The Morning Shed: Fantastic or Fad?

The morning shed is a viral Tik Tok trend promising amazing results with an over the top night time treatment. Is it worth it?

My first reaction to this trend is "why?" Why is there another push to make skincare unappealing and complicated? The thought behind this trend seems to be that because the skin does a lot of healing, repairing, and regenerating while we sleep that it must be better to use products and gadgets like peel off masks, patches and firming wear overnight. I think it is a quick and somewhat comical way to go viral, so it's really caught on fire.

Everyone is looking for the next quick fix, when the tried-and-true skincare advice is what is truly going to help create and maintain healthy, radiant skin. The idea that these extreme skin trends are necessary just feeds into the culture for the need for perfection and that aging is something we need to fight at any cost, even at the cost of our comfort and a good night's sleep.

From what I have seen, many of these products are actually being misused. Many of these products should not be left on the skin past the time directed and can end up irritating the skin. Masks and patches that dry on the skin and peel off can end up causing more damage especially if left on too long. It is important to have a good nighttime routine, but things like retinoids and DNA repair products, as well as a great night moisturizer with scientifically proven ingredients will be much more pleasant and beneficial to your skin.

I am a believer in the less can be best approach to skincare. I think a good routine is important, again with products and ingredients that are clinically proven. I see so many clients who are over stimulating their skin, especially those in their teens and 20's. This is going to have very detrimental effects on the barrier of the skin and ultimately the health and longevity of the skin which is the exact opposite of the goals these types of trends are supposed to represent.

Check out my contribution to this article on Vogue.com

https://www.vogue.com/article/the-morning-shed