Slugging

Myths Debunked

If you follow skin trends online you may have seen slugging. Don’t panic because it does not involve the use of actual slugs. This trend is more popular in colder climates and this winter my clients are asking me about it.

Roughly 15 million people have viewed slugging videos and there are thousands of Instagram posts on the topic! But is it .. a good idea to slather yourself in Vaseline or Aquaphor?

I think it depends on your personal preference. Do you like to feel super moisturized even to the point of being greasy? It is my professional opinion that most of the detractors of slugging are basing their negative opinions on their own distaste for the texture that Vaseline may illicit.

Petroleum the key ingredient in Vaseline is safe and Pediatricians even recommend it to be applied to babies skin for diaper rash and eczema. Petroleum is also non-comedogenic. This means it does not traditionally clog pores and cause pimples.

The one caveat is that I feel that most people do not adequately cleanse their skin therefore most people are not candidates for slugging! However if you have a super solid skin care routine in place you may want to give it a try. This is after an oil based double cleanse, toner, exfoliation and you’re certain there are no impurities left in your skin !

The basic science behind how it works is this- Vaseline forms an occlusive barrier on top of your skin sealing in moisture and you will wake up with more hydrated skin.

So my conservative version of slugging would be using a pea size amount of Vaseline as an additional moisturizer after your skin care routine is completed at bedtime.

Many videos that I’ve seen are just showing an excessive amount of Vaseline to be theatrical. And that like most things done for dramatic purposes doesn’t have much of a tangible benefit.

In summary, I’d like to reiterate that if you have acne, or sensitive skin slugging is not for you. Those of you who are willing to try it out or do it regularly, we would love to hear your feedback!

- Jeanna Masone ANP C

Nurse Practitioner & Owner Botox Beauty Bar