Jiggle jiggle: Here’s your cheat sheet to achieving Jello skin

Internet trends continue to take the skincare world by storm–from skin cycling, slugging, to looking like a glazed donut. And while most of them are based on how your skin looks, one of them, called Jello skin, is pivoting the conversation to how your skin feels, and putting the spotlight on overall wellbeing rather than just appearances. Popularised by Korean-American beauty influencer Ava Lee, the approach is all about getting bouncy skin that resembles the old-school dessert. Her beauty mantra is that good skin starts from within, and her Instagram account and YouTube channel reflect that–they don’t just have skincare routines or product recommendations, but also videos for facial massages and easy recipes that are good for your skin.

Rather than just a trend, Jello skin, according to Lee, is a mindset. “To get that elastic, bouncy look...it’s not a single product, a diet, but an entire lifestyle”, she explains in one of her Instagram posts. The key to making the trend work for you is by taking a holistic approach to skincare–all the things that help you achieve healthy, supple skin are also habits that we should be inculcating in our daily lives anyway–like proper hydration, balanced meals, and ample exercise. Bazaar India lists 5 ways that will quickly get you on the road to skin that is as bouncy as Jello.

Incorporating collagen-rich foods in your diet 

The secret to plump skin lies in a protein called collagen, which is found in our skin, nails, and hair. It is what makes our tissues strong, so they are able to withstand stretching. Depletion of collagen due to age, lack of sleep, sun exposure, and stress, can lead to dullness and wrinkles. But nature is here to help–collagen is naturally found in meat and fish, so adding eggs and bone-broths to your diet is half the job done. If you’re a vegetarian, look out for ingredients that boost collagen production, like matcha, nuts, tofu, and leafy greens. 

Hydrating properly, both inside and out

Not staying hydrated enough can also drop your collagen levels, so here’s your cue to drink the stipulated three to four litres of water a day! Spice up your intake with herbal teas, elixirs, and infused water. Topically, hydrating toners are your best friend for skin that is soft and dewy instead of dull and dehydrated. Don’t forget to seal in that hydration with a moisturiser. 

Managing your gut health

Ever had fast food few days in a row and watched acne erupt on your face? Your gut health might be to blame. Food items high in sugar and carbohydrates can mess with our gut, leading to inflammation, which reflects on our skin. The solution? Balanced meals, and probiotics. Try keeping an 80 to 20 ratio of nutritional meals to indulgences. Consume probiotics like curd that restore the balance of good microbiomes. And similar to skincare, even in your diet it’s important to find what works for you–don’t blindly incorporate dishes or ingredients that you wouldn’t be able to stick to on a regular basis. 

Not giving facial massages a miss

Making facial massages and exercises a part of your skincare routine can not only help you get that glow but also achieve elastic skin. How? Massaging your face, be it with your fingers or with beauty tools like gua sha and rollers, improves blood circulation and aids lymphatic drainage, which in turn brings more blood cells and oxygen to the surface, and also reduces puffiness. 

Being consistent with your skincare routine

Skincare is a journey, and one can’t expect to see results within a few days, or even weeks. While maintaining a skincare routine can be difficult at times, be consistent and stay committed to reach your ultimate destination–elastic and healthy skin!

Feature image: Getty Images