One of the latest trends to go viral among teenage girls and young women is The Morning Shed
While the name might suggest some kind of deep exfoliation routine, the reality is quite different – and, according to experts, potentially problematic.
Irish dermatologist Professor Caitriona Ryan weighed in on the trend and explained: “I initially thought it was something to do with shedding your skin like a chemical peel, but for those of you not in the know, it’s actually shedding off all the layers of sheet masks, occlusives, chin straps, things to hold up eyebrows – basically, mummification. Like mummy’s going to bed at night, all to get that dewy skin look in the morning.”
The premise of The Morning Shed is simple: the more layers of skincare and facial contraptions you apply before bed, the better your skin will look in the morning.
Some believe that piling on overnight sheet masks, lifting tapes, and adhesive strips will prevent sagging, lock in moisture, and help maintain youthful skin.
However, Professor Ryan is warning that not only is this unnecessary and a big waste of time, but it could also be harmful.
“You’re not losing your collagen until your mid-20s or so,” she explained. “So there’s no need to prevent things like chin or jaw sag, and the adhesives can do damage to the skin.
“Sheet masks overnight – if they’re not the right type – can also draw moisture out of the skin.”
Rather than spending time and money on elaborate nighttime routines, Professor Ryan said people should focus on a simple, effective skincare regimen based on repair and hydration.
“Nighttime is the most important time to sleep,” she says. “Our beauty sleep is when we regenerate our skin cells and repair our skin in the best way possible.
“Studies have shown that the more you sleep, the better your skin looks.”
As for products, she recommends sticking to essentials like retinol for skin renewal, ceramides to repair the skin barrier, and hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and antioxidants.
There’s also no need to break the bank – brands like CeraVe and Cetaphil offer excellent options.
Her final piece of advice was that “this is all unnecessary and a huge waste of time.”
So remember to find and stick to a simple routine that is going to be much more beneficial in the long run – and will save you endless time.
