Zero-Step Skincare: What is Up with the Viral Caveman Regimen?

TikTok has never been short on tips and tricks that promise to change your skin, for better or worse. One trend that is making waves again is the caveman method, a “minimalist” approach that eliminates all skincare products, including cleansers, moisturizers, and even water.

This trend first gained popularity in 2024, but is having a resurgence this 2025 with TikTok influencer, Tia Zakher, documenting her experience with the regimen. In a video that went viral, she claimed she was healing her skin barrier by doing nothing or ditching all skincare products, including water.

So, what exactly happens when you stop washing your face or using any products?
Continue reading as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore breaks down the caveman method, including its pros and cons and what it could really mean for your skin health.

What is the caveman skincare method?

The caveman regimen is a zero-step skincare method that excludes everything from washing to moisturizing and applying sunscreen, even water. It basically means doing nothing to your skin, with the hope that it will reset your skin barrier. It is said to mimic what the cavemen or early humans would’ve done without interference from any skincare or products that didn’t exist back in the Stone Age. 

The idea behind the caveman skincare is that a lot of products can strip or remove essential oils in the skin. This is believed to alter its natural microbiome and disrupt its pH balance. While some people who have tried this approach claimed that it helped their skin, experts say the accumulation of oil, dirt, and other impurities can damage the skin.

What are the benefits of the caveman regimen?

Although the caveman regimen may sound more like a social media trend, a version of it has been around for years, with some doctors recommending it in special cases. As some ingredients are known to trigger or exacerbate certain skin conditions, stopping them for a while and reintroducing them step by step can help patients determine what’s causing their skin issues.

This routine, however, is only recommended for the short term to identify and potentially improve skin issues that may be associated with certain products. It is not advisable to ditch all products, as it ignores the importance of cleansing, hydration, and sun protection, which are essential for achieving healthy and younger-looking skin. 

What happens to your skin on the caveman regimen?

In a photo posted by Ms. Zakher, viewers are fixated on the sandy texture on her face and wondering what is happening. She later on explained on a video that it is due to the natural and temporary buildup of all the dead skin cells. She said the uneven texture is “retention hyperkeratosis”, a condition where skin cells don’t shed properly. 

Ms. Zakher considers this a normal part of her skin barrier resetting. It may not look good initially, but she claims that it is fixable and a part of healing with patience. She also said she’s happy with the results after seven weeks of not using anything, not even water. She has, however, reintroduced water into her routine since then.

What are the risks of following the caveman skincare?

Experts don’t recommend the caveman regimen, as this is an extreme approach. Skipping a gentle cleanse or water rinsing can cause the oil dirt, sweat, and bacteria to accumulate, potentially worsening skin conditions like acne and dullness. Forgoing sunscreen is also not recommended, as it increases your risk of sun damage and skin cancer. 

Other things that could happen if you avoid or stop washing your face:

• The buildup of dirt, oil, and dead skin can lead to white/blackheads and pimples.
• Lack of cleansing and exfoliation keeps the skin from renewing itself, resulting in dull and lifeless skin.
• Skipping regular cleansing can contribute to premature aging and worsen the effects of sun damage and environmental stressors.
• Inadequate cleansing increases your risk of or worsens existing acne.
• Not washing the face can lead to or exacerbate seborrheic dermatitis, characterized by redness, flaking, and irritation.

What’s an alternative to the caveman method?

While some products or ingredients can be too much for your skin, you don’t necessarily have to stop everything to heal your barrier. You can still choose to have a stripped-back or minimalist approach that should always involve washing your face at least at the end of the day to remove all residue and buildup from the rest of the day.  

You don’t necessarily need a 10- or 15-step regimen to take care of your skin. If you’re not a fan of putting too many products on your face, a simplified routine is a better alternative to the caveman method. This includes washing your face with a gentle cleanser once or twice a day and applying a moisturizer afterward. Don’t forget to include a broad-spectrum sunscreen in your morning routine.

How Cutis can help transform your skin

At Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore, we offer non-surgical solutions that can help you achieve your skincare goals. Whether you’re looking to smooth wrinkles, restore volume loss, tighten sagging skin, or improve dull and lackluster skin, we can help. We tailor our treatments to the patient’s unique needs and goals. 

We also have our own skincare line, Dr. Sylvia Skin Care, which features an intensive, medical-grade collection. Our products soothe, quench, and nourish the skin, delivering multi-layer fortification. They can also help improve or address dark spots, oily skin, fine lines, wrinkles, eye concerns, and other signs of aging. 

Ready to transform your skin or unveil a glowing, more youthful complexion? Contact us at +65 6801 4000 to find out how we can help or schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors.