The Morning Shed: A Viral TikTok Trend
In a TikTok video that garnered over 2.6 million views, Kristina Dmytrenko removes layer after layer of beauty product from her face as part of a viral skincare trend known as the "morning shed." The trend, which gained traction on TikTok last summer, features content creators – typically young women – removing a variety of skincare products, like face masks, mouth tape, hair bonnets, and chin straps, to reveal glowing skin and flawless hair after a night’s sleep. Creators "shed" these products off in the morning – hence the name.
The Rise of Multi-Step Skincare Routines
The trend rides the wave of the prevalence of multi-step skincare routines, which have become increasingly popular over the past decade, especially among girls and young women. In these routines, several skincare products are used to cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, and tone the face. The result? Radiant skin – at least as far as content creators are concerned.
The idea, Dmytrenko and many other creators said, is "the uglier you go to sleep, the prettier you wake up." But not all agree.
Criticism from Beauty Experts
Beauty writer and critic Jessica DeFino said she finds the trend "really sad," feeling like it is a "real encroachment on the dream space, the relaxation space." To dive in, here’s why some people are taking part in the "morning shed" and why others wish to stay away.
Proponents of the "Morning Shed"
Dmytrenko, 28, said she began "morning shedding" after learning about the routine last year. "Seeing girls wake up with the most glowy skin made me want to give it a try," she said. "I decided to do the morning shed because lathering my face in products, then just going to sleep and letting the products work while I sleep seemed a lot more efficient that sitting around, waiting for the products to work while I was awake."
USA TODAY video producer Kendall Malinchock also has a morning shed routine. She said initially, she thought adding more products to a nightly skincare routine seemed silly, but once she saw the results, she was convinced.
Malinchock commits to a full morning shed two to three times a week, as it takes her about 20 minutes to put blowout rollers in her hair, secured with a silk bonnet; apply an overnight facemask and mouth tape; rub castor oil on her stomach; add a foot mask with fuzzy socks; and finally, put on a silk eye mask. "I truly view it as a way to destress and take a moment for myself to wind down from the long day," Malinchock said. "I find that this nighttime routine of prep actually helps my body’s internal clock know that it’s about time to go to sleep."
Opponents of the "Morning Shed"
DeFino, on the other hand, finds the "morning shed" to be a continuation of societal beauty standards placed on women and gender non-conforming people. "Not even when you’re asleep can you forget about all the societal pressures and meeting a particular standard of beauty," she said. "Even during this time when you’re not conscious, you have to take pains and precautions before you slip away into unconsciousness to make sure you’re maximizing and optimizing that time so that you wake up as beautiful as possible."
Common Products Used in the "Morning Shed"
Though a morning shed differs per person, there tend to be a few commonly used products:
- Face masks: Overnight face masks are applied to the face before bedtime and left on overnight to hydrate and nourish the skin.
- Mouth tape: Skin-safe tape that is placed over the mouth to prevent mouth breathing during sleep.
- Hair curlers and bonnets: Hair curlers are used to create curls or waves in the hair, while silk bonnets help to protect the hair from breakage and frizz.
- Eye masks: Silk eye masks block out light and help to reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.
- Chin straps: Stretchy straps that are placed over the entire head, fitting under and over the chin, around the ears, and over the top of the head, holding the jaw in place.
Concerns about the "Morning Shed"
Some experts have raised concerns about the potential negative effects of the "morning shed."
- Mouth tape: Mouth tape may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those who have breathing problems or sleep apnea.
- Chin straps: Chin straps may not be effective in preventing mouth breathing and may cause discomfort or pain.
- Overdoing it: DeFino warns against overdoing it with skincare products, as this can damage the skin barrier.
Recommendations for a Healthy Skincare Routine
For a healthy skincare routine, dermatologists recommend:
- Using a mild, soap-free cleanser with warm water.
- Avoiding over-cleansing.
- Moisturizing the skin regularly.
- Wearing sunscreen to protect the skin from damage.
The science of skin and sleep is "so incredible," DeFino said. When you’re sleeping, your skin goes out of defense mode. When you’re walking around all day, the skin is constantly bombarded with outside aggressors, whether that’s sunlight, pollution, just all of the things around us. "I’d even say our cosmetic chemicals are a part of that bombardment," she said. "When you go into bed, the skin enters into this regeneration mode. It takes time off from those defenses it’s had throughout the day and it really starts to regenerate, repair."
By following these recommendations, you can help maintain a healthy skin barrier and achieve a radiant complexion.
