If you’ve been on TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen it: women going to bed in full-on “swamp monster skin care routine” mode. We're talking multiple layers of products, eye masks, chin straps, mouth tape, and bonnets—all in the name of beauty. It’s eye-catching, it’s viral, and it's part of the Gen Z swamp monster beauty trend—sometimes called the swamp monster shed beauty trend or just the monster shed. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to look like a sci-fi villain to wake up with radiant skin.
We’re all for rituals that help you feel good—especially when truly pure products are involved. But there’s a difference between treating your skin and overwhelming it. Below, we share three reasons why skipping the monster get-up might be the best thing you do for your skin.
1. Your skin doesn’t need to be “locked in” every night
Your skin is smart. It detoxifies, repairs, and recalibrates naturally on its own while you sleep. When you pile on layers of products and gear, you can:
- Trap heat and humidity that could lead to breakouts
- Interfere with your skin’s natural renewal cycle
- Overstimulate or overwhelm the skin barrier
The truth? Your skin thrives with less. A few intentional, nutrient-rich layers are all you need for overnight nourishment.
2. A calm nervous system helps skin, too
Healthy skin doesn’t come from stress. And let’s be honest: going to bed in chin straps and mouth tape isn’t exactly relaxing. Elevated cortisol levels (your body’s primary stress hormone) can:
- Disrupt sleep patterns
- Decrease hydration and glow
- Interfere with skin's natural repair and regeneration processes
Instead of relying solely on gadgets like mouth tape to support nighttime breathing or chin straps to “sculpt” the jawline, try building habits that support long-term wellness. Simple myofunctional therapy exercises done during the day can help strengthen the muscles around the mouth and jaw, improving function and breathing naturally over time.
And if you're looking to support circulation and tone the face in a more soothing way, gua sha is a beautiful alternative. A few mindful strokes with a facial tool can help relieve tension, encourage lymphatic flow, and promote that relaxed, radiant glow.
And lastly, a soothing ritual—one that feels grounding and easy—helps your body rest, so your skin can truly restore.
3. It’s expensive—and not always sustainable
The monster shed routine might be fun to watch, but it often means:
- Nightly single-use products and packaging waste
- Constant purchasing of new tools and treatments
- Unnecessary complexity that doesn’t always pay off
A minimal, high-impact routine is better for your skin, your budget, and the planet.
Our simple, skin-loving nighttime ritual
Ready to wind down with something that works—without all the extras? This routine keeps it simple without sacrificing results. Each product is esthetician-approved and chosen with intention to deliver powerful active botanicals that support your skin’s natural rejuvenation process overnight. Instead of overwhelming your skin with multiple face-restricting products and equipment, this streamlined ritual targets hydration, rejuvenation, and glow—with just a few simple steps.
Here's our esthetician-approved nighttime ritual:
- Cleanse with the Aloe Herb Cleanser
A soothing daily cleanser that gently removes makeup and buildup without stripping your skin. With aloe and calendula, it’s calming and refreshing. - Hydrate the Activated Night Serum
A powerful retinol alternative that works overnight to support smoother, more revitalized skin. Powered by bioactive A-complex and astaxanthin. - Moisturize with the Restorative Facial Cream
This velvety cream delivers deep hydration and age-defying support with ingredients like reishi, apple exosomes, and nourishing plant butters. - 3-4x per week: Use the Illuminating Pearl Mask
This luxurious hydrating and brightening treatment blends pearl, turmeric, and licorice root to reveal a more luminous glow. It’s gentle enough to use three to four times a week, depending on your skin’s needs. One of our team members actually loves to wear this one overnight—so you can nourish and brighten while you sleep, no rinse needed until morning. For overnight application, skip the serum and moisturizer and simply apply your mask after cleansing or exfoliating. Once you wake up, wash off your mask and follow with your full morning routine (including your serum and moisturizer at this point). It's an easy way to wake up with a visibly refreshed complexion, no monster routine required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monster skin care routine?
The “monster skin care routine”—also called the swamp monster shed beauty trend or monster shed—is a viral trend where people go to bed in layers of skin treatments like peelable masks, mouth tape, chin strap, They end up looking like a “monster” with their full beauty get-up before bedtime, then they “shed” the layers in the morning to reveal a fresh, glowing complexion. While playful, it’s not a must for healthy skin.
Is the monster beauty trend bad for your skin?
Not inherently, but too many products or restrictive accessories can:
- Clog pores
- Cause irritation
- Disrupt your skin’s natural function
Balance and breathability are key.
Can a minimal nighttime skin care routine be just as effective?
Absolutely. With clean, potent ingredients, you can support your skin’s overnight renewal in just a few steps. Quality always beats quantity. Not sure which products are for you? Get in touch with our skin expert for personalized guidance!
What’s a great alternative to the monster routine?
We recommend a calming, esthetician-approved ritual with:
- Cleanse with the Aloe Herb Cleanser
- Hydrate with the Activated Night Serum
- Moisturize with the Restorative Facial Cream
- 3-4x a week: Use the Illuminating Pearl Mask
Are Annmarie Skin Care products safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. Our formulas are crafted with non-toxic, wildcrafted ingredients and no synthetic preservatives—gentle enough for all skin types.
Beauty doesn’t have to be extreme to be effective. Not feeling the monster shed? No worries, you can embrace a simple natural ritual rooted in efficacy that supports your skin—and your peace of mind.
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