The “Caveman Skincare Routine” is going viral—but is it a hygiene nightmare?

 

The “Caveman Skincare Routine” is going viral—but is it a hygiene nightmare?

This ultra-minimalist trend involves doing absolutely nothing to your skin: no washing, no products, no routines. While it’s gaining popularity online, the question remains—how minimal is too minimal? Is ditching skincare altogether really a clean move?

In Short

• The Caveman Skincare Routine is the latest viral trend shaking up the beauty world

• TikTok creator Tia Zakher gained massive attention after trying it out

• Dermatologists, however, aren’t exactly on board

Let’s face it—when it comes to skincare, there’s no shortage of options. From the 10-step Korean glass skin routine to age-old desi remedies, the quest for flawless skin has taken us down countless paths. That might explain why so many are still searching for the one routine that actually works.

We’ve all been there—trying endless combinations of pricey serums, toners, snail mucin, and miracle creams to fight breakouts, oiliness, or dry patches. And when nothing delivers, all we’re left with is a dent in our wallet and mounting frustration. That’s exactly what 22-year-old TikToker Tia Zakher experienced—until she decided to ditch it all for a radical experiment: doing absolutely nothing to her skin.

In today’s digital-first world, where every day brings a new (and often bizarre) viral trend, another skincare fad has caught everyone’s attention—courtesy of a 22-year-old TikToker. This one’s as extreme as it gets: it involves doing absolutely nothing. No soap, no creams, no serums. Just… nothing. The routine? Having no routine at all. And yes, that even means skipping water! Welcome to the viral ‘Caveman Skincare Regimen’ that’s taking the internet by storm.

What is the Caveman Skincare Routine?
On a typical day, most of us at least rinse our face with water, maybe follow it up with a cleanser, especially after being outdoors. But this routine tosses all of that aside—no washing, no exfoliating, no moisturizing, not even a splash of water. It's a total reset, inspired by how our ancestors might have lived, with zero access to modern skincare essentials. Hence the name: the Caveman Routine. 

Tia Zakher, a TikTok creator, shot to overnight fame after embracing the Caveman Skincare Routine. In her videos, Zakher shared how she had become obsessed with fixing her skin—trying countless products without seeing results. Her habit of picking at her skin only made things worse, leading to inflammation, breakouts, and irritation. In a bid to heal her skin barrier, she decided to take a radical step: do absolutely nothing.

“Why not just drop everything, push it to the side, and see what my skin is able to do naturally—kind of reset that cycle?” she told USA Today. Zakher first tested the routine for about two weeks, but ended up with flaky, textured skin she didn’t like, so she washed it off. Undeterred, she gave it another go in March—this time doing some research, though she didn’t consult a dermatologist.

Eventually, Zakher revealed she developed a condition known as hyperkeratosis, where dead skin fails to shed properly, causing a rough, uneven texture. Still, she maintains that her skin is doing fine and says she’s not worried about infections.

To Cave In or Not? Here’s What Experts Say
Going without water for days—or even weeks—raises serious questions about hygiene. Is your skin truly equipped to handle that kind of neglect? To get clarity, we spoke to skincare experts—and most agree: the Caveman Routine may not be the smartest move.

“From both a dermatological and hygiene standpoint, the Caveman Skincare Routine is not advisable,” says Dr. Geetika Mittal Gupta, renowned skin expert and cosmetologist, in an interview with India Today. “Even the most basic cleansing—with just water or a mild cleanser—is essential for removing daily buildup of sweat, pollutants, and bacteria. Skipping hygiene altogether increases the risk of infections, inflammation, and skin irritation.”

Dr. Gupta also points out that this routine may be especially unsuitable for Indian skin. “Indian skin tends to be more prone to pigmentation, acne, and environmental damage due to higher melanin levels and increased exposure to UV rays and pollution,” she explains.

The complete lack of even gentle skincare—no cleanser, no moisturizer, no hydration—can weaken the skin’s natural defenses over time, she warns. According to Dr. Gupta, healing the skin barrier doesn’t mean neglecting it entirely. Instead, dermatologists recommend barrier-friendly routines that are simple yet effective, including:

• Non-stripping, gentle cleansers

• Fragrance-free, hydrating moisturizers

• Daily sunscreen to protect against UV damage

She also emphasizes the importance of internal care. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet can support skin health—something as simple as a handful of almonds, packed with vitamin E, healthy fats, and antioxidants, can make a noticeable difference from within.