Last updated on: November 12, 2025
If you’ve spent even ten minutes on TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen someone talking about slugging.
Yes, slugging. The trend where people coat their faces in a layer of Vaseline before bed — and somehow wake up with glass-like, glowing skin.
At first, I’ll be honest… the idea of putting petroleum jelly all over my face sounded messy and weird. I mean, how could something so thick and sticky actually help my skin? But after seeing so many “before and after” videos, I couldn’t resist the curiosity.
So, I decided to give it a real shot — 30 days of slugging. No skipping, no cheating. Just me, my moisturizer, and a shiny layer of Vaseline every night.
And trust me… my skin’s reaction totally surprised me.
What Even Is Slugging?
Slugging is a skincare method where you apply your normal nighttime products (like serum and moisturizer) — and then finish with a thin layer of petroleum jelly.
This “locks in” moisture and prevents your skin from drying out overnight.
It’s not new, actually. It comes from K-beauty routines and was originally used by people with super dry or sensitive skin.
But when TikTok got hold of it, slugging went viral — with influencers claiming it gives that “baby-soft, dewy glow.”
I figured… if it’s that good, why not try it myself?
My Skin Type (and Why I Was Nervous)
For context, my skin is a mix — oily on the T-zone but flaky around my cheeks.
So, you can imagine why the thought of sealing my face in Vaseline made me nervous. I was convinced I’d wake up with clogged pores and breakouts.
Before I started, my skincare routine was pretty simple:
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Gentle cleanser
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Hydrating serum
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Moisturizer
That’s it. So, adding a thick occlusive like Vaseline felt like a big step. But hey, beauty is about trying things, right?
My 30-Day Slugging Journey
Let’s be real — this wasn’t love at first layer.
Week 1: The Greasy Beginnings
The first night, I felt like I had buttered my face. Everything stuck to me — my hair, my pillow, even my cat’s fur.
I used a pea-sized amount at first (big mistake — I needed more for even coverage).
The next morning, though, something wild happened… my skin didn’t feel dry. It was soft. Like, really soft.
By day 4, my cheeks looked smoother, but I also noticed some small bumps on my chin. I freaked out, thinking it was a breakout.
Spoiler: it wasn’t. My skin was just adjusting.
Week 2: The Glow-Up Phase
Around day 10, things got interesting. My skin started to look plumper, almost like I had an Instagram filter on.
Makeup went on smoother, and I didn’t have those dry flakes that used to show under foundation.
But yes, there were still some greasy mornings. I learned to put an old pillowcase on my bed — slugging stains are real!
By the end of week 2, I noticed a healthy sheen that I hadn’t seen in months. I wasn’t sure if it was real hydration or just the leftover Vaseline… but I was liking it.
Week 3: The Shocking Twist
This is where things changed.
My T-zone (especially my nose) started looking oilier than ever. I even got two tiny whiteheads near my chin.
At first, I wanted to quit. But after reading more about it, I realized I was overdoing it — slugging every single night isn’t for everyone.
So, I switched to three nights a week instead.
That small change made a huge difference. My breakouts calmed down, and the glow came back without the grease.
Week 4: The Final Results
By the end of 30 days, I could see — and feel — the difference.
My skin texture was smoother, softer, and I didn’t wake up with that tight, dry feeling anymore.
No more flaky makeup days. No more dullness.
It wasn’t a miracle cure for everything, but slugging did transform how my skin felt — especially in colder weather.
What’s Actually Happening to Your Skin
Here’s the simple science: slugging creates a barrier on your skin that traps moisture and prevents water loss overnight.
It doesn’t add hydration — it keeps the hydration you already have from escaping.
That’s why you should only slug after applying a good moisturizer or hydrating serum. Otherwise, you’re just sealing in dryness.
It’s amazing for dry, irritated, or sensitive skin — but if you’re acne-prone or have oily skin, go slow. Too much occlusion can trap sebum and lead to breakouts.
My Tips for Safe (and Less Messy) Slugging
After a month of trial and error, here’s what I learned:
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Start small. You don’t need to look like a glazed donut. A thin layer is enough.
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Use clean skin. Always cleanse well before slugging — or you’ll trap dirt and bacteria.
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Stick to Vaseline or Aquaphor. Avoid fragranced or fancy versions.
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Don’t mix with retinol or acids. They can irritate your skin when sealed in.
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Use a separate pillowcase. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
My Final Verdict — Is It Worth the Hype?
Honestly? Yes… but with a few conditions.
If you have dry or sensitive skin, slugging can feel like magic. Your skin will thank you for the deep hydration and softness.
But if you’re oily or acne-prone, go easy — maybe once or twice a week max.
For me, slugging isn’t a daily thing. It’s more like a cozy self-care treat — something I do when my skin feels tired or dull.
And after 30 days, I can confidently say:
The glow is real. The hype is (mostly) worth it.
