Slugging
A trend term for applying a heavy occlusive layer, often petrolatum-based, as the final step to reduce water loss overnight.
What People Usually Mean
Slugging usually means sealing the skin with a heavy occlusive layer, often petrolatum, as the last step at night to reduce moisture loss and support dry or irritated skin.
What the Evidence Says
The trend label is informal, but the underlying mechanism is real. Occlusives can reduce transepidermal water loss and are especially relevant for dry, compromised, or irritated skin. The approach is not universally ideal, though, and can feel too heavy or be poorly tolerated in some acne-prone routines.
What Is Plausible Underneath the Term
Using an occlusive as the final layer can plausibly help when the barrier is dry or irritated, especially in cold weather or after overuse of drying actives. The benefit depends on context and product choice.
What Is Mostly Marketing
The marketing problem is treating slugging as a universally necessary glow hack instead of a context-dependent occlusive strategy with tradeoffs.
Better Evidence-Backed Alternatives
A better route is to use occlusives selectively when dryness or barrier compromise warrants them, rather than assuming everyone needs a heavy overnight seal every night.