What is slugging?

Here’s another term that you’ve probably heard via TikTok. The viral skincare trend has been talked about and shared across social media for some time now.

Essentially, “Slugging” is a form of skincare masking that involves covering your face with a thin layer petroleum jelly like Vaseline or Aquaphor and leaving it on overnight. It helps to prevent water loss in dehydrated skin, or irritated skin with a particularly damaged skin barrier.

Should teens add ‘slugging’ to their skincare routine?

In general, teens shouldn’t need to do this as part of their skincare routine – simply because your skin doesn’t need it! You might find that such a thick product could have the opposite effect on hormonal or delicate teen skin.

The petroleum jelly can also clog pores if layered on top of oil-based products or serums, so you could find that it causes breakouts, blackheads and more problems that you started with. Always look for products that are non-comedogenic, so they’re formulated to not clog pores.

If you’re finding that your skin is consistently on the dry side, stick to a thicker, deeply hydrating moisturiser (like our Universal Soft-Cream Moisturiser), or try a hydrating face mask (like our Moisture Fix Mask) once a week.

If you have used too many products and feel that your skin is consistently irritated, strip your products back and stick to a gentle moisturiser for a few weeks to help repair your skin barrier. Our Universal Soft-Cream Moisturiser or our Hydrate & Nourish Tonic Milk are gentle enough for this.