What is Slugging — And Should You Do It If You Have Dry or Sensitive Skin?

Slugging has become one of those skincare trends that seems to be everywhere. You’ve probably seen it described as the secret to glowing, hydrated skin — but also heard that it can clog pores or make skin worse.

So what actually is slugging, and does it make sense if you have dry or sensitive skin?

As a chemist who has been working with skincare for 12 years, I always come back to one question: what is this actually doing to the skin barrier? Because that’s really where the answer lies.

Most skincare trends oversimplify what’s happening in the skin — but slugging is actually quite straightforward when you look at it through this lens.

What Is Slugging?

Slugging is the practice of applying an occlusive layer — traditionally something like petrolatum (Vaseline) — as the final nighttime step in your skincare routine to lock in moisture.

The idea is simple: create a seal over the skin to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

In other words, you’re not adding hydration — you’re stopping it from escaping.

Why People Do It

Slugging became popular because it can make a noticeable difference, especially for dry skin.

When the skin barrier is compromised, it loses moisture more easily and becomes more reactive. By sealing the skin, slugging can:

• Reduce water loss

• Support barrier repair

• Make skin feel softer and more hydrated

From a chemistry perspective, this makes sense. Occlusive ingredients physically block water from evaporating, giving the skin a chance to recover.

Does Slugging Actually Work?

Yes — but not in the way many people think.

Slugging doesn’t hydrate the skin. It helps the skin retain the hydration it already has.

If your skin is already dry and dehydrated, applying an occlusive on top without proper hydration underneath won’t solve the problem.

This is where a lot of people go wrong.

Is Slugging Good for Sensitive or Rosacea-Prone Skin?

This is where things get more nuanced.

Sensitive or rosacea-prone skin often has a weakened skin barrier, so in theory, reducing water loss can help.

However, heavy occlusives can also:

• Trap heat in the skin

• Feel too heavy or suffocating

• Increase flushing in some people

So while some people with sensitive skin find slugging helpful, others find it makes their skin feel worse.

It really depends on the formulation and your individual skin response. 

A Gentler Approach to Slugging

In my experience, the idea behind slugging is useful — but the traditional method can be too heavy for many people.

Instead of sealing the skin with a thick occlusive, a more balanced approach is to:

• Use a gentle cleanser (cleansing balm, oil cleanser or cream cleanser) that doesn’t strip the skin
  

• Apply a barrier-supporting moisturiser that contains humectants (glycerin, propanediol, pentylene glycol or hyaluronic acid) 

• Finish with a light occlusive (facial oil)

This approach still supports the skin barrier, but in a way that feels lighter and more adaptable. 

Why Face Oils Can Work Better for Sensitive Skin

Plant oils behave differently from heavy occlusives.

Instead of creating a completely impermeable seal, they:

• Support the lipid barrier

• Reduce moisture loss

• Allow the skin to breathe

• Nourish the skin with fatty acids and antioxidants

This makes them a more flexible and skin-compatible alternative, especially for sensitive or reactive skin.

Oils rich in omega fatty acids — such as borage, oat, seabuckthorn, and rosehip — are particularly effective for supporting the skin barrier and improving resilience over time.

One way to approach this is with lightweight facial oils that combine these ingredients in a balanced formulation. In our Scandi Glow Face Oil, we use a blend of borage, oat, seabuckthorn, and rosehip oils to help nourish the skin, reduce moisture loss, and support sensitive or reactive skin without feeling heavy.

The Importance of Formulation

One thing I always come back to as a chemist is that no single step or ingredient works in isolation.

Slugging isn’t inherently good or bad — it depends on:

• What you apply underneath

• The condition of your skin barrier

• The overall formulation of your ritual 

A well-formulated ritual that supports hydration, barrier repair, and protection will always outperform a single trend.

When Slugging Might Help

Slugging — or a gentler version of it — may be helpful if you:

• Have very dry skin

• Are experiencing barrier damage

• Live in a cold or dry climate

• Notice tightness or flaking

When to Be Cautious

You may want to avoid traditional slugging if you:

• Have easily congested or acne-prone skin

• Experience flushing or heat sensitivity

• Find heavy products uncomfortable

Slugging isn’t a miracle — but the idea behind it is valuable.

At its core, it’s about protecting the skin barrier and preventing moisture loss, which is something dry and sensitive skin often needs.

The key is finding an approach that works with your skin, rather than overwhelming it.

For many people — especially those with sensitive or rosacea-prone skin — that means focusing on gentle cleansing, proper hydration, nourishing oils, and well-balanced formulations rather than heavy occlusion.

As with most things in skincare, a simple, well-formulated ritual that supports hydration and barrier function will almost always outperform viral trends.