TikTok’s Controversial "Caveman Method" Is Driving Dermatologists Bananas

When TikTok creator Tia Takher shared her minimalist skincare journey wherein she essentially goes on a complete skin fast—no products, cleanser, moisturizer or even water—to counteract what she described to Cosmopolitan U.K. as “eight years of picking and over-exfoliating.” What’s she doing now? “I'm healing my skin barrier by doing the one thing I never tried before... absolutely nothing." 

Lo and behold: The latest craze to wash over (or, erm, not wash) #skincaretok: The Caveman Method with scores of folks claiming that there's nothing to lose by going cold turkey on skincare for 30 days. One writer shared that she did the Method as a "last resort" and found it improved her skin (though she still used water "every once in a while.")

So what's the deal? While I'm all for doing what works for you, I have a feeling there are other ways to improve skin barriers without nixing all skincare hygiene. Of course, I’m no expert, so I brought in one.

Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD is a top cosmetic and medical dermatologist specializing in facial rejuvenation in Newport Beach, CA at Newport Beach Dermatology & Plastic Surgery. She is also the founder of Skincare Junkie.

“The ‘Caveman’ regimen involves avoiding ALL skincare products to ‘reset’ the skin,” begins Dr. Murphy-Rose. And the problem with this, she explains to me, is that word “all.” Sure, nix some products, but we do benefit from the use of some. “Completely forgoing cleansing may allow dirt, oil and pollutants to accumulate, which can clog pores and trigger inflammation. For some, it may worsen acne or allow secondary infections to develop, particularly in those already prone to breakouts or dermatitis. We should also all be using a moisturizer daily to keep skin hydrated.”

Then there’s the wooly mammoth in the room: SPF. I, personally, can’t forgo the skin protection. And Dr. Murphy-Rose agrees: “Another non-negotiable should be sun protection.” That said, she acquiesces, “it is possible to get your sun protection with protective apparel and accessories if you wanted to avoid all products (not that cavemen were wearing rash guards and sun hats, for the record). Better would be minimizing your skincare products and simplifying your regimen with a gentle cleanser and balanced moisturizer.”