This K-Beauty Skin Care Hack Keeps My Skin Moisturized Every Night
Let's discuss the potential benefits of slugging, what experts say, who it's best for and more.
What is slugging?
Slugging is a Korean beauty skin care practice that means slathering petroleum jelly on your face. You can use any product from Aquaphor to CeraVe to Vaseline to moisturize and protect your face overnight. Videos of this beauty technique -- which tend to really overdo the amount to put on -- have gone viral on TikTok, with over 500 million views to date under the hashtag #slugging. Many TikTok users who've tried it for themselves report results such as plump, glowing and moisturized skin.
The slugging process
Step 1: Cleanse your face.
Step 2: Pile on hydrating products, such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
Step 3: Add a nightly moisturizer, like a lotion, oil or cream.
Step 4: Load on your occlusive, or the petroleum jelly: Vaseline, CeraVe, Aquaphor or another brand. (While you'll see TikTokers using a full handful for dramatic effect, you can use as little as a pea-size amount to see benefits.)
Step 5: Wait a few minutes before getting into bed.
Sergey Mironov/Moment/Getty Images
Supposed benefits of slugging
Petroleum jelly consists of oils and waxes that act as a barrier on the skin, trapping moisture underneath. Studies have shown that Vaseline -- one of the most popular brands of petroleum jelly -- has properties that may help repair your skin's outermost layer. In addition to keeping the skin moisturized, petroleum jelly can increase the potency of other products applied underneath.
Slugging is most effective when combined with humectants (a dermatology term for ingredients that retain moisture), such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin or urea.
Reported slugging benefits include:
Moisturized, glowing skin
Healthier, younger-looking skin
Repaired skin barrier
Locking in other products
Decreased appearance of wrinkles
What do the experts say?
Dermatologists are not surprised by this trend, given that Vaseline has been a popular beauty product for decades. They already know how occlusives (such as petroleum jelly) effectively lock in moisture to keep skin hydrated and plump.
Board-certified New York dermatologist Dr. Hadley King agrees with the effectiveness of slugging as long as you "do it the right way."
"First apply a product or products that contain humectants and emollients (moisturizing ingredients), then add other occlusives. You can start with a serum containing humectants and add a face oil with emollients," she said. "The last step would be slugging petrolatum as the occlusive. Alternatively, you could apply a moisturizer that contains humectants, emollients and occlusives, and then for extra occlusive properties, apply the slugging petrolatum."
According to King, the slugging skin care trend is most helpful for those with dry skin or those who are often exposed to dry conditions given that "a dry environment will exacerbate transepidermal water loss and dryness of the skin."
Still, King recommends being cautious when applying occlusives on top of topical medications because it could increase the potency, creating adverse effects.
Slugging isn't for everyone, according to Dr. Debra Jaliman, board-certified New York dermatologist and author of the book Skin Rules. "Slugging before you go to sleep is fine if you have very dry skin, but not a good idea for acne-prone skin," Jaliman said. "Slugging can potentially trap oils and clog the skin's pores and especially irritate acne-prone skin, contributing to breakouts."
She went on to say: "If you are not acne-prone, some good products you can use for slugging are CeraVe healing ointment and Aquaphor." Echoing King's advice, Jaliman also recommends using a product that hydrates, moisturizes and protects all in one: "Personally, I would recommend using a thick cream such as CeraVe moisturizing cream that has ceramides and hyaluronic acid."
Anna Efetova/Moment/Getty Images
Slugging tips
Apply only at night
Unless you're in an extremely cold and dry environment, it is best to apply only at night. That way, you can lock in moisture and other skin care products while you sleep. (Otherwise, you'll be walking around all day with slimy skin.)
Combine with your nightly moisturizer
Vaseline works by preventing moisture from getting in or out. If there is no moisture on the skin to begin with, applying petroleum jelly won't provide much benefit. For the best results, it's important to load up your skin with hydrating and moisturizing products first, then slather your slugging product on top to keep moisture from evaporating off your skin.
Drugstore or high-end products will work
Vaseline is a cheap product that can be found at any drugstore, but if you're looking for luxury products with extra moisturizing properties, King recommends Ghost Democracy Ceramide Cream. "It contains ceramides, lipids, squalane and murumuru seed butter to support the skin barrier and lock in moisture. You could add heavier occlusives on top if desired," she said.
King also recommends Innbeauty Project Daily Moisturizer. "With ceramides, triglycerides, shea butter, squalane, dimethicone and fatty acids and fatty alcohols, this supports the skin barrier and locks in moisture."
Use consistently to see results
Darnisha Monson, a licensed esthetician, recommends making slugging a part of your nighttime skin care routine. In order to notice results, you need to slug consistently for four to six weeks. Slugging cannot repair your skin or your skin's appearance overnight.
Best if used in the winter
The colder months are the times when our skin loses the most moisture. Slugging will be more effective in winter and in environments that are harsh on the skin. Occlusives can even protect against windburn during your winter ski trips.
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Sure, an expensive surround-sound install might be better, but I've still been mighty impressed by this soundbar and its accompanying subwoofer. That bass hits like I'm in a movie theater. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer Jolene Coffee Mix Pack I'm a canned coffee snob, but I quickly got hooked on Jolene coffee, founded by none other than Red Hot Chili Peppers lead Anthony Kiedis and buddy Shane Powers. Naturally, it's a concert-friendly bold brew sourced from Peruvian beans. The oat milk latte is also deliciously smooth and, made with coconut sugar to boot. I also love that a portion of the proceeds goes back to the coffee community — specifically, the all-female coffee growers at Café Femenino. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer Jack Link's Mini Turkey Sticks It's hard to find portable snacks that cater to my savory cravings, and these high-protein, herb-flavored turkey jerky sticks totally fit the bill. Unlike my crumbly granola days of yore, they make zero mess while on the go, stabilize my blood sugar levels, assist with muscle recovery as a trainer and nutrition enthusiast and give Thanksgiving in July vibes. I highly recommend these sticks if you've made a deal with yourself to prioritize protein (and have had it *up to here* with cottage cheese). — Marissa Miller, contributing editor Jumbo Time Wines Summer Sixer This exquisite selection of easy-sipping wines has been on repeat this summer. From dinner parties to a quiet night in, there's a bottle for every occasion. Some are funky, some are fruity and [all] are a great intro to natural wine for those looking to get experimental this season. Personally, I favor Surf's Up, a lovely bright red blend that's juicy and refreshing. — Molly Flores, photo editor Brooks Women's Glycerin 22 Running Shoes After reading about how much my co-workers all rave about Brooks, I figured it was time to give them a try. This year, I've been revamping my workout shoe collection because I realized I was wearing the wrong shoes for different activities. The second I slipped these cushiony sneakers on, I wished I'd gotten them months ago. They're now my go-to for my walks. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Darn Tough Women's Run No Show Tab Ultra-Lightweight Running Socks Socks really do matter when your feet are taking a beating, so I'm almost as picky about the socks I wear as I am about my shoes. I recently tried Darn Tough's ultra-lightweight running socks, and they're fantastic. Marathon training as a beginner isn't easy, but these socks make my feet comfortable enough (as well as protected) to keep going. I think I'm buying more! — Michelle Rae Uy, testing and updates writer Foreo Issa 4 Toothbrush I've been using the same electric toothbrush for years and thought it was good ... until I swapped to the Foreo Issa 4 and I realized I've been missing out. I love that the brush head is twice as big as my old one, making sure I don't miss a spot while brushing. It also has three modes, including whitening, sensitive and deep-cleaning. The brush head also doesn't need to be replaced as often and can be changed twice a year. Plus, it can last a full year on just one charge. — Lindsey Smith, newsletter editor Oura Ring Gen 3 I've been wanting to track all of my health stats but didn't want to have to deal with wearing a clunky watch to do so. This month I got to try out the Oura Ring, and I'm absolutely loving it. I barely realize I have it on throughout the day, and it's one of the most accurate fitness trackers I've tried. My favorite thing is that it's waterproof so I can wear it in the shower, while washing my hands and even on a swim. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator Forme Collagen Power Bra I was highly skeptical of a sports bra costing upwards of $200, but I have to say, the Forme sports bra is truly worth the hype, especially if you have a larger bust. I wore it during my recent move and noticed a huge difference in the level of support and comfort I felt while doing a lot of movement and heavy lifting. The bra I tried also had the added benefit of CollagenTech fabric, which the brand claims will help keep your skin feeling soft and fresh, though I didn't really feel anything out of the ordinary on that front. My advice: Save $30 and just go with the original Power Bra. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director Hoka Women's Arahi 8 Running Shoes I'm training for a half marathon in November, and the new Arahi 8 from Hoka, along with my Bondi 8 and Clifton 9 GTX, are my training shoes, which means I'm wearing them almost every day. I've tested a few other marathon training shoes from brands like Nike, Merrell and On, but I think these are among the best for my feet. They're very balanced and lightweight, and offer a lot of stability. It feels so good wearing them they make me want to run longer! — Michelle Rae Uy, testing and updates writer Praia Beach Chair This stylish chair has been on my arm all summer. Not only does it actually look modern and cool (for a beach chair) but it's also incredibly lightweight — only 5 pounds! Because it's so easy to carry around, thanks to a wide shoulder strap, I've been toting it around to tons of outdoor events this season. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director BrüMate 35-Ounce Nav Travel Tumbler Somehow, I haven't fallen for the Stanley or Hydro Flask tumbler hype yet, but I finally bit the bullet and bought this BrüMate tumbler for Prime Day — and I'm so glad I did. I'm drinking so much more water per day, and the patented magnetic BevLock lid keeps all my liquids incredibly leakproof. I'm obsessed (and I finally understand all the tumbler hype). — Daniel Toy, copy chief Halfdays Bastille Trail Pants I spent most of my July in the mountains near my apartment to test the best hiking pants for women. The Halfdays Bastille Trail Pants were one of my favorites to sport on an afternoon hike. They're made of breathable material that keeps me cool under the sun and are extremely moisture wicking. I also found the high-waisted fit very flattering. Their performance rivals our winning pick, so if you have a larger budget for you hiking gear, consider this pair for your next outdoor adventure — Gareen Puglia, associate testing writer CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when it makes sense to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, associate home and gifts editor Nikol Slatinska tapped our team to see what they tried and loved last month.
