The viral morning shed routine explained

How far would you go for luminous, glass-like skin? For many beauty enthusiasts, the answer is: As far as it takes. In a digital age where skincare has become both ritual and performance, the pursuit of perfection has evolved into a nightly spectacle. TikTok feeds are filled with faces wrapped in balms, masks, and face tapes. Since 2024, one trend has refused to fade from the algorithm — and in 2025, it’s still dominating, sparking fascination, confusion and even a little controversy: the morning shed routine.

What is a morning shed routine?

At its core, the morning shed routine is exactly what it sounds like: waking up and “shedding” layers of product, face gear and accessories applied the night before. Think of it as a cocoon-to-butterfly transformation. The process typically starts the night before with an intensive cocktail of skincare: hydrating serums, slugging balms, sheet or overnight masks and targeted patches for the eyes, forehead, or smile lines. But it doesn’t stop there. Beauty enthusiasts add protective gear to keep that overnight beauty work intact— silk bonnets to protect hair, chin straps to contour the jawline, mouth guards or mouth tape to assist with nasal breathing during sleep, and in some cases even compression wraps. Some enthusiasts even incorporate body treatments, like as castor oil wraps on the abdomen, moisturising gloves for hands, or special socks for feet. By morning, these layers are removed to reveal tighter, plumper, dewier skin.

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Does the V-face sculpting mask really work for a snatched jawline?

@victoriasamson morning shred routine 💗🫧 #morningshed #skincare #skincareroutine PRODUCTS USED: ✨ @네시픽 Nacific Official @LUSH @terez.honor @Sacheu ♬ original sound - victoria samson

Why it works(and why it might not)

Some elements of the morning shed routine have dermatologist-approved benefits, which explains why so many people swear by it. Overnight hydration — whether through a nourishing cream, sleeping mask or hyaluronic acid serum — can plump the skin and temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines. Silk bonnets and pillowcases protect hair from friction, preventing breakage and frizz, and certain forms of skin occlusion — like slugging with a thin layer of petroleum jelly or balm — help lock in moisture overnight, especially in drier climates. However, there are some cons that experts have flagged. Over-layering occlusive products can not only trap hydration, but also bacteria, dirt and dead skin cells — which leads to clogged pores and breakouts, particularly for oily or acne-prone skin. While jawline chin straps and compression wraps can give the illusion of a more sculpted face by morning, dermatologists warn that overly tight pressure can cause skin irritation, disrupt circulation and even promote sagging skin over time.

@pinknews What is the morning shed trend on TikTok? And why are experts not sold on it? Essentially, the morning shed trend shows people removing all the elements from their intensive overnight beauty routines, which involves processes like coating your face in a sheet mask, taping your mouth shut, bonding your jaws, and wrapping your stomach in castor oil packs. Participants of this trend claim that this prevents signs of ageing, gives you a snatched jawline and body, and glass skin. The movement already has over 70M views on TikTok. So what does the routine consist of, and does it actually work? Castor oil packing is one of the latest obsessions in the holistic wellness world, and the practice is claimed to detox the liver, or help with slimming. But experts disagree. According to an article by Cleveland Clinic, “There is absolutely no scientific proof that these practices have any benefits whatsoever,” “There’s just no catchall remedy that can ‘detox’ your body.” Applying castor oil to the skin can also cause rashes, skin irritation and other allergic reactions. Other parts of the trend involve more harmless elements like wearing silk bonnets and sleeping masks (which can be beneficial), or heatless curls. The more controversial element used involves mouth tape. It is believed to help with sleep quality and snoring, sleep apnea and allergies. Others claim it gives you a sharper jawline, which has been debunked by a few experts. While breathing through your nose has many reported benefits, some professionals suggest that studies on the known benefits of mouth tape have been inconclusive so far. Other experts report that it can cause skin irritation and limit oxygen flow. So far, studies show little evidence of chin and jaw straps working over a short period of time. Last but not least, covering your face in a sheet mask overnight is also part of this routine. While there is evidence of different sheet masks working for different skin types, they can also irritate your skin. There is no need to keep it on for a prolonged period of time, and in fact that can cause damage as many are recommended to be only worn for 10-20 mins - especially if you are overexposing your skin to ingredients such as retinol. Sleep discomfort aside, it is important to recognize the emotional impact that the trend can have, and its reminder of the internet's constant pursuit for beauty and unattainable perfection. There is nothing wrong with participating in beauty trends, but it is crucial to make sure it doesn't come as a detriment to your physical and mental health. #morningshed #beauty #trend #tiktoktrend #skincare ♬ original sound - PinkNews 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

5 dermatologist-approved alternatives for a safer glow

Limit your layers

Instead of piling on five different serums, focus on one or two targeted actives — like a retinol or a peptide serum paired with a hydrating cream.

Use a breathable face wrap

If you love the idea of using a face wrap for a snatched jaw, use a gentle, breathable fabric that won’t dig into your skin.

Mask with intention

Use eye or forehead patches two to three times a week rather than nightly to prevent skin sensitivity.

Know your skin type

Thick moisturisers show few problems for drier skin types — but if you have acne-prone or oily skin, opt for lighter gel creams over thick balms, non-comodogenic moisturisers and water-based cleansers.

Prioritise SPF

The morning shed routine might prep your skin for makeup, but sun protection is still the most effective anti-ageing step.

@._taramd Here’s a simple night time skin care routine from a dermatologist. As always keep it simple… ✨ #dermatologist #dermtok #skincare #skincareroutine ♬ original sound - taraMD | skin doc 👩🏿‍⚕️

Potential benefits

It saves time

By preparing hair and skin overnight, many individuals claim they can cut their morning routines in half or even eliminate them entirely. Face treatments applied overnight mean you wake up with skin that’s already prepped, hydrated and ready for makeup — or even good to go bare-faced.

Skin and hair improvements

When used correctly, some products can deliver effective results. Overnight moisturisers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid can improve skin hydration by working throughout the night when the skin naturally repairs itself. Overnight leave-in hair treatments may penetrate more deeply than quick wash-out conditioners, which could also improve hair texture and strength over time.

Self-care and mental health

Beyond the outer beauty benefits, the morning shed also has some proven effects on mental wellness. For example, the routine creates a structured wind-down period that signals to the body it’s time for rest, which could potentially improve sleep quality — which is a huge contributor to your mood.

@aamnaadel Skin & haircare tips I’m taking into 2025 🎀✨🧖🏾‍♀️ #dermatologist #dradel #skintok #skincare #skincareroutine #skincareproducts #ledmask #glowyskin #glassskin #kbeauty #foryou #fyp #CapCut ♬ Seasons - Sam Austins

You can achieve the glow of the morning shed routine without turning bedtime into a beauty boot camp. Instead of the complicated routines you might see on social media, experts recommend prioritising quality sleep and gradually introducing overnight products one at a time. A more balanced approach includes a few well-chosen products that address your specific skincare needs (and won’t disrupt your sleep) and remembering that sleep quality affects skin appearance more than most products.

skincare routine