Latest news with #CavemanMethod
IOL News
3 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Discover the Caveman Skincare Method: Expert insights on its effectiveness
TikToker shows her face after using the Caveman Skincare Method. Image: TikTok screenshot In the ever-evolving world of skincare, trends come and go as quickly as scrolling on TikTok. From skin cycling to slugging, beauty influencers have popularised several routines promising radiant, healthy skin. But the latest buzz-worthy trend, the Caveman Skincare Method, has sparked a different kind of conversation. Can doing absolutely nothing really be the secret to healing your skin barrier? We spoke to aesthetic skincare expert and founder of SkinMiles, Dr Alek Nikolic, to break down the science behind the method and find out if this minimalist approach is actually doing your skin any favours. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading What is the Caveman Skincare Method? True to its name, the Caveman Method involves stepping way back in time. No cleanser, no moisturiser, and, for some, not even water. The idea is that by eliminating all skincare products, the skin is given space to 'heal itself' without interference from active ingredients or over-cleansing. While the simplicity of this routine might be tempting, Dr Nikolic offers a word of caution. 'First of all, cleansing your face is an essential step in your skincare routine and should not be skipped. This step allows your skin to repair itself overnight. Without effectively removing the buildup of oil, dirt, sunscreen and makeup on your skin, you run the risk of damaging your skin barrier further,' explains Dr Nikolic. So, while going product-free might sound like a relief from complicated routines, it can quickly backfire. Especially if you're already dealing with skin issues like breakouts, sensitivity, or dehydration. Why the skin barrier matters Think of your skin barrier as your body's first line of defence. When it's healthy, it locks in moisture and keeps out harmful irritants. But what happens when it is compromised? Cue dryness, redness, flaking, breakouts, and increased sensitivity. Conditions like eczema and rosacea can also flare up when your barrier isn't functioning at its best. One TikTok user claimed that the Caveman Method helped her overcome retention hyperkeratosis, which is a condition where dead skin cells build up instead of shedding naturally. But according to Dr Nikolic, abandoning skincare entirely may only exacerbate the issue. 'A damaged skin barrier can contribute to retention hyperkeratosis by impairing the skin's natural exfoliation process and causing cells to stick together and accumulate on the surface,' he explains. And without even a basic cleansing routine, those dead skin cells have nowhere to go. How to heal your skin barrier If your skin is stressed, stripped, or suddenly reactive, you may be tempted to throw your entire skincare shelf in the bin. But there's a better way. 'If you suspect that your skin barrier might be compromised, start by identifying and removing potential irritants like harsh exfoliants, retinoids, or overly active ingredients,' advises Dr Nikolic. The solution isn't to do nothing, it's to do less, but do it right. That starts with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser, followed by soothing, barrier-repairing ingredients. 'You don't have to stop cleansing your face altogether,' he says. 'Instead, opt for a gentle, non-stripping cleanser and build your routine with barrier-supportive ingredients.' He also points to environmental and lifestyle factors that can affect skin health. Dry air, cold weather, and even diet can contribute to barrier damage. 'Try to limit high sugar and fat intake and increase fruit and leafy greens. The best way to care for your skin barrier is to take a holistic approach.' Ingredients to love for a resilient skin barrier Not sure what to reach for when your skin feels compromised? Look for products that contain these powerhouse ingredients: Hyaluronic acid: To deeply hydrate and plump Glycerin: A humectant that draws moisture into the skin Ceramides: To strengthen and restore the skin barrier SPF 30 or higher: With zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for gentle, effective sun protection Antioxidants like vitamin C and E: To neutralise damage and support healing 'To allow our skin barrier to function at its best, your topical skincare regimen must be tailored with ingredients that repair and heal your skin. Even if you're using the best product available, a damaged skin barrier will always prevent these products from optimally benefiting the skin,' notes Dr Nikolic. IOL Lifestyle Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
News18
06-05-2025
- Health
- News18
The Caveman Skincare Revolution: Ditching Soap For A More Natural Glow
Last Updated: The caveman skincare method, involving abstaining from washing the face to restore its natural state, has caught everyone's attention on social media. Imagine going days without cleaning your face. Are you already feeling uncomfortable and incredulous? Now extend that 'no-wash' regimen for about a month, and you've added a whole new skincare routine to your repertoire! The one skincare tip that's going viral on social media is the caveman method! Let's find out what it is and if there are any advantages to this approach, what are they? Tia Zakher, a TikToker, gained popularity for her dedication to the 'caveman' skincare regimen, which involves no skincare, including not washing one's face. She stopped cleaning her face over a month ago, according to Zakher. Not even water, no exfoliants, cleansers, or serums. The 22-year-old Montreal, Canada-based TikToker gained widespread attention for her skincare regimen, which she calls the Caveman Method. In an attempt to return her skin to its natural form, Zakher says she hasn't cleansed with a face wash since March. According to what she said in her social media video that received millions of views, 'after 8 years of picking & over-exfoliating, I'm healing my skin barrier by doing the one thing I never tried before… absolutely nothing." What she refers to as 'manual exfoliation' got out of hand and began to cause scars and severe acne. Millions of people have seen Zakher's videos, which demonstrate how weeks of not washing caused dead skin cells to accumulate and create a textured coating over her entire face. Zakher stated to PEOPLE, 'I was trying so many different things and doing so many different things. I was never consistent because I was just in this vicious cycle, and I didn't know how to get out of it." The method is based on the idea that a lot of skin care products can change the skin's natural microbiota, upset its ph balance, and deplete it of its natural oils. According to the caveman notion, avoiding all of that will return your skin to its 'natural' level of health. However, the caveman routine is not advised and may be hazardous or unsanitary. There are overly intricate skincare routines, but even though some people may not require skincare because they already have no skin-related issues, skimping on facial cleaning will do more harm than good. Zakher has clarified that she has only been experiencing dryness, putting an end to rumours of developing a fungal infection. The TikTokker revealed in a video that she was experiencing retention hyperkeratosis. The main component of a caveman skincare regimen is avoiding cleaning your face with water, cleanser, or exfoliants of any type. Because debris, oil, and pollutants can block pores and cause breakouts, it is crucial to wash your face frequently to maintain healthy skin. Additionally, it aids in the removal of dead skin cells, leaving the complexion looking more radiant and youthful. Regular washing also makes it easier for the skin to absorb additional skincare products. A buildup of debris, oil, and dead skin cells from not washing your face for a few days can result in clogged pores, breakouts, and a faded look. Additionally, this may make diseases like seborrheic dermatitis and acne worse. Hence, this caveman skincare method isn't advisable for everyone. First Published: May 06, 2025, 15:21 IST
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Ditch the soap, save your skin? The caveman skincare trend everyone's talking about
Imagine not washing your face for days. No, for weeks. Seems unlikely and uncomfortable? Now stretch that 'no-wash' routine to a month or so. And you have a brand new skincare routine in your arsenal! by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Her body cannot endure this level of pain; please help her. Donate For Health Learn More Undo It's the caveman skincare method; the one skincare hack that's going viral on TikTok! What is it? What are the benefits of this method, if there are any at all? Read on to know more about this 'bizarre' skincare routine. What is the caveman skincare method? A TikToker named Tia Zakher has gone viral for committing to what is dubbed the "caveman" skincare routine, which consists of zero maintenance to the skin, including not washing the face. As per Zakher, she has stopped washing her face more than a month ago. No cleansers, exfoliants, or serums − not even water. The 22-year-old TikTok influencer, who lives in Montreal, Canada, has gone viral for her skincare routine (rather, the lack of it), dubbed the "Caveman Method." Zakher claims that she hasn't used any face wash to cleanse, in the hopes of restoring her skin's natural state since March. As she stated in her video with millions of views on the social media platform, 'after 8 years of picking & over-exfoliating, I'm healing my skin barrier by doing the one thing I never tried before... absolutely nothing." She began incorporating the skincare method into her life when she decided to kick the habit of picking at her skin, which she had done "almost every day for years." What she calls "manual exfoliation" became so uncontrollable that it started to cause severe acne and scarring. In TikTok videos that have millions of views, Zakher shows how dead skin cells started to pile up after weeks of not washing, resulting in a textured layer across her entire face. Zakher told PEOPLE, "I was trying so many different things and doing so many different things. I was never consistent because I was just in this vicious cycle, and I didn't know how to get out of it." She told USA TODAY, "I've been obsessing and hyper-fixating on it (my face) for so much and trying all these products." Her question, "Why not just drop everything and push it to the side and see what my skin is able to do naturally and kind of reset that cycle naturally?" Is it an actual skincare routine? The theory behind the method is that many skin-care products can strip the skin of its natural oils, disrupt its pH balance, and alter its natural microbiome. Forgoing all that, the caveman theory goes, restores your skin to its 'natural' healthy state. But the caveman regimen is not recommended and can potentially be unhygienic or harmful. Admittedly, there are overcomplicated skincare routines, but whilst some may not need skincare because they already have no skincare concerns, not washing your face completely will cause more harm than good. However, Zakher has shut down speculation that she's been growing a fungal infection and confirmed that all she's experienced is dryness. In a video posted in April, she disclosed that her skin was going through retention hyperkeratosis, which the Cleveland Clinic states is a condition that occurs when "skin cells that don't shed properly from your skin's surface, [cause] acne." Should you follow the caveman skincare regime? Caveman skincare regime primarily relies on one thing – not washing your face, with any kind of cleanser, exfoliants, or even water. Now, washing your face regularly is important for maintaining healthy skin by removing dirt, oil, and impurities that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. It also helps remove dead skin cells, allowing for a fresh and brighter complexion. Additionally, regular cleansing prepares the skin to absorb other skincare products more effectively. Not washing your face for several days can lead to a buildup of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, potentially causing clogged pores, breakouts, and an overall dull appearance. This can also exacerbate conditions like acne and seborrheic dermatitis. Here's a more detailed explanation: Pore clogging: Dirt, oil, and dead skin cells accumulate on the skin's surface, especially if you wear makeup or use skincare products. This buildup can clog pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of acne. Skin irritation and inflammation: The accumulation of debris and bacteria can irritate the skin, causing redness, inflammation, and potentially even skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis. Acne flare-ups: If you're prone to acne, skipping cleansing can trigger or worsen existing breakouts. Dull skin: A lack of cleansing can prevent the skin from shedding dead cells and rejuvenating itself, resulting in a dull and lackluster complexion. Increased risk of infections: While less common, a buildup of bacteria on the skin can increase the risk of certain types of infections, especially if you have cuts or open wounds. Charu Asopa reveals her beauty secrets; says, "Ziana & my routine starts together every day"
Indianapolis Star
03-05-2025
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
The 'caveman method': Woman's skincare routine is dividing the internet, raising eyebrows
Tia Zakher says her method is simple. She doesn't use skincare products and doesn't wash her face. Some are skeptical of Zakher's claims while others are convinced that the routine is genuine. Show Caption Tia Zakher says she stopped washing her face more than a month ago. No cleansers, exfoliants or serums − not even water. The 22-year-old has gone viral for her skincare routine (or lack thereof), dubbed the "Caveman Method." In TikTok videos that have millions of views, Zakher shows how dead skin cells started to pile up after weeks of not washing, resulting in a textured layer across her entire face. "I've been obsessing and hyper-fixating on it (my face) for so much and trying all these products," Zakher, who lives in Montreal, Canada, told USA TODAY on Friday. "Why not just drop everything and push it to the side and see what my skin is able to do naturally and kind of reset that cycle naturally?" As Zakher continues to post weekly updates, millions are weighing in, including others managing skincare routines, medical professionals looking to diagnosis her condition and some criticizing whether the videos are authentic at all. What is the Caveman Method? Though the term "Caveman Method" is associated with Zakher's no-routine routine, she said it was another TikTok user who came up with the title, leaving a comment on one of her videos. Zakher's "Caveman Method" is simple. She doesn't use any skincare products and doesn't wash her face. Up until recently, she didn't even use water, but after realizing water wouldn't "harm" her process, she started incorporating it again. Zakher told USA TODAY that even when she takes a shower, she tries to avoid getting her face wet. Why is Tia Zakher doing the Caveman Method? Zakher said she dealt with minor acne in high school, which went away with medication, but over time, she adopted a skin-picking habit, which resulted in redness, irritation, pimples and scarring. After about eight years of managing acne and skin-picking habits, she asked herself: "Why don't I just stop doing everything?" A year ago, Zakher tried to stop washing her face, sharing a photo on a Reddit post of her flaky, textured skin. But as dead skin cells piled up, Zakher decided to exfoliate it all off because she didn't like the texture. But Zakher said she decided to give it another shot. She said she conducted "personal research" before kicking her skincare routine to the curb and that she did not meet with a dermatologist to discuss her plan. She started her second attempt at the "caveman method" on March 14. It took about two to three weeks before Zakher started seeing the effects. What happens to your skin when you don't wash it? In a TikTok video with more than 3.4 million views as of May 2, Zakher explains she is experiencing retention hyperkeratosis, a condition that occurs when skin cells don't shed properly. Speaking to USA TODAY, Marisa Garshick, a New York dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, agreed. "That topmost layer of the skin (is) essentially dead skin cells ... cells that are no longer healthy. If we don't actually remove them, then those dead skin cells just kind of build up and that can cause a thickening of that layer," Garshick explained. "That's really what's capable of subsequently clogging pores ... and as those become plugged or clogged, it basically gets trapped." The result, she said, can be whiteheads, blackheads, inflammation and bacteria. In addition to shedding dead cells, Garshick said skin produces oil. If too much oil builds up, this can result in clogged pores and breakouts. Experts don't recommend trying the Caveman Method Garshick said it would be unlikely to recommend that patients stop washing their faces. While less can often be more, she typically advises her patients to wash their face at least once a day, especially before bed. For those looking to trim down their skincare routines, a good solution would be gentle, oil-based cleansers that promote skin barrier repair and contain ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, both naturally-occurring molecules found in skin, said Stephanie Kosack, a lead esthetician at Woodhouse Spas in Denver, Colorado. Despite concerns circulating online, Zakher said she isn't that worried about bacterial infections. Recently, she sent a few photos to a family-friend dermatologist who said her skin is looking fine. Questions of authenticity lead to online discourse In addition to medical professionals weighing in on Zakher's videos, some TikTok users have expressed a distrust in the authenticity of her situtation. "You're fooling no one. Just wash ur (your) face gang," a top comment on one of Zakher's videos reads. As she consumed Zakher's content, content creator Kelsie Carolos began to see theories that Zakher was just using a clay mask in her videos to resemble the effects of a condition like retention hyperkeratosis. Carolos tried three different variations of using a trendy clay mask with foundation to recreate Zakher's skin texture, but it never looked quite right. Though she may have been initially skeptical, after testing the online theories, Carolos is convinced that Zakher's condition is real. "My videos, I was kind of poking the bear a little bit. I was poking at the whole, 'Is she? Isn't she?" conspiracy that people love to engage with," Carolos told USA TODAY. "People love to rip young women apart online − we all know that. My intention was not to contribute to that all all. I just really wanted to engage in the conversation and put these theories to the test." As her videos continue to gain traction and more comments roll in, Zakher said she is just trying to take a light-hearted, humorous approach to addressing those who don't believe her situation. What's next? Tia Zakher said 'few months' more of no cleansing In addition to integrating water back into her routine, Zakher has plans to start using moisturizer to help her skin's cell production. She told USA TODAY that she will continue this "routine" for "the next few months."
USA Today
02-05-2025
- Health
- USA Today
The 'caveman method': Woman's skincare routine is dividing the internet, raising eyebrows
The 'caveman method': Woman's skincare routine is dividing the internet, raising eyebrows Tia Zakher says her method is simple. She doesn't use skincare products and doesn't wash her face. Some are skeptical of Zakher's claims while others are convinced that the routine is genuine. Show Caption Hide Caption TikTok user goes viral for not washing her face Tia Zakher has gone viral for documenting her unique skincare journey on social media, her method involves not washing her face. Tia Zakher says she stopped washing her face more than a month ago. No cleansers, exfoliants or serums − not even water. The 22-year-old has gone viral for her skincare routine (or lack thereof), dubbed the "Caveman Method." In TikTok videos that have millions of views, Zakher shows how dead skin cells started to pile up after weeks of not washing, resulting in a textured layer across her entire face. "I've been obsessing and hyper-fixating on it (my face) for so much and trying all these products," Zakher, who lives in Montreal, Canada, told USA TODAY on Friday. "Why not just drop everything and push it to the side and see what my skin is able to do naturally and kind of reset that cycle naturally?" As Zakher continues to post weekly updates, millions are weighing in, including others managing skincare routines, medical professionals looking to diagnosis her condition and some criticizing whether the videos are authentic at all. What is the Caveman Method? Though the term "Caveman Method" is associated with Zakher's no-routine routine, she said it was another TikTok user who came up with the title, leaving a comment on one of her videos. Zakher's "Caveman Method" is simple. She doesn't use any skincare products and doesn't wash her face. Up until recently, she didn't even use water, but after realizing water wouldn't "harm" her process, she started incorporating it again. Zakher told USA TODAY that even when she takes a shower, she tries to avoid getting her face wet. More: What is the 'morning shed'? Trend encourages elaborate nightly skincare routine Why is Tia Zakher doing the Caveman Method? Zakher said she dealt with minor acne in high school, which went away with medication, but over time, she adopted a skin-picking habit, which resulted in redness, irritation, pimples and scarring. After about eight years of managing acne and skin-picking habits, she asked herself: "Why don't I just stop doing everything?" A year ago, Zakher tried to stop washing her face, sharing a photo on a Reddit post of her flaky, textured skin. But as dead skin cells piled up, Zakher decided to exfoliate it all off because she didn't like the texture. But Zakher said she decided to give it another shot. She said she conducted "personal research" before kicking her skincare routine to the curb and that she did not meet with a dermatologist to discuss her plan. She started her second attempt at the "caveman method" on March 14. It took about two to three weeks before Zakher started seeing the effects. More: 'Sephora kids' trend prompts bill to ban kids from purchasing makeup (again). Here's why. What happens to your skin when you don't wash it? In a TikTok video with more than 3.4 million views as of May 2, Zakher explains she is experiencing retention hyperkeratosis, a condition that occurs when skin cells don't shed properly. Speaking to USA TODAY, Marisa Garshick, a New York dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, agreed. "That topmost layer of the skin (is) essentially dead skin cells ... cells that are no longer healthy. If we don't actually remove them, then those dead skin cells just kind of build up and that can cause a thickening of that layer," Garshick explained. "That's really what's capable of subsequently clogging pores ... and as those become plugged or clogged, it basically gets trapped." The result, she said, can be whiteheads, blackheads, inflammation and bacteria. In addition to shedding dead cells, Garshick said skin produces oil. If too much oil builds up, this can result in clogged pores and breakouts. Experts don't recommend trying the Caveman Method Garshick said it would be unlikely to recommend that patients stop washing their faces. While less can often be more, she typically advises her patients to wash their face at least once a day, especially before bed. For those looking to trim down their skincare routines, a good solution would be gentle, oil-based cleansers that promote skin barrier repair and contain ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, both naturally-occurring molecules found in skin, said Stephanie Kosack, a lead esthetician at Woodhouse Spas in Denver, Colorado. Despite concerns circulating online, Zakher said she isn't that worried about bacterial infections. Recently, she sent a few photos to a family-friend dermatologist who said her skin is looking fine. Questions of authenticity lead to online discourse In addition to medical professionals weighing in on Zakher's videos, some TikTok users have expressed a distrust in the authenticity of her situtation. "You're fooling no one. Just wash ur (your) face gang," a top comment on one of Zakher's videos reads. As she consumed Zakher's content, content creator Kelsie Carolos began to see theories that Zakher was just using a clay mask in her videos to resemble the effects of a condition like retention hyperkeratosis. Carolos tried three different variations of using a trendy clay mask with foundation to recreate Zakher's skin texture, but it never looked quite right. Though she may have been initially skeptical, after testing the online theories, Carolos is convinced that Zakher's condition is real. "My videos, I was kind of poking the bear a little bit. I was poking at the whole, 'Is she? Isn't she?" conspiracy that people love to engage with," Carolos told USA TODAY. "People love to rip young women apart online − we all know that. My intention was not to contribute to that all all. I just really wanted to engage in the conversation and put these theories to the test." As her videos continue to gain traction and more comments roll in, Zakher said she is just trying to take a light-hearted, humorous approach to addressing those who don't believe her situation. What's next? Tia Zakher said 'few months' more of no cleansing In addition to integrating water back into her routine, Zakher has plans to start using moisturizer to help her skin's cell production. She told USA TODAY that she will continue this "routine" for "the next few months." Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
