Leaving Vaseline on overnight, a practice known as "slugging," is generally considered safe and can even be beneficial for some people. Vaseline locks in any moisture on your face without adding other ingredients that might irritate your skin. A layer of Vaseline applied before you sleep can help restore your face's natural level of moisture and softness.
However, there are some potential drawbacks:
- It can be too occlusive for some people. If you have acne-prone skin, you may find that Vaseline traps oil and dirt, leading to breakouts.
- It can be messy and uncomfortable. Vaseline can be sticky and difficult to remove, and it can also make your pillowcase greasy.
- It's not a moisturizer. While Vaseline helps to lock in moisture, it doesn't actually moisturize your skin.
If you're considering trying slugging, it's important to start slowly and see how your skin reacts. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to a small area of your face first, and see if you experience any irritation. If you're prone to breakouts, you may want to avoid slugging altogether.
