The Moment I Wake Up…
You’ve probably got your makeup routine, shower routine, and just a typical morning routine… But before your day even begins, you might have a pretty thorough morning shed to take part in.
Whether the phenomenon of a ‘morning shed’ as the latest beauty trend is news to you, it’s important that we define our terms. The ‘morning shed’ is a modern rendition of the countless beauty practices employed overnight to prep and prime for a day of clear skin and great hair.
It takes beauty sleep to a whole new level, incorporating various tools and ingredients to make the most of our slumber.
History of "The Shed"
This age-old concept garnered traction on TikTok, of course, where creators began posting videos of themselves removing—or ‘shedding’—the various skin-care and hair-care products they donned the night before. Elements such as lip tints, sheet masks, under-eye masks, teeth whitening strips, and hair curlers get peeled away, revealing a glowing face and perfectly styled locks.
While the ‘morning shed’ isn’t a novel exercise by any means, it’s found its way back into the mainstream, and it’s got everyone talking. In the social media discourse, there are many opinions to be had…
Some complain that the trend perpetuates harmful expectations for people, usually women, to uphold rigid beauty standards. Others argue that the trend is an exaggeration of these expectations, acting more as satire than propaganda.
Devon Kelley, one of the creators attributed to coining the term “Morning Shed,” shared that her routine has nothing to do with appearance but was actually founded on a desire to improve her sleep hygiene.
Is This Really Necessary?
Despite the aesthetic appeal of ‘shedding’ your way into the day, it’s worth asking: Is this trend even rooted in skincare science or just social media theatrics? While layering on products overnight can feel luxurious, more isn’t always better.
In fact, our very own Dr. Neha Goyal from MD Beauty Clinic sat down with the writers over at Elle Magazine and shared that the ‘morning shed’ isn’t all that it seems. While some steps may promote improvement in overall appearance, other parts of the routine might do more harm than good. Using products from trusted manufacturers and following instructions is essential, she argues.
Many of the viral videos also feature multiple steps and products that aren’t necessarily compatible with one another. Using a sheet mask designed for a short period of time, overnight, can actually counteract its intended effects, damaging the skin barrier, Dr. Goyal shares. Many experts advise being critical and thoughtful about the products you’re using and how you’re using them.
Stripping Down Our Beauty Sleep
Devon Kelley’s original point about sleep hygiene is one worth revisiting because that’s something we could all benefit from, even without the peel-off mask reveal. On its own, sleep reinforces our healing and recovery, which in turn promotes a better appearance overall. It’s worth the time to explore how we can maximize our ‘beauty sleep,’ in and of itself.
Sleep hygiene refers to the habits and environmental factors that contribute to quality rest, and improving it doesn’t have to involve a dozen beauty tools. Here are a few practical ways to maintain effective sleep hygiene:
- Keep a consistent sleep schedule. Your skin and body love a routine, and going to bed and waking up at the same time each day can help regulate everything from hormone levels to hydration.
- Simplify your nighttime skincare. Focus on quality over quantity—cleanse thoroughly, moisturize adequately, and add one or two targeted treatments like a quality retinol or resurfacing serum, depending on your skin’s needs.
- Silk pillowcases and hair wraps... work. These are gentle on both skin and hair and can help maintain moisture and minimize friction overnight. This is certainly not a necessity by any means, but something to consider if you're committed to upgrading your beauty efforts.
- Limit screen time before bed. Blue light can disrupt melatonin production, so give yourself at least 30 minutes screen-free before sleep to help your brain wind down.
These small, evidence-backed adjustments can lead to better sleep and, by extension, healthier skin and hair, without the morning spectacle.
Real Self-Care
At its core, the ‘morning shed’ is just another example of how beauty culture evolves in tandem with the internet. It’s fun, performative, and often well-intentioned—but like most trends, it deserves a healthy dose of scrutiny. True self-care isn’t about how complex your morning routine looks on camera; it’s about how well it supports your well-being behind the scenes.
If your eye masks and heatless curlers make you feel fabulous, then power to you! But remember: shedding your beauty products in the morning shouldn’t be a ritual of validation—it should be a result of doing what feels right for your body and your mind.
Sleep tight, glow getter <3