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Move over, glass skin – there’s a new complexion goal captivating beauty lovers everywhere!
While TikTok’s endless carousel of skincare trends can feel overwhelming, one particular phenomenon has caught the attention of dermatologists and skincare aficionados alike: jello skin.
What began as a casual observation during the facialist’s gentle pinch of influencer Ava Lee’s remarkably bouncy cheeks has evolved into one of the most fascinating approaches to skincare we’ve seen.
Unlike its predecessors, this TikTok trend goes beyond surface-level solutions, championing a holistic approach to that coveted bounce we all desire.
The Science Behind the Bounce: Understanding Jello Skin
Jello skin isn’t just another fleeting beauty trend – it’s a real hack for that coveted texture, characterised by skin that’s delightfully bouncy and plump (much like its namesake dessert), indicating optimal collagen levels and superior elasticity.
While our bodies naturally produce this essential protein, its levels can be impacted by various factors. “It can also be diminished by factors like high stress environments, improper sleep, unhealthy diet, and dehydration,” explains head beauty trainer Rumpa Singh.
This deep connection between lifestyle factors and skin health is what makes the jello skin movement so revolutionary.
The phenomenon, first coined by skincare influencer and ByAva founder Ava Lee, has garnered over two million views on TikTok. But what sets this trend apart is its focus on boosting collagen production through both internal and external methods.
@glowwithava JELLO SKIN 💙 we want that bounce back people! #jelloskin #collagen #beautytipswithava #bouncy ♬ original sound – AVA
Beyond Your Skin Type: Why Jello Skin Works for Everyone
Whether you’re dealing with dry, combination, or oily skin, achieving jello skin is possible with the right approach. The key lies in understanding that different skin types require tailored pathways to that coveted bounce:
- For Dry Skin: Focus on intensive hydration and barrier repair
- For Oily Skin: Balance oil production while maintaining hydration
- For Combination Skin: Target different areas with specific treatments
- For Sensitive Skin: Gentle, progressive approaches to collagen stimulation
How Jello Skin Stands Apart In The K-Beauty Universe
In the ever-evolving landscape of K-beauty trends, jello skin has emerged as something uniquely compelling.
While other viral skincare movements have certainly left their mark, this approach offers something distinctly different – a focus on foundational skin health rather than just surface-level results.
Let’s decode how jello skin compares to its predecessors:
- Glass Skin – The OG of K-beauty trends, glass skin champions that coveted mirror-like finish we’ve all double-tapped on Instagram. But while glass skin’s emphasis lies in achieving an almost poreless, translucent appearance through intensive layering, jello skin takes a more holistic approach. Think of it this way: glass skin is about the surface, while jello skin is about the structure.
- Dewy Skin – Where dewy skin celebrates that fresh-from-facial glow through strategic product application, jello skin achieves its luminosity from within. Yes, both deliver that sought-after radiance, but jello skin’s focus on collagen production and cellular health means you’re not just creating the illusion of bounce – you’re actually building it.
- Cloud Skin – The newest kid on the block before jello skin, cloud skin’s soft-focus finish created quite the stir. However, while cloud skin relies heavily on clever product cocktailing, jello skin’s approach transcends your bathroom shelf, incorporating lifestyle changes that deliver lasting results rather than temporary effects.
The Inside-Out Approach to Bouncy Skin
What truly distinguishes jello skin from other skincare trends is its holistic philosophy. “It’s so much more than how your skin looks,” Ava emphasizes. “There isn’t one product that will help you get it; it’s a whole lifestyle.”
Traditional Chinese Medicine Influences:
- Jujubes (Chinese ‘red dates’) for radiance
- Goji berries rich in skin-loving antioxidants
- Daily bone broth (with vegan alternatives available)
Modern Wellness Integration:
- Regular exercise for improved circulation
- Collagen-boosting supplements
- Balanced nutrition focused on skin health
How To Get Jello Skin
Aside from those inside-out approaches we talked about earlier, here are some products and tools you’ll need to get jello skin.
A Gua Sha Tool
Try using a gua sha tool which is a traditional Chinese massage tool that is used to promote circulation, relieve tension, and improve overall well-being. It is typically made of jade, rose quartz, or other natural materials.
It can also promote lymphatic drainage. This is important because the lymphatic system plays a crucial role in removing waste and toxins from the body.
A gua sha tool can also aid in the absorption of skincare products, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin.
To use a gua sha tool, apply a facial oil or serum to clean, dry skin. Then, hold the tool at a 15-45 degree angle and gently glide it along the contours of the face, neck, and décolletage. Use light to medium pressure, and always move the tool in an upward and outward motion.
You can grab Ava’s very own gua sha tool here.
When looking for collagen-friendly skincare products, it’s important to choose those with core ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinol, and vitamin C.
A SPF 50 Sunscreen
You’ll need a good sunscreen to wear all year round!
Head beauty trainer Rumpa Singh recommends slathering on a broad-spectrum sunscreen (protects against both UVA & UVB radiation) of at least SPF 50 which can block 98% of harmful rays, that can not only break down collagen but also lead to fine lines and wrinkles.
Collagen-friendly Skincare Products
To achieve jello skin, your skincare routine has to include collagen-rich products.
Alfiya Johar, a professional make-up artist, explains: “Ingredients such as Vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid and peptides can help to stimulate collagen and boost skin plumping.”
Collagen-boosting Supplements
Hydrating your skin from the inside out can not be overstated.
Ava includes collagen-boosting supplements in her routine including marine collagen. But if you are vegan, try Feel’s highly recommended Pro Collagen Re-Imagined.
Massage & Exfoliating Tools
We’ve already highlighted the benefits of using a gua sha tool but don’t sleep on exfoliating tools either!
Electric exfoliating brush tools in particular make attaining super smooth skin a breeze!
A GOOD Serum
Last but not least, you’ll need a good serum!
In an Instagram post with her mum, Ava shows her 618k followers three massage techniques her mum has taught her recommending Lancome’s Advanced Génifique Serum. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, try Olay’s Collagen Peptide24 Serum.
Your Complete Jello Skin Routine
Here’s your daily blueprint for jello skin success, broken down into manageable morning, evening, and weekly rituals
Morning Ritual:
- Gentle cleansing
- Collagen-friendly skincare (featuring hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and peptides)
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50 (crucial for preserving collagen)
Evening Enhancement:
- Double cleansing
- Retinol or peptide-based treatments
- Deep hydration
Weekly Treatments:
- Hydrating masks
- Gua sha facial massage for lymphatic drainage
- Gentle exfoliation
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
While achieving jello skin might seem straightforward, there are several crucial mistakes to sidestep:
- Overreliance on Products: Remember, no single product creates jello skin
- Neglecting Internal Health: Skincare alone isn’t enough
- Inconsistent Sun Protection: UV damage can undo your progress
- Aggressive Treatments: Gentle, consistent approaches work best
The Future of Skincare: Why Jello Skin Transcends Trends
In a beauty landscape where viral sensations often fade as quickly as your morning filter, jello skin has proven to be refreshingly different.
While other TikTok trends chase the instant gratification of a perfectly-lit selfie, this approach has carved out a more meaningful niche in the skincare zeitgeist.
What makes it so enduring?
Perhaps it’s the way jello skin bridges the gap between traditional Eastern wellness philosophies and modern beauty science. Or maybe it’s because, unlike its predecessors, it acknowledges something we’ve long suspected: that true skin health can’t be achieved through products alone.
The movement’s staying power lies in its authenticity – it’s not promising overnight transformation but rather a sustainable path to skin that looks as healthy as it actually is.
In a world of quick fixes and fleeting fads, this honest, holistic approach feels like a breath of fresh air – ultimately reshaping how we think about beauty itself.
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