boundaries

When dry or irritated skin needs more than slugging.

If you get new pimples, small pus bumps around hair follicles or a rash around the mouth, stop slugging; see perioral dermatitis if the rash persists.
Do not slug over infected, crusted, weeping or broken skin; see a doctor instead.
Very itchy, cracked or inflamed dry skin may be eczema, which may need prescription treatment.
If your skin becomes red or irritated after slugging, stop and seek advice from a dermatologist.
Do not slug over prescription creams, such as retinoids or steroids, unless your prescriber tells you to.

Frequently asked questions

Short answers to common questions

What is slugging in skincare?

Slugging is applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly as the last step of your night routine. It seals in moisture so skin loses less water overnight.

Does slugging actually work?

For dry skin, yes, it can. Petroleum jelly is one of the most effective occlusives and strongly reduces water loss from the skin. It does not add active benefits beyond moisture.

Is slugging good for acne-prone skin?

Usually not. Occlusive emollients can cause or worsen acne and folliculitis, and dermatologists advise people with acne-prone or oily skin to skip it.

Can I slug over retinol?

It is best not to. Trapping retinoids or exfoliating acids under an occlusive layer can increase irritation. Use them on other nights.

How often should I slug?

There is no fixed rule. A few nights in a row can help very dry skin, but most people do not need it every night.

Does slugging clog pores?

It can in some people, especially if they are acne-prone. If you notice new breakouts, stop or limit it to non-oily areas such as lips and eyelids.

Can I use something other than petroleum jelly?

Yes. Simple ointments, or moisturizers with dimethicone, also slow water loss, though most are less occlusive than petroleum jelly.

Is slugging safe around the eyes?

A thin layer on dry eyelids is commonly suggested. Keep it out of the eyes, and stop if you get irritation or a rash.

Editorial Record

Editorial status: reviewed
Medical reviewer: Dr. Abdurrahman Efem
Practical reviewer: Merve Akkaya
Last reviewed: November 13, 2026

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Sources reviewed

Evidence behind this guide

Sources support the general editorial guidance shown here. They do not replace personal medical advice from a qualified clinician.