Is the rising “do nothing” skincare trend on social media beauty or neglect?
Is it possible to achieve healthier skin by doing nothing? TikTok’s newest viral trend, the “Caveman” skincare method, answers this question with a “yes,” and precisely for this reason, it brings both great interest and serious debate.
The “Caveman” approach advocates completely eliminating all skincare products from your life. You need to give up cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and even water. The method’s core belief is that modern products weaken the skin’s natural barrier and prevent the skin from establishing its own balance. This radical pursuit of naturalness has spread rapidly on platforms like TikTok and Reddit, dividing users.
Variations of the caveman skincare routine
There are two main versions of the Caveman method. The water-only option involves washing the face only with water. No-contact is a much more extreme version: the face is not washed, touched, or interfered with in any way. Like a true caveman, you leave your skin completely to its own devices.
Both of these approaches are preferred for the purpose of a “skin reset.” Practitioners argue that this method reduces irritation, soothes acne, and re-establishes sebum balance.
However, experts do not view this approach favorably. According to dermatologists, especially in skin prone to acne, sensitivity, or inflammation, this kind of extreme minimalism can lead to irritation, clogged pores, and long-term damage to the skin barrier.
Social media plays a significant role in the rise of this trend. TikTok content creator Tia Zakher shares her own skincare journey in many videos on the platform and calls the method she follows the “Caveman Skincare Method.” While Tia’s video has been viewed millions of times, other young users are also appearing on screen with their makeup-free and filter-free skin, sharing the results of this method under the title “I left my skin completely alone and this happened.” However, the weak scientific basis behind the eye-catching visuals raises questions about the method’s reliability.
Beauty or neglect?
The “Caveman” skincare trend, in one aspect, seems like a stance against the beauty industry and product dependency. But on the other hand, not taking care of oneself can also mean neglect, not naturalness. Since the skin’s needs vary from person to person, there is no guarantee that a single method will work well for everyone.
Experts say that skin health requires a long-term balance and that the idea of “doing nothing” can cause more harm than good in some cases. In particular, remaining unprotected against UV rays or not taking precautions against external factors like pollution can increase skin problems. It is essential to consult a dermatologist before starting a new TikTok skincare trend.
This article was originally published by Sude Ilgın Sak on the Marie Claire Turkey website.
