ACHIEVING ‘JELLO SKIN’ IS ALL ABOUT FINDING WAYS TO BOOST COLLAGEN LEVELS, PRUDENCE WADE
THE latest beauty trend to hit TikTok is all about bouncy, superhydrated skin.
Known as ‘jello skin’, Dr Miriam Adebibe – cosmetic doctor and co-founder of Victor & Garth (victorandgarth.co.uk) – says “it refers to the bounce-back-ability of your skin – the consistency of jello (jelly) is soft but firm, and bounces right back when prodded”.
While some TikTok beauty trends shouldn’t be tried at home (remember – not everyone online is a dermatologist), this one could help boost your skin health and appearance. Here’s what you need to know about jello skin...
What is jello skin?
It looks like ‘jello skin’ was coined by skincare influencer Ava Lee (@glowwithava) at the end of 2021.
“’Jello skin’ is the new term for extremely plump, supple skin that is as beautifully bouncy as jello,” explains Dr Kemi Fab, who works with Alya Skin (alyaskin.com). “Those who have jello skin will naturally have high levels of collagen and elastin in the dermis of the skin, which are the two most important connective tissues for structure and elasticity.
“Without collagen and elastin, the skin becomes looser, less bouncy and starts to sag.”
Adebibe suggests you check the elasticity by using an old doctor’s trick: the skin pinch test. “Simply pinch the skin of your neck or the back of your hand for five seconds, let it go, and watch how long it takes for the skin to flatten out or bounce back,” she says. “Hydrated skin with sufficient collagen and elastin will bounce back instantly. Dehydrated skin that has lost its collagen and elastin through age and lifestyle choices will take seconds to return.”
Can anyone achieve jello skin?
“Since jello skin simply refers to healthy skin, which is plump with hydration, well-upholstered with collagen and supple with elasticity, it is what we should all be aiming for,” suggests Dr Adebibe.
But can everyone get it? For anyone under the age of 25, Dr Adebibe says it is “very achievable without help”, but after this age, it might take a bit more work.
How to get jello skin
Dr Adebibe advocates a twopronged approach: internal and external. For internal care, she suggests staying well hydrated and having a balanced diet – eating all colours of the rainbow and avoiding too much processed food and sugar.
And in terms of skincare, both Dr Adebibe and Dr Fab agree wearing SPF is crucial. “Ultraviolet radiation from the sun breaks down our natural levels of collagen and elastin, and therefore accelerates premature ageing and loose saggy skin,” explains Dr Fab. “Use a broad spectrum SPF of at least 30, and reapply throughout the day.”
What should I look for?
“Ingredients like vitamin C and glycolic acid help to stimulate the production of collagen in the skin,” says Dr Fab. “Hyaluronic acid applied to damp skin can help to improve the appearance of your skin.” Dr Adebibe says: “I recommend a skincare routine that provides vitamins A, C, and E (in various forms) for optimal skin function and protection, and treatment of certain skin conditions.”
What should you avoid?
Dr Hamilton urges caution with new TikTok beauty trends, “As you may end up damaging your skin barrier and your bank balance”. And when it comes to boosting your collagen levels, Dr Fab doesn’t recommend putting all your efforts into supplements. “A lot of the collagen found in supplements are not ‘bioavailable,’ which means that the collagen does not reach your skin and they often cost a lot,” she suggests. “A better method is to eat a healthy balanced diet packed with all of the vitamins and minerals needed for glowing skin.”