When you think “caveman”, skincare is probably one of the very last things that comes to mind. That is, unless you’re on TikTok, where the latest beauty trend, aptly named the “caveman method”, has taken over. The hashtag #cavemanskin has garnered over 178 million views on the platform and shows no signs of slowing down. But what exactly is this trend all about, and how did it start?
The trend was characterised by social media influencer Tia Zakher, who created a video detailing her minimal (or non-existent) skincare routine. The footage shows Zakher, with noticeable skin shedding, chatting to the camera about how she restored her skin’s barrier by using no skincare products for weeks on end: no cleanser, no moisturiser, not even water.
The trend suggests that by returning to our primal roots (i.e. by not using any of the modern products we’ve come to include in our daily regimes), we can restore our skin’s barrier and combat the adverse effects of over-cleansing and over-exfoliation. Think of it as a “skin reset.”
While the trend is still gaining momentum, and thousands of women (if not more) are trying it out for themselves, it begs the question: Is there any merit to it?
TikTok is flooded with influencers who offer skincare advice, but unfortunately, the majority of them are not experts. Millions of men and women are exposed to skincare advice that may be doing more harm than good. Caveman skin is no different.
When you come across a new skincare trend on social media, it’s essential to do research or ask an expert in the field whether it is safe to try or not. Dr Judey Pretorius, a renowned biomedical scientist and founder of Biomedical Emporium skincare, explains why you might want to skip this viral trend:
Stripping back your skincare regime is not necessarily a bad thing, especially if you have sensitive skin or an impaired barrier. The culture of over-consumption prompts people to stock up on endless skincare products they don’t need. In reality, a 15-step Korean-beauty-style skincare routine is unnecessary (both for your skin, and for your bank balance).
A few high-quality products filled with beneficial ingredients that target your skincare needs are all you need. However, using no products whatsoever can have very adverse effects on the complexion.
The caveman method is not backed by science. Simplifying your routine and using clinically proven ingredients, is.
The biggest red flag is the rejection of cleansing the skin. Cleansing is a crucial part of the daily routine: not only does it remove bacteria, dirt, and impurities, but it also rinses away excess oil, which may otherwise clog pores. If you don’t cleanse your skin, you may end up with a breeding ground for bacteria and even fungal growth, resulting in the formation of breakouts. In addition, the build-up of impurities can lead to dullness and a disruption of the skin’s microbiome.
Then there’s the lack of SPF. We know that the sun is the primary cause of hyperpigmentation, skin ageing, and damage at a DNA level. Now imagine exposing your skin to the sun’s harsh UV rays every day without the protection of an SPF product. That is a recipe for disaster, both in the short term and the long term. Sun protection all year round is non-negotiable.
Now that we’ve established that the caveman skin trend is not the best way to restore your skin’s barrier, what is? If your skin is flaring up, if you’re experiencing dryness, breakouts or an impaired skin barrier, you may benefit from scaling back, but within reason. Stop using any products containing harsh ingredients, such as fragrances, alcohol, and essential oils.
Additionally, avoid using active ingredients such as retinol, glycolic acid, BHAs, and exfoliators. Avoid touching your face, change your pillow case regularly and use earphones when speaking on your cellphone (the amount of bacteria on your screen is frightening!).
Daily cleansing with a gentle, non-irritating cleanser is essential. Biomedical Emporium Luminous Milk Cleanser gently removes surface oil and build-up while moisturising skin with its creamy base.
After cleansing, apply a hydrating moisturiser rich in nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or ceramides, to moisturise and repair the stratum corneum. Biomedical Emporium Périphérique is designed for severely dry skin. It has a pH-balanced formula that repairs the barrier, stabilises skin lipids and retains moisture for better hydration levels.
No matter what time of the year, the last step in your regimen needs to be a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Biomedical Emporium Translucent Day Cream SPF30 prevents skin from photo-ageing while reducing redness caused by UV radiation.
While there is merit is scaling back your regime, there is no merit in abandoning skincare entirely.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And if you’re uncertain about a trend you see online, ask a professional for their opinion before trying it at home. Your skin will thank you for it.