Experts Warn Against TikTok Sleepmaxxing Trend Lacking Scientific Backing

A new TikTok trend called Sleepmaxxing has gained millions of views by encouraging users to enhance their sleep quality and appearance through elaborate nighttime routines involving various products like face tapes, collagen masks, and chin straps. Participants often document removing these items in the morning to reveal a supposedly improved look. However, dermatologists caution that while the trend promotes attention to sleep and skincare, many claims lack scientific evidence and benefits are mostly temporary.

Dr. Muhammad Sah, a dermatologist from Maccabi Healthcare Services in northern Israel, explains that silicone patches and face tapes may temporarily smooth the skin by stretching it during use, but they do not alter skin structure or prevent aging. Similarly, collagen masks can hydrate and refresh the skin temporarily but do not increase collagen production. Prolonged use of these products overnight may cause skin irritation, redness, allergic reactions, or worsen acne, especially for those with sensitive or oily skin or skin conditions like rosacea or atopic dermatitis.

The trend also includes mouth taping to encourage nasal breathing during sleep, which Dr. Sah warns can be risky for individuals with undiagnosed sleep apnea, nasal congestion, or snoring, potentially delaying proper diagnosis and causing discomfort or dryness.

Experts emphasize that proven sleep hygiene practices, such as maintaining consistent sleep schedules, sleeping in a dark, cool room, morning light exposure, and reducing screen time before bed, are more effective. For skin health, a routine tailored to one’s skin type, regular sunscreen use, and healthy lifestyle habits are recommended over viral beauty hacks. While Sleepmaxxing may make bedtime routines more visually appealing, it does not substitute for medically sound treatments and may sometimes cause harm.