Dermatologist Dr Noopur Jain has cautioned against blindly following the viral "morning shed" beauty trend, saying that excessive nighttime skincare routines can do more harm than good. The trend, popular on social media, involves layering multiple skincare products and accessories such as silk bonnets, mouth tape, under-eye patches and thick occlusive ointments before sleep, only to remove them the next morning in videos claiming to reveal healthier, glowing skin. According to Dr Jain, such routines often prioritise aesthetics over evidence-based skincare.

Speaking about the trend, Dr Jain explained that the skin naturally undergoes a repair process during sleep while also experiencing transepidermal water loss, making it more susceptible to dryness and irritation. She said an effective nighttime skincare routine should focus on strengthening the skin barrier rather than applying numerous products. Instead of quantity, she emphasised the importance of choosing suitable ingredients such as ceramides to repair the skin barrier, glycerin and hyaluronic acid for hydration, and retinoids used appropriately to promote skin renewal.

Dr Jain warned that using too many active ingredients simultaneously can overwhelm the skin, leading to inflammation, increased sensitivity and acne breakouts. She described this condition as "barrier fatigue," where the skin becomes over-treated and struggles to recover. In such cases, she recommended simplifying skincare by using only a gentle cleanser and a good moisturiser on certain nights to allow the skin barrier to heal naturally. She also noted that techniques like "slugging," which involve applying a thick layer of petroleum jelly or similar ointments, may not be suitable for everyone and can worsen acne or other skin conditions.

Also Read: Gastroenterologist Warns Skipping Breakfast May Affect Gallbladder Health

Beyond skincare products, Dr Jain highlighted the importance of lifestyle habits in maintaining healthy skin. She said adequate sleep plays a vital role in collagen production, reducing inflammation and repairing daily skin damage. In contrast, chronic sleep deprivation increases stress hormones, which may accelerate skin ageing. She stressed that healthy skin depends as much on overall well-being as it does on topical skincare.

The dermatologist also pointed to simple daily habits that can significantly improve skin health, including regularly changing pillowcases to prevent the buildup of sweat, oil, hair products and dead skin cells that may contribute to acne and irritation. Sleeping with the head slightly elevated can also help reduce morning puffiness. Dr Jain concluded that the best nighttime skincare routine is one that supports the skin's natural repair process, strengthens the skin barrier and minimises inflammation, rather than following complex beauty trends driven by social media.

Also Read: Running More Isn't Always Better: Experts Explain The Ideal Weekly Routine