Winter turned my skin into sandpaper for years. Every routine I tried failed by mid-January. Then I heard about slugging on TikTok in 2022, tried it that same night, and woke up with the dewiest skin I’d ever had.
It’s been part of my winter routine ever since. My skin holds moisture better, my barrier feels stronger, and I don’t wake up feeling tight anymore. Here’s what slugging actually is, how to do it right, and when to skip it.
What is a slugging skincare routine?
Slugging is the practice of sealing your nighttime skincare with an occlusive layer, usually petrolatum, to lock in moisture overnight. It creates a barrier that prevents water loss while you sleep. Studies show slugging can improve skin hydration by up to 60% in one night. The trend went viral on TikTok in 2022 but the technique has roots in Korean skincare going back decades.
Why slugging works so well for dry skin
Your skin loses the most water at night. It’s called transepidermal water loss and it’s the reason you wake up feeling parched. Occlusives create a physical barrier that stops that water from evaporating.
Petrolatum, the main ingredient in Vaseline and Aquaphor, is one of the most effective occlusives ever studied. It reduces water loss through the skin by up to 99%, more than almost any other ingredient. Nothing else comes close.
This is different from a moisturizer, which adds hydration. Slugging is about keeping the hydration your skin already has. That’s why layering slugging over a hydrating serum or moisturizer is so effective.
How to slug your skin (step by step)
Step 1: Cleanse gently
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Avoid anything with sulfates or harsh actives before slugging. A creamy or oil-based cleanser works best because it doesn’t strip your skin. If you double cleanse, follow the routine in our how to double cleanse guide.
Step 2: Apply your hydrating layers
This is the most important step. Slugging without hydration underneath just traps in dryness. Apply a hydrating toner, a hyaluronic acid serum, and your regular moisturizer. Let each layer sink in for about 30 seconds before the next.
The hydration you seal in is what your skin absorbs overnight. Skimping here is the biggest mistake beginners make.
Step 3: Add the occlusive
Warm a pea-sized amount of your occlusive (Vaseline, Aquaphor, CeraVe Healing Ointment, or Weleda Skin Food Nose Balm) between your fingers. Press it gently over your face using a patting motion, not rubbing.
A little goes a long way. You want a thin, even layer, not a thick mask. Focus on dry areas like cheeks, forehead, and around the mouth. Skip the T-zone if you’re prone to congestion there.
Step 4: Sleep on a fresh pillowcase
Slugging works better when your face isn’t sitting in old oils. Change your pillowcase every 2 to 3 nights when you’re slugging regularly. A silk pillowcase also helps because it absorbs less product than cotton and stays cleaner longer.
Step 5: Cleanse thoroughly in the morning
Wash your face when you wake up to remove the occlusive layer. Use a gentle foaming cleanser or a double cleanse if you feel residue. Then apply your regular morning routine with SPF.
When to slug and when to skip it
Slugging isn’t for everyone. Here’s how to know if it’s right for your skin.
Good candidates for slugging
Dry, dehydrated, or barrier-damaged skin benefits the most. If your skin feels tight, flaky, or reacts to everything, slugging can help calm and strengthen it. Winter and cold climates make everyone a better candidate.
Mature skin, eczema-prone skin, and skin recovering from retinol use also do well with slugging. The extra moisture retention helps with fine lines and irritation.
When to skip slugging
Acne-prone and oily skin should be cautious. Occlusives can trap oil and bacteria underneath, which can trigger breakouts. If you have active acne, avoid slugging entirely until it clears.
Never slug over active ingredients like retinol, acids (glycolic, salicylic, lactic), vitamin C, or benzoyl peroxide. The occlusive layer can drive these deeper into your skin and cause severe irritation. Apply actives on non-slugging nights or wait 30 minutes before slugging.
Best products for slugging
You don’t need anything fancy. The most effective occlusives are cheap and widely available.
Vaseline Original: Pure petroleum jelly, under $5, and the most effective occlusive available. This is what most dermatologists recommend.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Slightly lighter than Vaseline with added ingredients like glycerin and panthenol. Good for very dry or eczema-prone skin.
CeraVe Healing Ointment: Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid alongside petrolatum. A nice option if you want more actives in your occlusive.
Weleda Skin Food: A plant-based alternative for people who prefer to avoid petrolatum. Not quite as occlusive but still effective.
Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment: If you want to slug just your lips, this is the viral pick. It’s more expensive but works beautifully overnight.
How often should you slug?
Two to three times per week is the sweet spot for most people. Every night is fine if your skin is very dry or in extreme cold. Once a week is enough for maintenance in warmer months.
Listen to your skin. If you notice congestion, cut back. If you notice more dewiness and less tightness, you’re doing it right.
If you liked this routine, check out our barrier repair cream guide, the best face moisturizers for dry skin, the best ceramide moisturizers, the night skincare routine for beginners, the how to double cleanse guide, and the best silk pillowcases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I slug every night?
Yes, if you have very dry or barrier-damaged skin. Most people do better slugging 2 to 3 nights per week to avoid clogging pores. Listen to your skin. If you start noticing congestion or small bumps, cut back to once or twice a week.
Does slugging cause acne?
It can if you have acne-prone or oily skin. Occlusives trap everything underneath them, including bacteria and excess oil. If you’re prone to breakouts, either skip slugging or only slug on dry areas like your cheeks and around your mouth. Avoid the T-zone entirely.
Can I use Vaseline for slugging?
Yes, and it’s actually the top recommendation from dermatologists. Vaseline is 100% petrolatum, which reduces water loss through skin by 99%. It’s one of the most effective and safest occlusives you can use. There’s no reason to spend more on fancy alternatives unless you prefer them.
What if I have combination skin?
Slug only the dry areas of your face. Apply the occlusive to your cheeks, jawline, and around your mouth while avoiding your T-zone. This is called spot-slugging and works well for combination skin. You get the hydration benefits without triggering congestion in your oilier areas.
How long until I see results from slugging?
You’ll see results the first morning. Your skin will feel plumper, softer, and more hydrated after just one night. Long-term barrier improvements take about 2 to 4 weeks of consistent slugging 2 to 3 nights per week. Fine lines and rough texture also start to improve in that window.
evrygal recommends starting with Vaseline Original and a hydrating serum underneath. Those two products alone will get you 90% of the benefits of any fancier slugging routine.
Key Takeaways
- Slugging means sealing your skincare in with an occlusive like petrolatum overnight
- It locks in hydration and can boost skin moisture by 60% overnight
- Best for dry, dehydrated, or barrier-damaged skin, especially in winter
- Skip slugging if you have acne-prone or oily skin, or use active ingredients like retinol underneath
- Vaseline, Aquaphor, and Cerave Healing Ointment are the top drugstore picks
Last updated: July 10, 2026
FAQ
Can I slug every night?
Yes, if you have very dry or barrier-damaged skin. Most people do better slugging 2 to 3 nights per week to avoid clogging pores. Listen to your skin. If you start noticing congestion or small bumps, cut back to once or twice a week.
Does slugging cause acne?
It can if you have acne-prone or oily skin. Occlusives trap everything underneath them, including bacteria and excess oil. If you’re prone to breakouts, either skip slugging or only slug on dry areas like your cheeks and around your mouth.
Can I use Vaseline for slugging?
Yes, and it’s actually the top recommendation from dermatologists. Vaseline is 100% petrolatum, which reduces water loss through skin by 99%. It’s one of the most effective and safest occlusives you can use.
What if I have combination skin?
Slug only the dry areas of your face. Apply the occlusive to your cheeks, jawline, and around your mouth while avoiding your T-zone. This is called spot-slugging and works well for combination skin.
How long until I see results from slugging?
You’ll see results the first morning. Your skin will feel plumper, softer, and more hydrated after just one night. Long-term barrier improvements take about 2 to 4 weeks of consistent slugging 2 to 3 nights per week.
