Slugging 101: How to Slug for Eczema or Sensitive Skin

This article is general skincare information, not medical advice. If you or your child use a prescription skin medication, ask your doctor how slugging fits with it.

Slugging is one of those skin care trends that sounds stranger than it is. You finish your routine with a thin layer of petroleum jelly or another heavy ointment, and you go to bed looking a little shiny, like a slug. For dry, eczema-prone skin, the idea behind it is old and simple: seal moisture in overnight.

In the U.S., around 31.6 million people, roughly 10% of the population, have some form of eczema, according to the National Eczema Association (NEA). Dry skin is part of daily life for a lot of families, ours included. Here's what slugging is, how to do it and who should skip it.

What is slugging?

Slugging means applying an occlusive, a product that forms a seal on top of the skin, as the last step of your nighttime routine. Petroleum jelly is the classic choice. The name spread through online skincare communities in recent years.

The NEA explains that ointments have the highest oil content, followed by creams and then lotions, so they don't generally burn on sensitive skin and are very good at sealing in moisture. It names petroleum jelly and mineral oil as products high in oil content. If you don't like how ointments feel, the NEA says the next best option is a cream. If you're curious about plant oils instead, our guide to the best oil for eczema-prone skin covers which ones research supports and which to skip.

How to slug for eczema-prone or sensitive skin

1. Wash gently. Use lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Don't scrub. Remove sunscreen and makeup first so you aren't sealing them in.
2. Pat dry and leave skin slightly damp. The NEA's soak and seal method calls for patting skin lightly with a towel and leaving it slightly damp.
3. Apply any prescription first. If your doctor prescribed a topical medication, the NEA says to apply it as directed before you moisturize, and not to put moisturizer over those areas.
4. Moisturize within three minutes. The NEA recommends a thick layer of moisturizer within three minutes of bathing to lock in moisture. A rich eczema cream works well for this step. For nut-allergy households, we make a nut-free version.
5. Seal with a thin occlusive layer. Smooth a thin layer of petroleum jelly or another plain ointment over dry areas. A little goes a long way.
6. Give it a few minutes. Let it settle before bed, and use an old pillowcase or cotton pajamas you don't mind getting a little greasy.

Who should skip slugging (or ask first)

• Acne-prone or oily skin. A heavy occlusive layer on the face may not suit skin that breaks out easily. Try it on dry body areas instead.
• Broken, oozing or infected-looking skin. Don't seal over skin that is weeping, crusted or showing signs of infection. Call your doctor.
• Anyone using a prescription topical. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how and when to layer it.
• Hot, sweaty nights. Heavy layers can feel uncomfortable in heat. Save slugging for cooler, drier nights.

Slugging for kids with eczema

With our kids, we kept it simple: a lukewarm bath, pat dry, cream within three minutes, then a thin layer of ointment only on the driest spots like elbows, knees and the backs of hands. Check with your pediatrician before starting anything new on a baby's skin. Our oatmeal bath guide walks through the bath part step by step.

Slugging vs. regular moisturizing

Slugging isn't a replacement for daily moisturizing. It's an extra overnight step on top of it. The American Academy of Dermatology's dry skin tips recommend applying moisturizer several times a day, including right after bathing and after washing your hands. If you're deciding between letting skin "air out" and keeping it moisturized, read our guide on moisturizing vs. drying out eczema.

Frequently asked questions

Is slugging good for eczema-prone skin?

Many people with dry, eczema-prone skin like slugging because ointments are very good at sealing in moisture, according to the NEA. It's an extra step on top of regular moisturizing, not a replacement.

What can I use for slugging besides Vaseline?

Any plain petroleum jelly or fragrance-free ointment can work. The NEA names petroleum jelly and mineral oil as products high in oil content.

How often should I slug?

Some people slug every night during dry months and less often in summer. Watch how your skin responds, and stop if it feels irritated or breaks out.

Can you slug on a child's skin?

Ask your pediatrician first, especially for babies. If they're comfortable with it, use a thin layer only on dry areas after a lukewarm bath and moisturizer.

Should I put moisturizer on before slugging?

Yes. Moisturize within three minutes of bathing, as the NEA recommends, then add a thin occlusive layer on top.

Sources: National Eczema Association: Moisturizing; National Eczema Association: Eczema facts; American Academy of Dermatology: Dry skin tips