Slugging: Does Smearing Vaseline on Your Face Actually Work? (Dermatologist Take)

Slugging sounds unappealing. Coating your face in petroleum jelly before bed is not exactly the kind of luxury skincare content that usually goes viral. And yet it blew up — because the science behind it is solid, and the before/afters are genuinely dramatic for the right skin types.

What Is Slugging?

Slugging is the practice of applying a thin layer of a petrolatum-based product (Vaseline, Aquaphor, CeraVe Healing Ointment) as the absolute final step of your nighttime skincare routine. The name comes from leaving your face looking shiny, like a slug's trail.

The mechanism is simple: petrolatum doesn't hydrate skin directly — it prevents existing moisture from evaporating. By sealing everything underneath it, it allows your serums and moisturizers to work longer and more effectively.

Who Should Slug?

• Dry or dehydrated skin — biggest beneficiaries. TEWL causes dry skin; slugging stops it.
• Skin barrier damage — eczema, over-exfoliation, post-procedure recovery
• Retinol users — slugging on top of retinol reduces peeling and irritation without reducing efficacy
• Anyone in dry climates or cold weather — environmental factors that accelerate TEWL

Who Should NOT Slug?

• Acne-prone skin (with caution): While petrolatum itself is non-comedogenic, slugging traps everything underneath it — including any active acne bacteria on your skin. If you have active breakouts, skip the slug.
• Fungal acne (Malassezia): Petrolatum can feed Malassezia yeast. If you have fungal acne (small, itchy uniform bumps), avoid slugging.

How to Slug Correctly

1. Complete your entire routine first — cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer
2. Wait 5–10 minutes for your moisturizer to absorb
3. Apply a pea-to-marble sized amount of petrolatum and gently spread across your face
4. Go to bed — it's a nighttime-only technique; you can't apply SPF over it
5. Wash off in the morning with your regular cleanser