Why TikTok's Viral ‘Caveman Method' Doesn't Work, Explained by Dermatologists
Liz Coulbourn
Overconsumption and multiple-step routines have long dominated skin care conversations, but we've done a 180. This weekend, TikTok creator Tia Zakher went viral discussing her controversial 'Caveman Method," which allegedly is helping in restoring her skin barrier. On the social app, Zakher announced she had given up everything from her beauty routine — even water. The internet was immediately set ablaze, with some questioning whether this method was beneficial and many inquiring about potential long-term skin issues, such as infections and bacterial growth.
Zakher has created numerous videos explaining her decision, stating that she wanted to 'reset her skin barrier.' Some viewers believe she is rage baiting, pretending to not wash her face, while others think she is actually participating in the cold-turkey method — it's raised a lot of questions and concerns.
After she made her viral posts about the 'caveman regimen' — avoiding all skin care products and not washing her face — in April, the TikTok influencer who sparked the movement broke her streak in late May. In a video that quickly gained traction, she revealed she was washing her face for first time in a month, using CeraVe's gentle cleanser. Reactions were mixed: while some praised her for listening to her skin and ending the experiment, other commenters remained skeptical about the authenticity of the change, speculating whether the sponsorship played a role.
Still, fans acknowledged the end of a saga that had sparked widespread debate over skin care minimalism versus modern dermatology. While the 'caveman' era may be over, the controversy it stirred and the questions it raised about the skin care industry are likely to stick around.
Zakher's posts have led to a deep dive into the 'Caveman Method,' and a slew of people are wondering if there's some truth to the myth. To answer all your pressing questions, we chatted with three board-certified dermatologists — Dr. Mona Gohara, MD, Dr. Angela J. Lamb, MD, and Dr. Asmi Berry, DO, FAAD — to find out if there's a world where stopping all forms of skin care, water included, would actually help 'heal your skin barrier.' Check out what they had to say below.
Dr. Angela J. Lamb: It could temporarily help some people whose skin is extremely irritated from overuse of products, as it reduces the chances of chemical irritation and gives the skin a 'break.' However, for the person who is still wearing makeup and working out (which introduces sweat, dirt, bacteria), not cleansing the skin can actually clog pores, worsen acne, and lead to infection, so in these cases it is unlikely to genuinely help the skin barrier long-term.
Dr. Asmi Berry: The 'Caveman Method' isn't backed by science. If you want to reset or strengthen your skin barrier, a better method is to simplify your routine, not abandon it. Stick to a gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, and a mineral sunscreen. This approach gives your skin the support it needs without overwhelming it.
AJL: Basic necessities include a gentle cleanser that is non-stripping, a hydrating moisturizer, and a non-comedogenic sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher, every morning. One optional add-on treatment includes a serum to address acne, dryness, or pigmentation concerns. You can skip toners, mists, eye creams, use of multiple serums, or heavy-duty exfoliators, unless specifically needed or advised by your regular dermatologist.
AJL: Yes, you can heal your skin barrier by stopping harsh products, such as retinoids, strong acids, and alcohol-based toners. To heal your skin barrier, you also need to moisturize regularly with products that contain barrier-repair ingredients, such as ceramides and fatty acids. Lastly, you should use a gentle cleanser with warm water, avoiding over-washing and hot water. Healing can take 2–6 weeks, depending on how damaged the barrier is.
AB: Without cleansing, dead skin cells, sweat, oils, dirt, and makeup can create an environment where yeast and bacteria thrive, leading to fungal acne or skin infections. Not washing off allergens or irritants can also trigger contact dermatitis, causing redness, itching, and rash.
Dr. Mona Gohara: Water by itself is not bad for the skin. Much of our skin is naturally comprised of water. In fact, our skin barrier has a natural moisturizing factor that Mother Nature gave us — the NMF's job is to attract water and moisture. For the surface of your skin, mixing water with a gentle non-soap cleanser is best to cleanse the skin of impurities, and open the pores, allowing other products such as moisturizers to absorb more easily.
AJL: Less is more. You don't need 15 products to have healthy skin, and you should focus on consistency over time rather than trends. Also, what your skin needs will change over time — what works at 16 may not work at 26. Whatever you do, don't skip sunscreen. UV damage is a major cause of aging and hyperpigmentation, even if you don't see it now.
MG: For a gentle, non-soap cleanser, I recommend using Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid, Fragrance Free, as it's gentle on the skin and provides the hydration needed for skin care minimalists – great for daily use. For normal to oily skin, I recommend using Neutrogena's Collagen Bank SPF Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30. I love this product because it acts as a multitasker, both moisturising and protecting from the sun, perfect for those looking to use as few products as possible. For dry skin, I prefer Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid because it has the moisturizing power of a cream, but absorbs quickly like a gel. But don't forget to use SPF – I recommend Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Mineral Face Liquid SPF 70 as it's suitable for sensitive skin as well.
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AJL: For a cleanser, I like La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser for normal to oily skin. For a moisturizer and for SPF protection, Neutrogena Collagen Bank SPF Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is a wonderful daily sunscreen that can be layered with makeup or other skin care products.
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AB: 'Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, it's a gentle cleanser packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, and gets rid of dirt without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry. La Roche Posay's Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer, a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer with ceramides and prebiotics to support the skin barrier. EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46, a mineral-based, lightweight sunscreen perfect for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Bioderma Sensibo H2O micellar water, a quick, gentle way to remove makeup without irritating your skin.
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This story has been updated to include Zakher's post about breaking her caveman method streak.
Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue
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