If you've been scrolling through skincare content lately, you've probably seen people coating their faces with petroleum jelly before bed. It's called "slugging," and despite the less-than-appealing name, this simple technique can immensely improve your nighttime routine—including for guys who want better skin without complicated steps.
What Exactly Is Slugging?
Slugging is the practice of applying an occlusive product (like petroleum jelly or healing ointment) as the final step in your nighttime routine. The thick layer creates a barrier that locks in moisture and prevents water loss while you sleep. Think of it as giving your skin a protective seal overnight.
The technique gets its name from the shiny, slug-like appearance it creates—not exactly glamorous, but incredibly effective for improving skin hydration and repair.
Why Slugging Actually Works
Your skin loses water throughout the day and night through a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Slugging creates an occlusive barrier that dramatically reduces this water loss, allowing your skin to:
- Retain more moisture throughout the night
- Repair its natural barrier more effectively
- Heal minor irritations and dry patches
- Wake up with softer, more hydrated skin
This is particularly beneficial for men who shave regularly, as the razor can compromise the skin barrier and lead to dryness and irritation.
How to Slug the Right Way
Step 1: Start with clean skin Use a gentle face cleanser (like our gentle gel cleanser) to remove dirt, oil, and any daytime products. Clean skin allows your moisturizer to penetrate better.
Step 2: Apply your regular moisturizer This is crucial—slugging works best when you have something hydrating underneath the occlusive layer. Apply your usual nighttime moisturizer and let it absorb for a few minutes. Our Peptide Moisturizer is ideal here, as its hydrating ingredients work perfectly under an occlusive barrier to maximize moisture retention and skin repair overnight.
Step 3: Apply the occlusive layer Use a thin layer of an occlusive ointment - like CeraVe Healing Ointment or Aquaphor Healing Ointment. Focus on dry areas like around the nose, mouth, and any spots that tend to get irritated from shaving.
Note: some product may transfer to your bed while you sleep, especially if you move around a lot.
Who Should Try Slugging?
Slugging works particularly well for:
- Guys with dry or dehydrated skin
- Men who shave regularly and deal with razor burn
- Anyone with a compromised skin barrier from weather, stress, or over-cleansing
- Those looking to maximize their moisturizer's effectiveness
- Men dealing with minor skin irritations or rough patches
When to Skip Slugging
Avoid slugging if you:
- Have very oily or acne-prone skin (it may clog pores)
- Are currently using strong actives like retinoids (check with a dermatologist)
- Have active breakouts in the area you want to slug
- Are allergic to petroleum-based products
Making Slugging Work for Your Routine
The key to successful slugging is having a solid base layer. While the occlusive creates the barrier, you need quality ingredients underneath to maximize the benefits.
Start with a moisturizer that contains ingredients like:
- Hyaluronic acid for hydration
- Peptides for repair and anti-aging
- Ceramides for barrier support
- Niacinamide for overall skin health
Our Peptide Moisturizer helps give you the perfect foundation for slugging. The peptides work overnight to support collagen production, while the hydrating ingredients get locked in by the occlusive layer above.
Common Slugging Mistakes
Using too much product: A thin layer is all you need—more isn't better
Skipping the base moisturizer: The occlusive needs something hydrating underneath
Doing it every night initially: Start 2-3 times per week and increase if needed
What to Expect
Night 1: Your skin may feel uncomfortably greasy at first
Week 1: You'll start noticing softer, more hydrated skin in the morning
Month 1: Significant improvement in skin texture and reduced dryness
Long-term: Better overall skin barrier function and resilience
The Bottom Line on Slugging
Slugging isn't glamorous, but it's one of the most effective ways to boost your skin's moisture levels and repair function. For guys dealing with dry skin, razor burn, or just wanting to upgrade their skincare results without adding complicated steps, it's worth trying.
The technique works best when you have quality products as your foundation. Start with a hydrating cleanser, add a moisturizer with proven ingredients like peptides and hyaluronic acid, then seal it all in with your chosen occlusive.
Remember, skincare doesn't have to be complicated to be effective. Sometimes the simplest techniques—like slugging—deliver the most noticeable results.
Ready to upgrade your nighttime routine? Start with the essentials: our Face Cleanser for the perfect clean base and Peptide Moisturizer for optimal hydration under your slugging layer. Or shop our Face Care Bundle to get both products for your nighttime routine.
