Dr. Daniel Gould Weighs In on TikTok’s “Morning Shed” Beauty Trend with POPSUGAR

Beverly Hills plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Daniel Gould was featured in POPSUGAR in an expert examination of TikTok’s viral “morning shed” trend. The trend involves layering skincare treatments and beauty devices before bed, then removing or “shedding” them in the morning in pursuit of better skin, hair, and facial definition.

The routines circulating on social media can include everything from hydrating serums and overnight masks to eye patches, heatless curlers, mouth tape, and facial compression devices. While some elements may have a place in a thoughtful nighttime routine, the article examines whether the increasingly elaborate trend actually delivers the benefits users expect.

For Dr. Gould, one of the most effective nighttime skincare steps is also considerably simpler. He pointed to vitamin A-based products, including retinol and prescription Retin-A, as an evidence-supported approach to improving skin quality over time. Rather than layering numerous products simply because they are trending, the focus remains on selecting ingredients with a meaningful role in skin health.

Dr. Gould also addressed one of the more unusual components of the trend: chin straps and so-called “jaw bras.” These devices are promoted online as a way to tighten or reshape the face while sleeping, but Dr. Gould explained that they do not create lasting changes to facial structure. Any apparent reshaping from physical compression is temporary rather than a long-term anatomical change.

His explanation also highlights the limitations of trying to manipulate facial shape through external pressure. Facial appearance is influenced by complex factors including bone structure, soft tissue, skin, fat, and the natural aging process. A temporary compression device cannot meaningfully reposition these structures or counteract the anatomical factors responsible for facial shape and aging.

The larger takeaway from the trend is that more steps do not necessarily create better results. Certain elements, such as appropriate moisturization and evidence-based active ingredients, can contribute to skin quality, but elaborate routines and viral devices should still be evaluated according to the science supporting their claims.

The POPSUGAR feature offers a science-driven perspective on one of TikTok’s biggest beauty trends, with Dr. Gould reinforcing the value of proven skincare ingredients while separating temporary beauty effects from treatments capable of creating meaningful, lasting change.