The whole truth about caveman skincare
The strange beauty method that went viral on Tiktok
G-Club
May 20th, 2025
May 20th, 2025
If you're into skincare, chances are you've come across one of the countless videos about the caveman method. It's all over TikTok: some people swear by it, others strongly disagree. But what is it exactly? Let’s break it down.
The Caveman Skincare Method according to Tia Zakher
@tiazakher Replying to @purppanther original sound - tia zakher
@tiazakher thank you for all the sweet & supportive messages!!! to my fellow pickers & those with dermatillomania i know the struggle & im always a message away :) now back to some regularly scheduled programming
original sound - tia zakher
It all started with Tia Zakher, a content creator who decided to share her full detox journey from skincare—and more. In one video, she says: "After 8 years of skin picking and over-exfoliation, I'm healing my skin barrier by doing the one thing I never tried before... absolutely nothing." Her approach involves eliminating every single skincare product: no cleansers, toners, treatments, or even water. Over time, this has led to a visible layer of dead skin cells forming on her face, which she sees as a natural barrier. According to her, once this layer sheds on its own - without any peeling or interventions - the skin underneath should be fully healed and restored.
What really happens when you stop washing your face?
@ocskinlab #greenscreen I agree with less is more in skincare, but this may be taking it too far #skinbarrier #skinbarrierrepair #skincareroutine #exfoliation #facialcleanser #dermatology #dermreacts #cavemanmethod #skincare #cavemanskincareroutine #caveman #skin #foryoupage #fyp #fypviral #fypage #foryourpage #fyp #viral #retentionhyperkeratosis original sound - Dr. Hure, MD | Dermatopath
As explained in an article by USA Today, what’s actually happening to Tia’s skin is a buildup of dead skin cells. Without the help of proper cleansing or even mild exfoliation, this layer won’t naturally fall off—it will simply continue to accumulate, ultimately clogging the pores.
Water isn’t the enemy: the real "Caveman Method"
Although a TikTok user labeled Tia’s routine as "caveman," there’s a less extreme approach that shares the same basic idea: drastically simplifying your routine. When your skin flares up with irritation, inflammation, or unexpected breakouts, and you’re unsure which of your many products or ingredients is to blame, the smartest move is to stop everything. Strip it all back and return to the basics. As dermatologist Dr. Asmi Berry recommends, a minimalist skincare routine should include just a gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, and mineral sunscreen. Once your skin has calmed down, you can slowly reintroduce previous products one at a time, allowing you to pinpoint the cause of any irritation. Still, the most reliable approach is always to consult a dermatologist: only a professional who understands your skin can guide you toward the right solution. Avoiding trial-and-error methods that might make things worse.
