A new trend has taken over TikTok, captivating users with its promise of flawless, radiant skin. Known as the “morning shed,” this trend involves a meticulous nighttime skincare routine that involves cleansers, creams, overnight masks, and even mouth tape and chin straps. Users meticulously document their nightly rituals, culminating in a dramatic reveal of their freshly-shed, dewy skin the next morning, resembling a glazed donut. While the aesthetic appeal is undeniable, experts warn that this trend may be more than meets the eye.
The “morning shed” trend taps into the desire to maximize our time even during sleep, aiming to wake up with work already done. While some aspects of the routine, like using a silk hair bonnet, are harmless, others present potential risks. Mouth taping, touted for its ability to aid snoring or slim the face, can lead to difficulty breathing and restricted oxygen flow. Additionally, the adhesive can irritate the skin.
Dermatologist Dr. Purvisha Patel acknowledges that occlusive products can contribute to dewy skin, but emphasizes that without expert guidance, the trend can be a “recipe for disaster.” Active ingredients in skincare products can become concentrated when trapped under an occlusive patch or balm, leading to breakouts or becoming diluted to the point of ineffectiveness. Licensed esthetician Sara Botta warns that many of these products should not be left on the skin longer than directed, as they can irritate the skin.
While a good nighttime skincare routine is essential, featuring retinoids, DNA repair products, and a moisturizer with scientifically proven ingredients, the morning shed trend takes it too far. It fuels a consumerist mindset, prioritizing the acquisition of a multitude of products over the actual well-being of the skin.
The beauty critic, Jessica Defino, attributes the rise of this trend to the merging of the beauty and wellness industries, focusing on maximizing sleep for optimal beauty results. The underlying belief is that since skin repairs and regenerates during sleep, using an array of products and gadgets like peel-off masks, patches, and firming wear overnight will amplify these processes.
Dr. Patel points out that the trend’s appeal stems from our fascination with the reveal, akin to the popularity of Dr. Pimple Popper videos. The gratification comes from witnessing the transformation hidden beneath layers of products.
Beyond the aesthetic appeal, the morning shed taps into a deeper societal obsession with achieving a healthier, more beautiful look through an endless array of products. Psychologist Dr. Emily Green warns that multi-step skincare routines can become compulsive, leading to anxiety and distress if individuals feel obligated to adhere to every step rigidly.
Ultimately, the morning shed promotes the notion that perfection is achievable only through strict adherence to a multi-product, multi-step routine, which can be unhealthy. This trend exemplifies the commodification of every aspect of our lives, even our sleep, perpetuating the belief that beauty is attainable solely through endless product consumption. It’s a testament to the beauty industry’s ability to prey on insecurities, convincing us that we are never enough and the answer lies in acquiring more products. The industry, poised to grow by 80 billion dollars this year, thrives on fueling this insatiable desire for beauty, further perpetuating the cycle of dissatisfaction and product dependency.
