Take A Seat Dewy Dumplings & Glazed Donuts – Jell-O Skin Is Here
A bounty of skin trends have emerged over the years. We’ve had glazed donut skin with its icing-like sheen, glass skin with its reflective visage, and dewy dumpling skin that’s equal parts glowy and sculpted. Jell-O skin has officially entered the derma-picture, and it’s making the rounds on TikTok with about 36 million views and counting. Ahead, we’re explaining what Jell-O skin is, how it’s different from the aforementioned trends, and teaching you how to get the look.
What is Jell-O Skin?
@glowwithava #jelloskin is a lifestyle ✨💛 let’s get our bounces on! #탱탱 #젤리 #beautytipswithava ♬ original sound – AVA
Think about a pile of Jell-O for a sec. It’s jiggly but firm and has a hint of luminosity as it catches the light. Jell-O skin is basically that.
“Jell-O skin is when your skin is very plump and has a lot of elasticity, allowing it to bounce back like Jell-O,” explains Amber Rose Johnson, esthetician and founder of Facial Lounge in Corona Del Mar, Calif. “It has a bouncy jiggle, so when someone has ‘Jell-O skin’ their skin mimics this if they were to flick or pinch their face.”
We can trace the origins of Jell-O skin back to K-Beauty queen and skincare influencer, Ava Lee. She shared a video of herself getting a facial by beloved celebrity facialist Lord Gavin McLeod Valentine. In the video, Valentine gently pinched and massaged her skin as he worked, noting along the way that Ava had *so much* collagen that her skin bounced back “like Jell-O.”
How Jell-O Skin Differs from Other Skin Trends
Ultimately, healthy skin is all about improving tone, texture, and firmness. Sometimes luminosity is coveted, as well, since it’s a reflection of healthy skin. All these skincare trends – including dewy dumpling skin, glass skin, and glazed donut skin – aim for all the above. What sets Jell-O skin apart from the others is the strong emphasis on that jiggly, collagen-rich texture.
How to Get Jell-O Skin (Spoiler: You Better Work)
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Ava Lee explains in her Jell-O skin videos on her social channels that Jell-O skin isn’t achieved just from applying topical skincare products. Rather, it comes from a balanced diet, healthy lifestyle habits, proactive sun protection, and a consistent skincare routine you stick to long-term. In other words, it’s not easy to fake Jell-O skin, and it won’t happen overnight or even in a few weeks’ time. You’ve got to be committed!
“To achieve Jell-O skin, it’s important to remember there’s no one product that will give you results,” says Melanie Speed, NP-C, owner of Flawless Medspa in Las Vegas and Beverly Hills. “In addition to a consistent skincare routine, you should have a healthy, balanced, and anti-inflammatory diet. This includes incorporating lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins like beans and nuts.”
She also recommends drinking your daily eight glasses of water, exercising consistently, catching enough ZZZ’s, and enjoying a facial massage here and there.
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In this video where Ava breaks down what Jell-O skin is and how to get this coveted texture, she details a fun acronym:
A Skincare Routine for Jell-O Skin
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In terms of a skincare regimen, we asked Speed what the ideal routine is for getting Jell-O skin. In addition to daily cleansing, she also recommended using each of the following products consistently.
1. AHA / BHA Exfoliant
Exfoliate your skin two to three times a week to create a bright, smooth, and glowing complexion (this exfoliator is our all-time fave). You can also splurge for in-office exfoliating treatments once every few months.
2. Retinoids
On the days you don’t exfoliate, apply a retinoid. Your dermatologist can prescribe a more concentrated product, or you can use over-the-counter retinol. Retinoids are scientifically proven to stimulate collagen production.
3. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it attracts moisture to your skin. As cells fill with moisture, this creates an almost instantaneous plumping effect.
4. Ceramides
You can apply a ceramide-rich product once or twice a day. It’s a great follow-up to exfoliants and retinol since it can help soothe skin. Ceramides are essential in retaining your skin’s moisture and lend to Jell-O skin texture.
5. Sunscreen
Consider sunscreen your “skincare insurance.” Sun damage is responsible for premature aging – including the breakdown of collagen and elastin – and will foil all your Jell-O skin plans. Apply an SPF of 30 or higher every day and reapply every two to four hours. (FYI: the SPF in makeup doesn’t count.)
Check out these 8 skin-firming serums that effortlessly plump and smooth.
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