icon-account icon-glass

Popular Products

The Lean Protein
Whey protein powder for weight-loss.
The Energy Booster
Pre/intra-workout powder with BCAAs.

We Determine Whether Or Not You Should Jump On The Slugging Skincare Trend

21st March 2022

21st March 2022

By Beth Shelper

If you’re anything like us here at Innermost, and you’re into your skincare, have a social media account of any kind, or have gone anywhere near Reddit recently, you’ve probably heard of the term slugging at some point.

Whilst this isn’t the most attractive of names for a skincare strategy, granted, if it works, it works. Saying that, though, there have been mixed reviews – and that’s what this article is here to get to the bottom of.

You know us, we’re always ready and waiting to bust the myths around the latest health and wellness fads, and when it comes to skincare, our interests are no different.

What is slugging?

On the off chance that you haven’t heard what slugging is, don’t worry, we’ve got you. The latest in slugging skincare on Reddit describes a strategy which involves one ingredient and one ingredient only: petroleum jelly. Or, as it’s probably more commonly known by its very popular brand name: Vaseline.

Following your regular, day-to-day skincare routine (you know, cleanse, tone, moisturise, The Glow Booster), take good old-fashioned petroleum jelly and apply this to a particularly problematic area of your skin.

What is the point of slugging skincare?

The new slugging skincare technique is primarily aimed at those with dry skin. Essentially, the point of slugging is to enhance your skin’s natural barrier, whilst simultaneously locking in the products that you’ve previously applied to your skin in your skincare routine.

This gives your skin an extra layer of protection against potential bacteria, whilst giving your products their chance to work their magic.

Intended to be a technique implemented overnight, slugging in skincare has been praised for its hydration benefits. But what other benefits does this new craze bring?

What are the main slugging benefits?

The reported slugging benefits are all to do with hydration, with the top reported benefits including the below:

  • Increased hydration levels
  • Overall improvement in skin appearance
  • Enhanced glowing
  • Bouncy, youthful skin
  • Enhances the skin’s natural barrier

Are there any disadvantages to the slugging skincare hack?

As always, we like to bring the facts. We’re all about the science, after all. As a result, it’s only fair to give you both sides of the coin.

Reported disadvantages of the slugging skincare trend include:

  • An increase in oil on the skin
  • Topical breakouts
  • It can make a right old mess
  • Reported to trap dead skin

But… does Vaseline clog pores?

We know what you’re thinking.

Can I use Vaseline as a moisturiser on my face? Does Vaseline clog pores? Ummm…. Is Vaseline even good for your face?

All great, great questions. And this is where a lot of the controversy comes from surrounding this hot new slugging skincare technique.  

Whilst many skincare blogs and fanatics claim that their pores haven’t been clogged through this technique, a lot of people have questioned the very nature of Vaseline and the ‘moisture locking’ technique that this ingredient promotes. Surely, if petroleum jelly locks moisture, it clogs pores?

Maybe not.

According to the official Vaseline website, Vaseline is what we call in the business call noncomedogenic, which means that no clogging (or blocking) of any kind will happen to your pores.

Again, everyone is different though, so if you’re experiencing outbreaks (or adverse reactions, for that matter) following slugging, it’s definitely best to put down the petroleum jelly and resume your normal skincare routine. Stat.

Here's how to slug

Like we always say, to each their own, and if you want to give slugging a try, here’s how. It’s worth noting that this slugging technique is primarily aimed at those with dry to very dry skin, so if you’re someone with combination skin, or oily skin too, definitely steer clear.

Here’s how to nail the slugging trend:

  • Apply a very thin layer of petroleum jelly
  • Apply topically only, not all over your face
  • Apply at night for the best results
  • Only apply after completing your regular skincare routine
  • Don’t overdo it, once or twice a week is good enough

Summary

All in all, it looks like the slugging skincare trend. If you’re someone with particularly dry skin, it could be a good way to go, but if you’re more on the oily side – maybe steer clear of this.

Need Expert Advice?

Other Insights

The Benefits Of Vegan Protein Powder
Why Creatine is Having a Moment
If you said “creatine” ten years ago, most people would’ve pictured a guy at the gym, slamming a protein shake the size of a fire extinguisher. Fast forward to today, and creatine is gaining more traction than ever – but not for the reasons you'd expect. It’s not just about size or strength anymore. It’s about mental sharpness. Recovery. Longevity. Hormonal support. Healthy ageing. And while it’s long been the most studied supplement in sports nutrition, new research is changing how we think about it – and who it’s for. Let’s break it down. First: What actually is Creatine? Creatine is a naturally occurring compound your body produces (and you get in small amounts from red meat and fish). It’s stored mostly in your muscles and brain, where it helps regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – your body’s main energy currency. In plain English? It helps you produce energy faster and more efficiently. That’s why creatine’s been a staple for athletes and weightlifters for decades – because it enhances performance, power, and recovery. But that’s just scratching the surface. Reason 1: The science has evolved The benefits of creatine aren’t limited to physical performance anymore. In recent years, researchers have started to uncover its role in cognitive function, mental fatigue, and neuroprotection – especially under stress or during sleep deprivation. A 2021 systematic review published in Nutrients found that creatine supplementation “may improve short-term memory and intelligence/reasoning” – particularly in people who are sleep-deprived, stressed, or ageing . Another study in Psychopharmacology found that supplementing with creatine significantly improved working memory and information processing speed in healthy adults . We're also seeing promising links between creatine and age-related cognitive decline. There’s emerging evidence suggesting it may support brain health in older adults – acting as a protective buffer against neurological degeneration . In short: creatine is no longer just a “performance” supplement. It’s increasingly viewed as a daily health essential – especially for your brain. Reason 2: Women are in – and rightly so Historically, creatine marketing catered almost exclusively to men. The packaging was aggressive, the messaging all about muscle mass, and there was a persistent myth that creatine would cause bloating or bulkiness. It’s no surprise women stayed away. But now? That narrative is breaking down fast – and the science is doing the talking. Studies show that creatine may be especially important for women – particularly through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. Research published in Nutrients highlights that creatine supplementation can support muscle strength, bone density, and mood regulation in women during and after menopause . It’s also been shown to help maintain lean muscle mass and support cognitive function during hormonal fluctuations – making it a powerful ally for long-term wellbeing. And no, it won’t make you puffy. The “bloating” myth comes from a misunderstanding: creatine draws water into your muscle cells (where it belongs), which actually supports performance, hydration, and cell integrity. This isn’t about bulking. It’s about feeling energised, strong, and supported in your body – no matter your life stage. Reason 3: It’s not just for the gym anymore The old creatine image was all about barbells and bench presses. But modern life demands more than just gym gains. We want to feel good, stay sharp, move well, and perform in life – not just during workouts. Creatine helps with all of it. Whether you're training hard, working late, chasing your kids around, or trying to keep brain fog at bay – creatine supports energy production, improves recovery, and sharpens your thinking. Even endurance athletes, office workers, and biohackers are getting in on the action. One study found that creatine enhanced oxygen consumption and reduced fatigue during long bouts of aerobic exercise . Put simply: creatine helps you show up as the best version of yourself, wherever life takes you. Reason 4: You’ve got options now Here’s the good news – the supplement industry is finally catching up. Gone are the days of industrial-sized tubs and confusing dosing instructions. At Innermost, we’ve reimagined creatine in a way that’s clean, purposeful, and fits into real life. At innermost, you’ve got two simple options: The Power Booster – our pure, pharmaceutical-grade creatine monohydrate. Zero additives. Just high-quality creatine in its most effective form.The Strong Protein – our intelligent protein blend for strength and recovery, with creatine built-in alongside nootropics, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and functional adaptogens. One blend, multiple benefits. Both options are designed for people who care about their health, performance, and clarity – not just their biceps. FINAL THOUGHTS Creatine isn’t new. But the way we understand it - and who it’s for - absolutely is. It’s not just about muscle. It’s about mood. Memory. Mental sharpness. Movement. And supporting your body through every season of life. Whether you’re lifting, learning, leading, or just looking to feel a little more like yourself again - creatine could be one of the smartest additions to your daily routine. Read more