The Morning Shed Routine: A Trend That Undermines Self-Love in the Name of Beauty

In an era where social media dictates beauty standards at an exhausting pace, new trends emerge constantly, promising the latest shortcut to perfection. While some embrace these routines as a form of self-expression, others recognize the deeper implications of trends that push an excessive pursuit of beauty. The latest viral sensation, known as the morning shed routine, is a prime example of how social media repackages old pressures in modern, glamorous packaging. Despite the illusion of self-care, this trend echoes the rigid beauty expectations of the past, subtly reinforcing the idea that a woman’s worth is tied to her appearance.

Historically, women have been subjected to impossible beauty standards, often expected to maintain a flawless exterior at all times. In decades past, this was largely for the benefit of their husbands, a notion that now feels outdated in 2025. However, the rise of the morning shed routine suggests that society hasn’t entirely moved past these ideals. This elaborate regimen involves applying a long list of beauty products before bed, only to "shed" them in the morning, with the promise of waking up looking effortlessly refreshed. The routine often includes silk hair wraps, mouth tape, under-eye masks, anti-wrinkle patches, face tape, multiple layers of moisturizer, and even a chin strap. It’s marketed as a way to maximize beauty while sleeping, but at its core, it raises concerns about how far people are willing to go to conform to unrealistic expectations.

At first, the extremity of this trend made it seem almost satirical, reminiscent of exaggerated beauty routines seen in film and television. For those familiar with Euphoria, it draws parallels to Cassie Howard’s infamous 4 a.m. self-care ritual, an exhausting, multi-step process driven by her desperation to be noticed. At the time, audiences collectively recognized her behavior as obsessive and unhealthy. Yet now, when real people are engaging in similar practices on social media, these extreme routines are being reframed as aspirational rather than cautionary. What once seemed like a fictional warning has now become a reality, fueled by influencer culture and an industry that profits from insecurity.

The impact of this trend extends beyond the physical effort involved. According to experts, the real concern lies in the psychological toll it can take, especially when it promotes the idea that beauty requires relentless maintenance. When self-care turns into a rigid, time-consuming process dependent on expensive products, it creates a sense of inadequacy for those who can’t afford or sustain such routines. The commercialization of beauty reinforces the belief that improvement can be bought, making it seem as though natural beauty is never enough without constant enhancement. The underlying message is clear—looking effortlessly perfect still requires effort, and failing to meet these standards can leave people feeling as though they’ve fallen short.

Mental health experts caution against trends that encourage unattainable ideals, as they can lead to long-term emotional consequences. The pressure to adhere to extensive beauty regimens can contribute to low self-esteem, anxiety, and even depression, particularly for those who internalize the idea that their worth is tied to their appearance. The line between self-care and self-criticism becomes increasingly blurred, making it crucial to evaluate the motivations behind these practices. When beauty routines stem from genuine enjoyment and personal choice, they can be empowering. However, when driven by a fear of falling short of societal expectations, they risk reinforcing a cycle of dissatisfaction.

To counteract the negative effects of these trends, experts recommend taking a more intentional approach to social media consumption. Curating an online space that celebrates diverse and authentic representations of beauty can help dismantle unrealistic standards. Developing media literacy is equally important, as recognizing how content is staged, edited, or sponsored makes it easier to separate reality from illusion. Above all, self-compassion remains one of the most effective tools in resisting harmful beauty pressures. Speaking to oneself with kindness and focusing on what the body does rather than how it looks can foster a healthier relationship with self-image.

While social media continues to redefine beauty culture, not all trends should be embraced without question. The morning shed routine, despite its surface-level appeal, serves as a reminder of how beauty standards remain deeply entrenched in society. Rather than striving for perfection through exhausting rituals, true self-care should be about acceptance, balance, and finding value beyond appearance.