No, slugging (using occlusives like Vaseline) is generally not recommended for blackheads or acne-prone skin because it creates a barrier that can trap oil, sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells, potentially worsening clogged pores, comedones, and breakouts. It's best for very dry skin or compromised barriers, not for actively congested skin, and you should consult a dermatologist if you have concerns.
Certain online videos claim slugging can help eliminate blackheads, but Dr. Sulewski disagrees. "If you're prone to acne, I wouldn't recommend slugging," he explains. "Especially those with a condition like acne cosmetica, because thicker balms can actually cause acne or make the condition worse.
Think twice before you try to manually remove your blackheads. Squeezing or picking at a blackhead can push it further into your skin, causing more irritation as well as inflammation, infection, and potential scarring. It could even introduce more oil and bacteria into your blackhead, leading to breakouts.
``Anyone with oily skin or already struggling with blackheads, milia or blemishes should avoid slugging, as it may exacerbate these conditions,'' those with oily skin might not like the feelingof using petroleum.
ACNE-PRONE SKIN:
Slugging is not ideal for people with acne-prone skin. Even though petrolatum itself isn't "comedogenic" per se, having treated thousands of patients for over a decade, many patients with acne-prone skin will indeed break out if they slug because of how occlusive it is.
While slugging is generally safe, individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin should start slugging with caution. There's a slight risk of pore-clogging, so thorough cleansing is essential — and always remember to choose non-comedogenic products, patch-test new additions, and discontinue use if any irritation occurs.
The skin types that should avoid slugging are oily skin and acne-prone skin, as these types already have a robust lipid layer, and slugging could lead to congested pores and breakouts. Damaged or infected skin should also avoid this technique, as occlusive treatments may not allow skin to completely heal.
While slugging is generally safe, individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin should start slugging with caution. There's a slight risk of pore-clogging, so thorough cleansing is essential — and always remember to choose non-comedogenic products, patch-test new additions, and discontinue use if any irritation occurs.
Dermatologists Refuse To Do These 7 Things. Does Your Routine Need An Overhaul?
The radiant cheeks and T‐zones were rated more positive than all the faces with oily shine and the matte face. The oily and shiny T‐zone was rated more negative than the oily shine on the entire face. The matte face created the most negative impression.
Factors that can cause your pimples to smell
The smell associated with acne isn't just a byproduct of the blemishes themselves—it's caused by an interplay of factors. The presence of bacteria, the intensity of your acne breakout, and your personal hygiene practices all collectively contribute to this distinctive scent.
They'll likely turn into deep blackheads and potentially result in the following: Pimples: If you leave blackheads be, they can get all irritated and turn into pimples. Bacteria can build up in those clogged pores, making them red and swollen.
Slugging is generally considered safe, but there are some potential side effects to be aware of:
Q:2 Does Vaseline melt blackheads? A. There is no proven evidence that Vaseline helps in melting away pores. In fact, dermatologists believe that it might worsen the case and can even cause acne.
The 4-2-4 rule is a Korean-inspired deep cleansing method: massage an oil cleanser for 4 minutes to break down makeup/SPF, follow with a water-based cleanser for 2 minutes to remove residue, then rinse with 2 minutes of warm water and 2 minutes of cold water to open and close pores, leaving skin deeply clean but can be irritating for sensitive types, so it's best for deep cleaning or heavy makeup days, not daily.
Here are some common lies that people tell their dermatologists that you really shouldn't.
The "1 rule" in skincare often refers to the "1% line" on ingredient lists, meaning anything listed after it is used at 1% or less (like preservatives or fragrances). However, the most crucial skincare practice is daily sunscreen, while the best routine principle is applying products from thinnest to thickest consistency (like cleanser > serum > moisturizer > SPF) for proper absorption, with consistency and a simple, solid base being more important than complex products.
The term “slugging” is often attributed to K-beauty (Korean beauty) skincare trends, but the ritual itself can be traced back decades, with roots in the Black community. Slugging gets its name from the shiny sheen it leaves on your face—just like that of a slug.
The "3-Minute Rule" for moisturizer is a skincare guideline recommending you apply lotion, cream, or ointment to your skin within three minutes of bathing or washing, while it's still damp, to trap water and lock in hydration for healthier, less dry skin. This technique seals in moisture lost during washing, preventing it from evaporating quickly and helping to strengthen the skin's protective barrier, making it especially beneficial for dry skin and conditions like eczema.
At its core, slugging skin is the practice of slathering petroleum jelly on your skin overnight. “Slugging is a skincare trick where you apply a thick, occlusive layer—usually petroleum jelly or a balm—over your nighttime skincare routine to lock in moisture,” says Evans.
Retinoids or retinol and salicylic acid
Generally, it's recommended you don't mix retinol and salicylic acid in your skincare routine due to the risk of redness or potentially irritating side effects [3].
No matter how old you are or what your skin concerns may be, these eight foods can help you get a clear complexion and healthier skin:
Popular trends include double cleansing, slugging, skin cycling, and incorporating ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and retinol.