For those passionate about skincare, a nighttime routine is a cherished ritual. It involves applying go-to products in a specific order to address skin concerns, and has expanded to include multiple steps for a more enjoyable experience. A current trend promises a radiant complexion using unconventional items like mouth tape and a chin strap.
Introducing the “morning shed.” Unlike the lengthy K-Beauty routine, the morning shed focuses on using products overnight to achieve a fresh face in the morning. Why has this trend gained popularity now? And does it really work?
Dr. Dhaval G. Bhanusali, a board-certified dermatologist, points out that the trend may be driven by the wellness movement, emphasizing self-care. But he also raises questions about certain steps within this routine. Let’s delve deeper to explore the legitimacy of this trend.
Meet the experts: Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Dhaval G. Bhanusali, a board-certified dermatologist, and Dr. Chloe Tsang, a board-certified dentist.
What is the morning shed? It involves using various products and items overnight to enhance skin health and appearance by the morning. These may include heatless curlers, mouth tape, a chin strap, an overnight sheet mask, and a castor oil stomach wrap. TikTok is filled with success stories, but do these steps truly work?
Experts weigh in on each step of the morning shed routine:
Heatless Curls: This method involves using rollers or cloth the night before to achieve curls in the morning without heat styling. It’s a low-risk technique, but avoid wrapping hair too tightly.
Mouth Tape: This technique involves wearing adhesive to keep the mouth closed during sleep, encouraging nasal breathing. The efficacy of this method is debatable.
By examining each step, we aim to uncover the effectiveness of the morning shed routine and its impact on skin health.
“Various benefits such as a decrease in cavities, enhanced sleep quality, and improved oxygenation to boost your overall health,” explains Chloe Tsang, DMD, a dentist certified by the board and practicing at Tend West Village. However, this plan may not be foolproof for individuals with underlying airway issues. Dr. Tsang suggests that those with severe nasal congestion or moderate to severe sleep apnea consult their physicians for more reliable solutions.
Overnight Masks
A quality overnight sheet mask can moisturize the skin by delivering nourishing ingredients and forming a protective barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss while we sleep, as explained by Dr. Engelman. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with dry skin, but most people can benefit as long as they select the appropriate mask type. Dr. Bhanusali concurs, stating that “Overnight sheet and sleep masks are generally safe to use,” but warns that leaving an unsuitable mask on for too long could lead to irritation or even chemical burns.
Chin Straps
Many aspire to achieve defined cheekbones like Bella Hadid, and TikTok has spread the notion that wearing a chin strap every night can help achieve this. However, Dr. Engelman states that there is no evidence to support the claim that chin straps aid in slimming or defining the jawline. While some doctors may recommend chin straps in specific sleep apnea treatments, they are typically used in conjunction with other therapies like CPAP machines. Dr. Bhanusali adds that chin straps may provide temporary benefits and will not alter the jaw structure.
Castor Oil Stomach Wraps
The concept of the morning shed extends beyond facial care, with many turning to castor oil to target unwanted belly fat and tone the stomach area. This Ayurvedic practice is believed to address constipation, promote bowel movements, and aid in detoxifying the body. However, Dr. Engelman points out that topical use of castor oil is not extensively researched and may not be suitable for all skin types as pure castor oil can be irritating and trigger allergic reactions. She advises conducting a patch test before using it overnight to check for adverse reactions.
Intrigued to try these methods, I embarked on a two-week journey to see if the morning shed would indeed make me “more beautiful.” However, I discovered that the morning shed requires dedication and effort. I opted for the Juskaa V-Line Lift Mask chin strap and omitted the castor oil stomach wrap and heatless curls.
