I Slept With Vaseline on My Face for 7 Nights — This Is What Happened

Ever looked at that simple jar of Vaseline sitting in your drawer and wondered if it could give you glowing, flawless skin?

That was me — doubtful, curious, and a little desperate after spending a small fortune on fancy skincare products that did absolutely nothing.

So I decided to try something different: sleeping with Vaseline on my face every night for a week.

No expensive serums. No ten-step routines. Just good old petroleum jelly.
Here’s what happened — the good, the bad, and the surprisingly glowing truth.

Why I Tried Sleeping With Vaseline on The Face

Let’s be honest — most of us have grown up with Vaseline in the house.
It’s been used for everything: dry lips, cracked heels, burns, even baby care. But on your face? That’s where it gets controversial.

I've seen beauty influencers rave about it on TikTok — some calling it the “slugging method,” a Korean skincare trend where you seal in moisture overnight using an occlusive like Vaseline.

It sounded simple — and if it worked, it could replace half my skincare shelf.
So I thought, why not put it to the test?

My Nightly Vaseline Routine (The 7-Day Experiment)

Before diving into the results, here’s how I did it each night:

1. Cleansed my face thoroughly.

I used a gentle face wash to remove oil, dirt, and makeup. This step is critical — you don’t want to trap bacteria under Vaseline.

2. Applied a light moisturizer.

Experts recommend layering Vaseline on top of moisture, not directly on dry skin.

3. Sealed everything in with a thin layer of Vaseline.

I used just enough to make my skin shiny but not greasy. (A pea-sized amount goes a long way.)

4. Went to bed — shiny and slightly skeptical.

 

Day-by-Day Results: The Truth Revealed

Day 1–2: The Grease Phase

Let’s be real — it felt weird.
My face looked like a glazed doughnut, and the pillowcase suffered. But when I woke up, my skin actually felt softer than usual.

There was no irritation, no redness — just smoothness I hadn’t noticed in weeks.

Day 3–4: The Glow Kicks In

By midweek, something changed.
My cheeks started looking plumper and hydrated. The usual tightness I felt after washing my face was gone. Even my makeup went on smoother the next morning.

The best part? My skin tone looked more even — like it had been subtly airbrushed overnight.

Day 5–6: Unexpected Breakout (But Minor)

Here’s the honest part — I did get two small pimples on my chin.
At first, I panicked. But after a little research, I learned this is common during the “purging” stage as clogged pores clear out.

I stayed consistent — and by Day 6, the bumps were gone.

Day 7: Final Verdict

I woke up, looked in the mirror, and literally said, “Wow.”
My skin looked healthy, radiant, and baby-smooth.
Fine lines around my mouth looked softer, and the dry patches that used to flake near my nose were completely gone.

The Science Behind Vaseline and Skin Repair

Here’s why it works:
Vaseline acts as an occlusive, meaning it locks in moisture and prevents water loss through the skin barrier (a process called transepidermal water loss).

When your skin stays hydrated overnight, it allows your natural healing process to work better — repairing dryness, dullness, and micro-tears caused by harsh products or weather.

Dermatologists often call this technique “slugging,” and it’s not just hype — it’s backed by science.

A 2020 study by the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that occlusive moisturizers can boost skin barrier recovery by up to 60% in just one week.

Vaseline is also non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog pores (contrary to popular belief).

So, that “greasy” feel? It’s actually your skin’s way of saying thank you for the hydration boost.

⚠️ Pros and Cons of Sleeping With Vaseline on Your Face

✅ Pros

• Deep hydration and softness overnight
• Smooth, glowing skin in days
• Reduces appearance of fine lines
• Protects skin barrier
• Super affordable — one jar can last months

❌ Cons

• Can feel greasy on the skin
• Not suitable for very oily or acne-prone skin
• Might stain pillowcases
• Can trap dirt if applied over unclean skin

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Try This

Best for:

• Dry or combination skin types
• People with dull, flaky, or irritated skin
• Those who use strong skincare actives (like retinol or acids) and want to prevent dryness

Avoid if:

• You have oily or acne-prone skin
• You sleep on your face and can’t stand the greasy texture
• You’re allergic to petroleum-based products

🌟 My Honest Verdict: Worth It or Not?

After seven nights, I can confidently say this:
Vaseline is a skincare miracle hiding in plain sight.

It didn’t just moisturize my face — it healed it. My skin felt stronger, more elastic, and far less sensitive to harsh weather or products.

Would I do it again? Absolutely.

But maybe not every night — more like 2–3 times a week as part of my self-care routine.

💬 Final Thoughts: The $3 Skincare Secret Nobody Talks About

Sometimes, the best skincare doesn’t come in fancy bottles.
It comes in a small blue jar your grandma probably used decades ago.

So before you spend $80 on a “hydrating overnight mask,” try Vaseline for a week.

You might just discover that glowing, glass-skin effect you’ve been chasing — for the price of a cup of coffee.

🔁 Your Turn

Have you ever tried sleeping with Vaseline on your face?
What was your experience — glow-up or greasy regret?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below 👇

And if you found this experiment helpful, share it with a friend who’s obsessed with skincare hacks — they’ll thank you later!