What is ‘morning verse’? Gen Z is giving up sex to wake up ‘hot’

Experts have weighed in on a new Gen Z beauty trend that’s so widespread it often sees those taking part in it skipping sex in order to look “hot”.

“The Morning Shed” is a new social media phenomenon where Gen Z skincare enthusiasts indulge in detailed bedtime routines to ensure they wake up looking their best.

It often involves participants completing a lengthy skin care regimen along with a variety of beauty products, such as hair rollers, mouth guards, and chin straps.

But while there are currently thousands of videos showing the elaborate “morning shower” routines of TikTok’s most loyal devotees, a string of Australian experts have warned that “more is not always better when it comes to skincare”.

“The effectiveness of skincare practices can vary greatly depending on individual needs and skin types,” Katy Bacon, director of education and Murad skin therapist, told The Beauty Diary for news.com.au.

“It’s important to recognize that the skincare requirements of someone in their 20s differ significantly from those of someone in their 50s.

“While it may seem tempting to adopt the latest TikTok trends, many of these practices often lack scientific evidence to support their efficacy and may be driven more by marketing than real results.â€

This message was echoed by Melbourne skin clinician James Vivian, who urged caution with techniques and methods that have not been clinically tested.

“While some skin care and self-care practices are steeped in clinical data and proven history, many of the steps and processes that can beautify a ‘breakfast hut’ have yet to be vet-verified and may actually be bit of a waste of time,” he said.

“I’m not afraid of the acronym ‘KISS,’ which means ‘keep it simple, stupid.'” Skin care routines, I believe, should be simple and contain only ingredients and steps that our skin really needs.

Trust ingredients like exfoliants, vitamin A, antioxidants, peptides, and don’t forget essential steps like cleansing, moisturizing and, of course, SPF during the day.

Another problem that Vivian and Bacon point out can arise from a long morning routine is a problem with sleep.

“There can be disruption of sleep due to discomfort, as well as the cost of time that would otherwise be spent sleeping,” Vivian said.

“Sleep is such an important part of skin and body repair and regeneration. Do you want to look older than you are? Sleeping less will help you get there.â€

Oral tape and acne scars, as I often see in the clinic, can lead to skin peeling causing scarring and also peri-oral dermatitis.

Bacon shared similar concerns, warning that while the idea behind the “morning pour” trend is that sacrificing short-term comfort — like pampering or romance — leads to long-term brilliance, it may not be worth the gamble.

“The mantra is, ‘If I go to bed uglier, I’ll wake up hotter,’ but skincare shouldn’t come at the expense of comfort,” she urged.

It’s essential to focus on quality over quantity and choose products and routines that are backed by scientific research and tailored to your skin’s unique needs.

“Working with a qualified skin care expert can help you navigate the multitude of trends and find the most effective solutions to achieve healthy, radiant skin.

However, some dedicated Gen Zers have declared that they are prepared to forgo intimate moments in favor of their skin care routines.

“My boyfriend gets really upset with me,” a 24-year-old named Daisy, who called her routine “non-negotiable,” told Dazed.

“By the time I’m done, my boyfriend is asleep and no more cuddles.

“He often brings it in the morning and we sometimes have arguments about it.â€

Even if the new couple get it, Daisy admits she’ll “run to the bathroom and spend at least 20 minutes double-cleansing my face and applying my serums and moisturizer.”

Melbourne pharmaceutical scientist and author of Your Best Skin, Hannah English, warned the trend contained messages that were “quite damaging to young women”.

The “morning trap” is about “going to bed ugly” so you can “wake up hot” and involves sleeping in various shocking-looking gadgets and products that have supposed beauty results. she told Beauty Journal.

“The ‘shedding’ part is when you wake up, take it all off, and go from looking scary to stunning. Supposedly. Because even when you’re sleeping, you’ve got to get hotter, right? And you can buy everything from a storefront Amazon near you.â€

She pointed out that some of the videos, which are titled “how to get hotter while you sleep” suggest that you should “optimize all your time, even your time off, in pursuit of beauty.” “It’s quite damaging for young women,” said English, who recently formulated 3 new barrier repair products with TBH Skincare.

“I think a heatless curler or silk hood for your hair is relatively normal – it protects your hair from tangling at night and avoids excessive heat styling. An eye mask to create extra darkness and help you sleep if you are a light sleeper is also very normal, as is washing your face and applying serums and moisturisers.

“Even lip stains are reasonable, but where we start to cross the line is an overnight sheet mask, which is futile, slippery, and will wash off anyway.

“There is no evidence to support a mouth band and a chin strap. It will not reduce a double chin. If it could, no one would have a double chin and plastic surgeons would cross that problem off their lists of things to treat in patients.

Instead, English, Vivian and Bacon all said that those who want to maximize the results of their skincare and beauty treatments can do so by focusing on high-quality products formulated with tailored effective ingredients. for your skin type and concerns.

Bacon said: “An effective routine can be simplified into a few key steps; cleanse, treat (AKA serum), moisturise and apply sunscreen during the day – prioritizing consistency for best results.