What Is the Viral New ‘Caveman Skin’ Trend?

Most of us are familiar with the trend of tweens and teens caring more about skin care than anything else and spending tons of money to buy endless beauty products at Sephora. 

Now, at the opposite end of the spectrum, a new fad is emerging: caveman skin. It’s truly the antithesis of an expansive facial care routine since absolutely nothing is involved in achieving caveman skin, not even water.

The method of not using any products on the skin has been gaining popularity on TikTok ever since creator Tia Zakher (@tiazakher) shared a short video explaining that her goal is to heal her skin barrier. 

But does essentially neglecting your face actually work to rebuild the skin? And are there any other benefits to adopting the caveman skin method? Most importantly, can teens do more harm than good by trying this out, and potentially exacerbate acne or other skin conditions? 

We turned to experts to find out!

Does the Caveman Skin Method Work?

As a mom of three teens who have cumulatively spent hundreds of dollars at Sephora stocking up on face cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, exfoliators, and more, I had to know if doing nothing at all has been the best skincare routine hiding in plain sight all along. 

After all, it’s been head-scratching to watch my 11-year-old buy serums that seem totally unnecessary for her youthful complexion. Perhaps advising her to drop a skincare routine completely is the way to go.

But according to Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Radiant Dermatology in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the caveman method lacks scientific support—and could even pose risks to skin health.

“Cutting out cleansing can lead to acne, clogged pores, and infections,” she tells Parents.

Dr. Spearman says simplifying your skincare routine can benefit you if you suffer from eczema or irritation.

“There are ways to reset and protect the skin’s biome without getting to this level, such as cutting out harsh products,” she advises. 

There is some truth that overuse of harsh ingredients can harm the skin barrier, and taking a break can help skin recover, according to Lika Alania, a celebrity aesthetician and founder of Alania Aesthetics.

“However, that’s very different from eliminating basic skincare altogether,” Alania says. “Cleansing is essential, especially at the end of the day, to remove oil, dirt, bacteria, and sweat. Without this step, skin is likely to become congested, dull, or inflamed.” 

Teens are especially prone to breakouts from a lack of cleansing due to the high levels of sebum their skin produces.

The Best Approach to Teen Skincare Is Somewhere in the Middle

According to Kosta Condous, MA, LMFT, teens should aim for a skincare routine that is about moderation. While you don’t want your child to overdo it with a plethora of skincare products, doing nothing isn’t healthy either, and may even lead to your teen neglecting their basic hygiene.

Dr. Spearman’s advice is to use a gentle, microbiome-friendly cleanser, moisturize with prebiotic ingredients, and protect your skin’s barrier with sunscreen.

Likewise, Alania recommends following a consistent, simple, and gentle skincare routine. “Taking care of your skin starts with the basics: proper cleansing, hydration, and protection,” she says.

What To Do If Your Teen Wants To Try the Caveman Method

As with many trends on TikTok and peers going prehistoric with their routine, it may raise the profile of the caveman skin method. If your child is intent on trying it, Dr. Spearman suggests asking what appeals to them about the approach, such as being frustrated with breakouts. Then, address those concerns specifically.

Condous recommends using the opportunity to discuss why TikTok may not be the best source of any health information. It’s also a great jumping-off point for having a conversation about the unrealistic image of beauty portrayed by the media.

But Condous also urges parents not to underestimate how important skincare and image are to teens.

“There’s an important psychological aspect to the caveman trend that also cannot be ignored,” Condous tells Parents. 

That’s why if your child is dealing with persistent acne or another skin condition that is impacting their mental health, it’s time to seek professional help from a dermatologist, not “Dr. TikTok.”