Can you slug too much? (2024)

Can you slug too much?

As far as how often you should use this technique, this will depend on your individual skin type and complexion concerns. For most skin types, completely sealing your skin barrier every night isn't necessary or even recommended—meaning you may want to alternate slugging days with some “non-slug” days.

What happens if you slug too much?

“As far as frequency goes, it's best to listen to your skin,” Nelson adds. If you have skin that tends to be dry, you may benefit from slugging daily. However, those with oily skin should consider slugging less or not at all, Dr. Parcells says, as slugging might make any active breakouts or oil-prone skin even worse.

What are the cons of slugging?

Con: Due to its occlusive nature, slugging increases the intensity of the products underneath it, which is generally the idea. However, this means that slugging can indirectly cause skin sensitivity if combined with the wrong products.

How many times can you slug?

Frequency should be determined by your skin type: if you have dry skin, slugging nightly can really help to boost skin's radiance and texture, but if you have combination or oilier skin, try slugging 2-3 times per week (or about every other night).

How long does slugging take to work?

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.

Is it bad to slug everyday?

People with dry skin may benefit from frequent slugging, especially in the wintertime. But those who have oily skin or are acne prone may steer clear, as the occlusive can trap facial oil and cause breakouts.

Can I slug all day?

Simply put, slugging refers to the process of sealing your skin with an occlusive agent, often petrolatum-based, overnight. If you don't want to sleep with product on your face, you can also slug during the day and leave the product on for a few hours.

Is Vaseline or Aquaphor better for slugging?

The most popular slugging recommendation by far, derms love Aquaphor for its proven results. It's a classic petrolatum-based moisturizing ointment that's perfect for slugging and for any other dry or damaged skin needs.

Who should avoid slugging?

Slugging is generally considered ideal for those with dry skin. It may not be suitable for acne-prone skin or for individuals prone to blemishes. Seek the help of a board-certified dermatologist for any questions regarding whether or not slugging is right for you.

When should you not do slugging?

When Not to Slug. I don't recommend slugging for oily or acne-prone skin. Although petroleum jelly products are non-comedogenic, they can trap bacteria and dead skin cells worsening acne. Never slug when using active ingredients such at retinoids, salicylic, glycolic or lactic acids.

Do I wash off Vaseline after slugging?

To slug, cleanse your skin, apply a thin layer of Vaseline or similar product on damp skin, leave it overnight, and wash it off in the morning. Alternatively, the technique can be used as a daytime hydrating mask.

Is Vaseline good for slugging?

What product should you use for slugging? Dr. Kassouf says that if you're going to try slugging, make sure you're using pure petroleum jelly (Vaseline®) or petroleum jelly with only minimal additional ingredients, like Aquaphor® and CeraVe®.

How do I get glass skin?

Does slugging clog pores?

Although slugging by itself does not make your skin acne-prone, unclean pores and make-up residue can result in acne or clogged pores. So, make sure your skin is super clean first!

Do dermatologists recommend slugging?

Dermatologists say most people can benefit from incorporating slugging into their skin care regimen once a week. Those with older, dry skin should be able to tolerate the process nightly.

Does slugging help with wrinkles?

Finally, slugging can help the skin repair itself if it's damaged and dehydrated. As we age, our skin barrier can no longer repair itself, leading to fine lines, saggy skin, or wrinkles. While slugging can't prevent these conditions, it may help reduce their appearance.

Do dermatologists recommend Vaseline?

In fact, a common, inexpensive product found in most people's medicine cabinets, petroleum jelly, can have multiple skin care uses for the entire family. To save on skin care, dermatologists recommend using petroleum jelly to: Relieve dry skin, including your lips and eyelids.

Which Aquaphor for slugging?

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Petrolatum-based, healing ointments are recommended occlusives for slugging. Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, says that these products, like Aquaphor, "include glycerin, lanolin, bisabolol, and mineral oil for additional hydrating, soothing, and barrier-supporting properties."

Does slugging cause milia?

Acne breakouts aren't the only possible issue with slugging, with increased milia also being a common complaint. Williams explains, “When applied to delicate areas, like under the eyes, slugging could cause milia, which are small, painless white bumps that appear when keratin gets trapped beneath the skin's surface.

What is the best lotion for slugging?

Best skin slugging products:

Now that you've decided to try slugging, it's time to decide what product you should go for. Dr. Marchbein recommends CeraVe's Healing Ointment and La Roche-Posay Lipikar Daily Lotion, but Vaseline Pure Petrolatum works just fine.

Is CeraVe Healing Ointment better than Vaseline?

It's not at all. It's great. The Cerave healing ointment is just enhanced with ceramides, cholesterol, and Hyaluronic acid which are naturally found in the skin, and are necessary for a healthy barrier. Vaseline is JUST petroleum jelly.

Can I slug over retinol?

Use a thin layer of occlusive moisturizer. Don't add slugging over retinol (do retinol on days you don't slug) If you have acne prone skin, use an even thinner layer of occlusive moisturizer or use squalane oil (a much lighter occlusive) in your skincare regimen to get the barrier-effects of slugging.

How to do slugging properly?

The process is simple: You go through your nightly skin-care routine as usual and then seal everything in with Vaseline. The thinking is that during the dry winter months (or year-round, if you have thirsty skin), you want to lock in as much moisture as possible.

Can Aquaphor cause milia?

Potential Side Effects of Using Aquaphor on the Face

“If you are prone to milia in your eye area, you should avoid using Aquaphor around the skin around the eyes.” Milia are teeny tiny white cysts that occur by a build-up of protein beneath the skin, which Aquaphor's occlusivity can exacerbate.

Is it okay to slug every night?

"If you have oily or acne-prone skin, I wouldn't recommend this at all unless you're applying it just to the lips." He says it could also be useful for people with eczema to help repair a compromised skin barrier. Regardless of how dry your skin is, Dr. Kim does not recommend slugging every single night.