Have you ever seen a reptile shed its scaly skin and said “wow, I wish I could do that?” No? Well same here, but now it seems that face shedding has taken over the internet. Luckily, people are not losing their actual skin and leaving behind a shell of themselves. Instead, they are applying copious amounts of beauty products (creams, serums, exfoliants, and more) and sealing it all in with a variety of coverings. Participants will even go as far as wearing a silicone lip mask or even a mouth tape. Even though they probably had the most uncomfortable sleep of their lives, they “shed” it all the next morning and claim they feel refreshed and rejuvenated. I think this is overkill, but who knows, maybe lizards are up to something.
Skincare is not a new trend
Skincare has been all the rage since 2020 when all we could do was surf the web looking for things to try in the safety of our own homes. But skincare has actually been around for centuries. The earliest evidence of face cosmetics dates back 6000 years when Egyptians used homemade concoctions to protect themselves from the sun and ward off pesky insects. More recently, in the industry boomed with products to conceal blemishes or discolouration made from recipes passed down generationally. Times have not evolved very much in that respect. People will stop at nothing to achieve porcelain skin. They are willing to try slugging (covering your entire face with a thick layer of petroleum jelly), microneedling, electric stimulation, acid face peels and now, face shedding.
What do the face shedders wear to bed?
Face shedding is relatively new and has taken over TikTok and Reels pages. Many devotees take it so far that you cannot see a sliver of their actual skin before they go to bed. Usually they sport undereye masks, nose pore strips, chin straps, full sheet masks, mouth tape and silicone lip masks. And let’s not forget the heatless curlers and castor oil stomach wraps, but for now let’s just focus on the face. The motto of the trend is that “the uglier you go to bed the prettier you wake up.” I do find this catchy, but very unlikely. Many people use one or more of these methods in moderation, but the question is whether going all out overnight makes for better results? Doubtful.
Is longer better?
When it comes to sheet masks this is . Sheet masks are thin, face-shaped fabrics that are soaked in some sort of solution that is supposed to deliver skincare benefits. Extended use can actually result in the mask drying out, triggering a reuptake of the serum and moisture from the face into the fabric. So instead of providing moisture, the mask dries the face out. An alternative is to forget the mask and just apply a thick layer of moisturizer.
Can too much layering be harmful?
Yes. Just as sleep is a time for the body and mind to rest, it is also time for the skin to rest and recover from the day. While you sleep, it is time for your skin to breathe and by strapping and covering your pores with products and masks, you are .
When it comes to skin care, less is actually more. Applying different serums can cause skin irritation and sensitivity due to interactions between. Your skin is an organ and can only handle so much, so overwhelming it does more harm than good. For example, Dr. Hasan Bena, dermatologist and aesthetician, suggests that (like the popular hyaluronic acid) can dry out skin. So before doing anything, consult a dermatologist! And as mentioned, the layers, make sleep undoubtedly uncomfortable, which can take a toll on everyday functioning. Is it worth it? Definitely not.
What about the results?
I won’t deny that Tik Tok videos show some pretty appealing skin results. After shedding, people’s faces look dewy and moisturized. This is most likely due to product residue left on the skin, so I wouldn’t bank on the videos as a testament to what will happen if you try it shedding. It is also important to realize that results won’t be immediate, and it would take a few times to actually experience long-lasting effects. This would be a big commitment that will likely cost more than the results are worth. Most of these products are single use, so every night you end up opening a new package of silicone and sheet masks, lip tape, and all other layers just to throw them out in the morning. Without considering environmental concerns, it just seems like overconsumption.
Is it all bad?
I’ll admit, I am still skeptical of the effectiveness of the technique, but for some people, face shedding is more of a calming ritual. Most people lead very busy lives and don’t have much time for self-care. Face shedding allows people to do their skincare routines while they sleep and perhaps if they believe it works, it may have some positive effect on their appearance. Placebo is a very powerful factor in most products that claim to provide a positive effect. I think that whatever makes people feel good in their skin, as long as it is not harmful to them or others, should be celebrated. Once again, not for its efficacy, but for the confidence and peace it brings people.
Angelina Lapalme is a BSc student majoring in Bio-Organic Chemistry at 51łÔąĎÍř.Â
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