Should I Try Slugging?

While it won't do you any major harm to give it a try if you're convinced slugging is for you, it might lead to unwanted breakouts. But if you're one of the 50 million people in the U.S. who suffer from mild, occasional or severe acne, you might want to put the Vaseline down and avoid taking the risk.

Is slugging good for your skin?

Slugging creates a seal over the skin, prevents transepidermal water loss, and protects and repairs your skin's natural lipid barrier that binds skin cells together.

Does slugging really work?

Load on humectants: The thing is, slugging won't work unless you pile on hydrating ingredients. (Occlusives don't infuse the skin with moisture; they just keep it from seeping out.) "Think of a cup you want to cover—if there's no water in it, it's pretty pointless," says Yoon.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.