Slugging: Skincare Savior or Pore-Clogging Mistake?
Slugging has taken the skincare world by storm, with countless TikTok's and Instagram posts hailing it as the secret to soft, glowing skin. But is coating your face in a thick layer of petroleum jelly really the answer to hydration and barrier repair — or are you setting your skin up for trouble? Dr. Kaplan isn’t convinced, and here’s why.
Slugging 101
Slugging involves applying a layer of an occlusive (usually petroleum jelly or a similar product) as the last step in your nighttime skincare routine. The idea is to lock in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss overnight, leaving skin plump and hydrated by morning. The trend originates from Korean beauty routines, which often emphasize dewy, glass-like skin.
The benefits of slugging sound promising. Occlusives create a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss, helping to improve skin’s hydration levels. By sealing in moisture, slugging can help restore a compromised skin barrier, and many people wake up to skin that feels softer and more supple after slugging.
Why Dr. Kaplan Says "No" to Slugging
While slugging may work for some skin types, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution — and it could actually cause more harm than good for certain skin concerns. Clogged pores are one of the biggest concerns. While petroleum jelly is technically non-comedogenic, that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, slugging can trap dirt, oil, and bacteria beneath the surface, leading to breakouts and congestion. Dr. Kaplan explains, “When you apply a heavy occlusive like petroleum jelly, you’re not just sealing in moisture — you’re also sealing in any irritants, bacteria, or residue left on your skin. That can cause inflammation, breakouts, and even an impaired skin barrier over time.”
Slugging can also weaken your skin’s natural ability to regulate hydration. When you consistently rely on an external barrier to lock in moisture, your skin can become over-reliant on it. Over time, this can leave your skin more vulnerable to dryness and sensitivity when you stop slugging. Dr. Kaplan adds, “Your skin has a natural lipid barrier that regulates moisture levels. If you’re constantly using an artificial barrier, your skin can stop working as hard to protect itself.”
A Smarter Alternative
Dr. Kaplan points out that for most skin types, slugging isn’t even necessary. Instead of relying on heavy occlusives, focus on ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier from within. Hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants help your skin retain moisture naturally without the risk of suffocating it.
If you’re dealing with dryness or a compromised skin barrier, a nourishing moisturizer with the right balance of humectants, emollients, and light occlusives is a smarter solution. Kaplan MD’s Night Replenishment Concentrate is formulated with high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate, peptides to support collagen production, and antioxidants to protect against environmental damage — all without the need for heavy, pore-clogging ingredients. “You don’t need to coat your face in Vaseline to get hydrated skin,” Dr. Kaplan says. “It’s about finding the right ingredients that nourish and strengthen your skin barrier so it can protect itself.”
Short-Term Glow, Long-Term Trouble
Slugging might give you short-term softness, but in the long run, it could lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and an over-reliance on heavy occlusives. Instead of slathering your face in petroleum jelly, focus on strengthening your skin barrier with targeted ingredients that nourish and protect — without the risk of suffocating your skin.
