Should You Really Try TikTok’s Morning Shed Routine?

TikTok has delivered some entertaining and occasionally helpful beauty trends from slugging to skin cycling. But the latest trend flooding your For You Page might have you questioning your morning routine: the “morning shed.”

Videos tagged with this trend show creators peeling off eye masks, lifting heatless curlers, and unwrapping their faces from elaborate overnight rituals, all in pursuit of waking up looking airbrushed and radiant. But is this intense, time-consuming bedtime routine really doing anything for your skin or is it just for show?

We asked dermatologists to weigh in, and the answer is clear: more isn’t always better when it comes to skincare.

What Is the Morning Shed, Exactly?

Despite what the name might suggest, the “morning shed” has nothing to do with exfoliating skin cells. Instead, it refers to a ritual where layers of skincare and beauty treatments are applied before bed, only to be “shed” in the morning for a satisfying transformation reveal.

Think retinol serums under hydrating masks, vitamin C treatments wrapped beneath chin straps, and mouth tape paired with eye patches. Add in heatless curlers and a silk bonnet, and you're sleeping in a full face of intention.

According to Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, the goal is to wake up with smoother, plumper, glowier skin though the results may be more superficial than scientific.

Do You Need to Do It? Not Really

While it may look luxurious, experts say the benefits are often exaggerated and the risks overlooked. “You can achieve healthier skin with just one or two targeted products each night,” says Dr. Hartman. Layering too many treatments especially those with active ingredients like retinol or AHAs can actually backfire, leading to irritation and ineffective absorption.

Dr. Robyn Gmyrek, another board-certified dermatologist, notes that the skin’s natural barrier is designed to regulate what enters and exits. Piling on too many products can disrupt this barrier, causing:

• Irritation from over-exfoliation or too many active ingredients

• Dryness due to moisture loss or improper product use

• Breakouts from heavy or comedogenic layers

• Sleep disruption from uncomfortable materials or overwhelming scents

• Wasted money on products that cancel each other out when improperly combined

Plus, there’s little evidence that overnight jaw straps or mouth tape provide real skin benefits and in some cases, they can even pose risks to circulation or breathing.

A Smarter, Simpler Skincare Approach

If your goal is to wake up looking refreshed, dermatologists suggest keeping your routine minimal but effective. Focus on:

• One active treatment at night, like retinol or niacinamide

• A moisturizer with ceramides or hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration

• A gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning (and reapply!)

Dr. Gmyrek recommends using multi-tasking products formulated to work together, rather than stacking separate serums that might clash. For example, products like CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream or Cetaphil Healthy Renew Night Cream pack ceramides, peptides, and calming ingredients into one formula no layering required.

If you're looking to boost skin barrier health, prioritize ingredients like:

• Ceramides and niacinamide to soothe and restore

• Glycerin and colloidal oatmeal to hydrate and calm

• Jojoba, argan, or almond oil to nourish and protect

• Lactic acid for gentle exfoliation and ceramide production support

Beyond the Products: Lifestyle Matters

True skin health isn’t just about what you put on your face. It’s also about what’s going on inside. Experts recommend:

• Eating antioxidant-rich foods like leafy greens and berries

• Staying hydrated and limiting alcohol and sugar

• Prioritizing sleep and managing stress

• Sticking to a consistent routine (no need to change it every week)

“Trendy routines might look fun online, but good skin comes from consistency, not complexity,” says Dr. Hartman.

The Bottom Line

The morning shed may be fun to watch but when it comes to skincare, more layers don’t always mean better results. Instead of overloading your nighttime routine, choose a few targeted, dermatologist-approved products that support your skin’s needs. A strong barrier, hydrated complexion, and consistent sleep will do more for your glow than any viral reveal ever could.

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