Why is the "Morning Shed" so popular?

In the world of beauty and wellness, routines are everything. One trend that’s taken social media and skincare enthusiasts by storm is the “Morning Shed” routine. Essentially waking up quote-on-quote "ugly" to start the day pretty?
Let's break down the basics of what the Morning Shed is, why it resonates with so many people, and maybe, just maybe, how you can incorporate it into your own self-care regimen.
What Is the "Morning Shed" Routine?
The "Morning Shed" is a skincare and wellness ritual designed to help you “shed” dead skin cells, stress, and negative energy first thing in the morning. It typically involves a combination of gentle exfoliation, hydrating skincare, and mindful practices like meditation or journaling. The goal is to start your day feeling refreshed, glowing, and mentally clear. This routine emphasizes simplicity, focusing on a few effective steps that make a big impact.
But, this viral shed has turned into more than just a morning skincare routine and journaling session. Many have taken to hair bonnets, chin wraps, and full-on collagen masks (among other things), applying these the night before. Essentially going to bed and waking up "ugly" to shed your products, bonnets, and chin straps to start the day snatched and beautiful.

Why is the Morning Shed routine so popular?
When the trend first kicked off, it presented many benefits:
Instant Glow and Results: One of the main reasons for its popularity is the immediate, visible difference it makes to your skin. A quick exfoliation and hydration can transform dull, tired skin into a radiant canvas, making it a favorite among beauty enthusiasts who want a fast yet effective morning ritual.
Mental and Emotional Morning Reset: Beyond skincare, the Morning Shed promotes mental clarity by encouraging practices like journaling or meditation. This holistic approach appeals to those looking to start their day with a positive mindset and reduced stress.
Social Media Influence: Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have played a significant role in popularizing the Morning Shed routine. Influencers and skincare experts regularly share their versions of the routine, complete with product recommendations and glowing before-and-after shots, making it easy for followers to adopt.
Customizable and Accessible: Unlike complex 10-step routines, the Morning Shed is highly customizable. Whether you have 5 minutes or 30, you can adapt it to suit your time, skin type, and budget. This flexibility makes it appealing to busy professionals, students, and skincare minimalists alike.
Now, with its complex 20-step morning routine, the Morning Shed seems overviralized and is taking a lot of skepticism for the slogan "go to bed ugly to wake up beautiful".
There are many truths to the complete "shedding" as it is now referred to.
The collagen (and other) masks were not designed for all-night wear. In fact, those masks will completely dissolve and settle into the skin within a matter of minutes to hours.
Can you sleep completely still, and on your back all night? The complete application of all the products -- chin traps, bonnets, collagen dissolving masks, etc. -- presents unrealistic sleep expectations. It is unlikely one is able to sleep perfectly still for the entire night, on their back. Many are more likely to move around at night.
All the skin care on your face gets onto your pillow, creating a hygiene situation.
The truth is, the morning routine doesn't need to include a full-on "shedding" of the things you applied the night before. A morning routine can be simple, relaxing, and mindful. Why start the day stressed about "shedding" the things you put on the night before?
So, how can we get back to the basics, and create your own, simplified, morning routine?

Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser to remove oil and impurities.
Exfoliate: Opt for a mild exfoliant to slough off dead skin cells without stripping moisture.
Hydrate: Apply a hydrating serum or moisturizer to lock in moisture.
Mindfulness: Spend five minutes meditating or jotting down positive affirmations.
Create a Morning Shed routine that blends skincare and mindfulness, while reducing the complexity and stressfulness of what the Morning Shed has become. Create a fresh start to your day with a flexible and promising inner and outer glow. Let your Morning Shed be a simple process to start the day emotionally and mentally.
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