“slugging”
What does the trend doing the rounds on TikTok bring?
Slugging involves applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the skin.
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The Korean beauty trend “Slugging” is currently doing the rounds on TikTok. What’s the point of putting petroleum jelly on your face?
“Slugging” is the latest Korean beauty trend making the rounds on TikTok. It promises smooth and radiant skin almost overnight. The term comes from the English word for slug, “slug” – so it gets slimy! Because with “slugging” the entire face is creamed with Vaseline. Marilyn Monroe is also said to have been a big fan of the method. What is really behind the trend and does “slugging” bring the desired effect?
How slugging works
In order for the skin to remain elastic and soft, it needs a lot of moisture – also in the form of serums and creams. These absorb into the skin and then evaporate overnight. When “slugging” you apply a thin layer of Vaseline on top of the normal care products. What happens then is called occlusion: the Vaseline acts like a kind of sealant that ensures that hardly any water can evaporate from the skin overnight. It locks in the moisture.
Does “slugging” really do anything?
The fact that “slugging” is not just some myth is proven by the numerous dermatologists and experts who advocate skin care practice. So explains the dermatologist Dr. Shari Marchbein to Teen Vogue: “Dermatologists have been doing ‘slugging’ for years. We just didn’t have such a cute name for it.” She herself never goes to bed without a layer of Vaseline.
Marchbein recommends the method especially for people with dry or sensitive skin. And not just on the face: “Slugging” also helps with dry skin on the knees, elbows or other skin areas. However, if you suffer from oily skin or tend to acne and blemishes, you should refrain from “slugging” your entire face and only treat individual dry areas, says the dermatologist. Vaseline can irritate sensitive skin and lead to more breakouts.