Woman sparks concern over her appearance after testing the 'Caveman Skin Care" trend.
Credit : Tia Zakher
The "Caveman" Skincare Method: What Happened After 7 Weeks of Not Washing Her Face?

In recent weeks, 22-year-old influencer Tia Zakher has gone viral on TikTok for her controversial skincare routine — the "Caveman" skincare method. What does it entail? Essentially, Zakher, a New York-based influencer, stopped washing her face for seven weeks in an attempt to restore her skin’s natural state. Her decision sparked widespread attention, with millions of TikTok users scrutinizing her skin’s appearance and offering unsolicited advice. But is this method really as harmless as it seems?

Tia Zakher shares condition of her skin after seven weeks of not using any skin care products or washing her face.
Tia Zakher/Tiktok
The Caveman Skincare Trend: A Radical Approach

The "Caveman" method is a term used to describe "skincare neglect," according to Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a board-certified dermatologist. The basic principle is doing absolutely nothing to your skin—no washing, no moisturizing, and no sunscreen. Zakher decided to fully embrace this method earlier this year after struggling with acne and scarring due to excessive manual exfoliation (picking at her skin). Her constant experimentation with skincare products, she claims, had made things worse.

"I was trying so many different things and doing so many different things," Zakher explains. "I was never consistent because I was just in this vicious cycle, and I didn’t know how to get out of it."

@tiazakher

oh she def never thought id have the nerve to show my skin like i do today

♬ Who Am I - Jenna Raine

Zakher's decision to embark on this low-maintenance skincare journey was an attempt to help her skin recover naturally. While her approach has sparked many concerns and debates on TikTok, Zakher remained unfazed by the negative feedback, emphasizing that she was fully committed to the process and was working with a dermatologist who supported her approach.

What Happened to Her Skin After 7 Weeks?

Zakher shared her experience and progress with her followers, revealing that her skin had undergone changes, including a textured and discolored appearance. Many TikTok users feared she had developed a fungal infection or acne, but Zakher clarified that she was only experiencing dryness, and she also described a condition known as retention hyperkeratosis. According to the Cleveland Clinic, retention hyperkeratosis occurs when skin cells don’t shed properly from the surface of the skin, leading to acne.

Dr. Nazarian believes Zakher’s skin may be undergoing an intense version of retention hyperkeratosis. "It's a classic example of what happens when you neglect skin and let nature overrun your face and leave inflammation unchecked," Dr. Nazarian explains.

@tiazakher Replying to @n ♬ original sound - tia zakher

Despite these changes, Zakher remains confident and unbothered. She acknowledges that her skin is far from perfect, but she continues to listen to her body and is willing to adjust her skincare routine if necessary. She mentioned that she had recently begun rinsing her face with water and is considering reintroducing moisturizer at some point.

Expert Opinion on the Caveman Method

While the "Caveman" skincare method may seem extreme, Dr. Nazarian does not fully endorse this approach. She emphasizes the importance of a skincare routine that balances both skin health and maintenance. According to Dr. Nazarian, if you’re looking to simplify your routine, it’s important to choose products that are gentle on the skin. For example, using face washes that are non-foaming, unscented, and gentle can help remove buildup and bacteria without stripping the skin’s natural oils.

"If you’re looking to downsize your skincare routine, consider looking for gentle products, especially face washes that are gentle and not abrasive," Dr. Nazarian advises. These products can effectively cleanse the skin while preserving its natural balance.

The Takeaway: Is the Caveman Skincare Method Safe?

While the idea of going makeup-free and skipping a daily skincare routine may seem tempting to some, it’s important to consider the potential consequences. Skin can react to neglect in various ways, including dryness, irritation, and an increase in breakouts. For those with sensitive skin or existing conditions like acne, it's crucial to seek guidance from a professional before making drastic changes to your skincare routine.

For Zakher, the results of her "Caveman" method after 7 weeks have been mixed, but she’s not giving up. She continues to document her journey, despite the criticism she faces. "I know that a lot of people are concerned. I understand that there's always going to be hate when you post on social media," Zakher says. "I just have a good head on my shoulders, and I have a good support system."

@tiazakher Replying to @purppanther ♬ original sound - tia zakher

If you're considering skipping your skincare routine or adopting an unconventional method, it’s best to consult a dermatologist first. What works for one person may not work for everyone.

References

- Cleveland Clinic - Retention Hyperkeratosis

- Rachel Nazarian, M.D., Dermatology Expert at Mount Sinai

- TikTok Influencer Tia Zakher's Experience and Insights