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Slugging is having a moment.
The technique, which involves sealing your nighttime routine with a petrolatum-based occlusive, has been all over social media for good reason.
For anyone dealing with tight, flaky, or dull skin, pairing slugging with the right anti-aging night cream for dry skin might be the upgrade your routine has been missing.
What is slugging, and why does it work?
Slugging involves applying a thin layer of an occlusive product as the final step in your evening skincare routine. The glossy finish it leaves behind gives the technique its name.
While you sleep, your skin naturally loses moisture through a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Slugging creates a barrier that slows this down, keeping your skin hydrated and letting other products absorb better.
It's worth being clear about what slugging doesn't do: it doesn't add moisture on its own.
It preserves what's already there. That's why applying a quality anti-aging night cream for dry skin before you slug matters so much.
Dry skin benefits the most from slugging
Mature and dry skin loses moisture more easily overnight, which can make skin look dull and highlight fine lines by morning.
Using a high-quality anti-aging night cream for dry skin before the occlusive layer delivers real nourishment, and the slugging step locks it in. This combination works better than either product alone.
How to slug the right way
Getting the most from this technique comes down to layering correctly.
(1) Begin by cleansing your face well to remove makeup, sunscreen, and any buildup from the day.
(2) Next, apply your hydrating products—a serum with hyaluronic acid or ceramides works well—then use your anti-aging night cream for dry skin. Let these layers absorb for a few minutes.
(3) After that, spread a small amount of petroleum jelly or a fragrance-free healing ointment evenly over your face, but do not apply it too thickly.
(4) Wait about 20 to 30 minutes before going to bed to let the products settle and avoid getting them on your pillowcase.
(5) In the morning, gently cleanse your face to remove any leftover product and continue with your usual daytime routine.
For most people, slugging two to three nights a week is enough to see results. If your skin is very dry or healing from a procedure, you can do it more often, but using it every night is not necessary for everyone.
What to look for in an anti-aging night cream for dry skin.
The products you use before slugging are the most important.
When picking an anti-aging night cream for dry skin, choose one with ceramides, peptides, niacinamide, and humectants like glycerin.
These ingredients help strengthen your skin barrier, support collagen, and pull water into the skin, which the occlusive layer then locks in.
Browsing the best glowing skin products can be overwhelming, but for dry and mature skin, the combination of a ceramide-rich anti-aging night cream for dry skin and a simple petroleum jelly slug is hard to beat for visible, lasting results.
When to talk to a dermatologist
If your skin stays dry or your barrier is still damaged even after using an anti-aging night cream for dry skin and regular slugging, it is a good idea to see a professional.
Ongoing dryness can sometimes mean there is an underlying issue that topical products cannot fix, and a dermatologist can suggest prescription treatments or in-office options to help.