The social media skincare trend known as “slugging” has taken the Internet by storm, promising soft, glowing, and hydrated skin overnight. The viral method involves applying a thick layer of petroleum jelly or Vaseline as the final step in a nighttime skincare routine to seal in moisture. However, experts warn that this glossy, glass-skin look isn’t suitable for everyone — and may actually harm certain skin types.

Dermatologist Dr. Ankur Sarin broke down the science of slugging in a recent Instagram post featuring Mira Rajput Kapoor, who called the trend her “weirdest skincare experiment” that surprisingly worked. As Mira described, slugging means finishing your usual routine — cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturiser — and then locking everything in with a thin coat of an occlusive such as Vaseline or Aquaphor.

According to Dr. Sarin, slugging can be extremely beneficial for people with dry, flaky, or damaged skin, especially during colder months. The petroleum barrier prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL) — the natural evaporation of moisture from the skin — allowing serums and creams to work more effectively overnight. “It seals in hydration and helps repair a compromised barrier,” Sarin explained.

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However, he cautioned that slugging should never be done on bare skin, as applying petroleum jelly directly can trap dryness underneath instead of hydrating. The correct approach is to use a hydrating toner or essence, followed by serum and moisturiser, and then apply a very thin layer of jelly to lock everything in, rinsing it off gently in the morning.

While slugging can be a game-changer for those battling dehydration or irritation, it’s unsuitable for oily or acne-prone skin, which is common among many Indians. “Occlusives like Vaseline can clog pores, leading to blackheads and breakouts,” Dr. Sarin noted, adding, “Slugging is great — for the right skin type, used the right way.” Dermatologists agree that when done correctly and selectively, slugging can be a true saviour for dry skin, but a disaster for the wrong one.

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