If you’ve scrolled through TikTok lately, you’ve probably stumbled across a woman with skin that will make you want to reach into your phone and hand her a bottle of cleanser. Meet Tia Zakher, the self-appointed face of the “caveman skincare” trend — a routine so minimal, it makes washing your face with water look like a luxury spa treatment.
But is this trend a genuine skin revolution, or just a clever ploy for internet outrage? We asked a dermatologist to cut through the crust.
What’s the caveman skincare trend, anyway?
Let’s get right to it. Tia Zakher has gone viral for doing… well, nothing. She claims her skin is “healing” after years of over-exfoliating by not washing it at all — not even with water. I’m not even sure how you’d avoid that entirely, but go off I guess.
As a result, her TikTok videos show her skin looking thick, flaky, and, to put it politely, a bit prehistoric.
According to Tia, “After eight years of picking and exfoliating, I’m healing my skin barrier by doing the only thing I’ve never tried before…nothing.”
The internet’s reaction? Predictably savage. Her comments section is a battlefield, with armchair dermatologists diagnosing her with various fungal infections. Some reckon she’s faking it for clout, using a clay mask with foundation on top and accusing her of “rage baiting” — that is, stirring up controversy just to rack up the views and followers.
But is letting your face marinate in its own buildup really the secret to great skin? Or is it just TikTok rage bait at its finest?
A dermatologist weighs in
We took the trend to Dr Ritu Gupta, a specialist dermatologist with a PhD and more credentials than your average TikTok commenter. Her verdict? “Honestly? That’s nonsense,” Dr Gupta told PEDESTRIAN.TV.
“You need to wash your skin to remove dirt, oil, and pollution. Leaving that buildup can clog pores, encourage bacterial, fungal or yeast infections, and worsen conditions like acne, folliculitis or milia.”
So, is minimalism bad? Not at all, says Dr Gupta — as long as you don’t take it to caveman extremes. “Minimalism is fine — as long as it’s evidence-based. You don’t need ten steps. But you do need basic hygiene: a gentle cleanser and a moisturiser, ideally with sunscreen. That’s it. Cleansing is essential.”
And for those worried about over-exfoliating, Dr Gupta has some reassuring news. “The skin exfoliates naturally every 28 days. So while exfoliating can help, it’s not mandatory. But failing to cleanse? That’s where you run into problems.”
Is the buildup fungal?
Some TikTok viewers have speculated that the thick texture on Tia’s face could be a fungal overgrowth. Dr Gupta’s take: “To me, it looks like thick, crusted dead skin — not a fungal infection. But I’d never diagnose from a video. In dermatology, we need in-person evaluation. That said, dead skin like that is certainly not ‘healing’. It’s unhealthy.”
And don’t even get her started on sun safety: “Also, I don’t know how you’d even apply sunscreen over that. [If] you’d be walking around in Australia — skin cancer capital of the world — with zero protection. It’s dangerous.”
Is there any actual risk to the caveman skincare method?
Plenty, according to Dr Gupta. “You’re creating an environment for harmful microbes. Dirt and pollutants aren’t benign — they can damage DNA, increasing skin cancer risk. Plus, the buildup acts like glad wrap, suffocating the skin. Moisture regulation, barrier function, microbiome health — all compromised.”
What’s the sensible approach to your skin?
Dr Gupta says it’s all about balance. “We’ve swung from 10-step routines to not washing at all. The sensible middle is: cleanse, moisturise, protect. And if you’re interested in advanced options, ensure they’re backed by clinical data and properly regulated.
“Radiofrequency-based devices, like EMFACE, increase local tissue temperature and blood circulation. That’s useful in helping strengthen facial muscles and reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles and rhytids. There’s solid science there — unlike these trends.”
But her biggest concern? The impact on young people. “They target the most vulnerable audience — teenagers. I had a 16-year-old patient quoting TikTok skincare advice last week. She was trying all sorts of things that were doing more harm than good. These trends look harmless, but they can lead to real damage when taken literally.”
And in case you needed a final reality check: “Honestly, this caveman skincare idea is about as healthy as the caveman diet, and that gives you bowel cancer.”
So, if you’re sick of complicated routines, go ahead and simplify. But don’t skip the basics. Your skin, and your future self, will thank you. And next time you see a viral trend that looks a bit crusty, maybe just keep scrolling.
Lead image: Tia Zakher / TikTok
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