The "Caveman Method" Skincare Trend: A Deep Dive into Tia Zakher’s No-Wash Experiment and the Internet’s Reaction
Tia Zakher, a 22-year-old from Montreal, Canada, has ignited a viral firestorm on TikTok with her unconventional approach to skincare. Eschewing all traditional products – cleansers, exfoliants, serums, and even water for a period – Zakher is documenting her experiment with the "Caveman Method," a self-imposed skincare routine (or lack thereof) that has captivated and concerned millions.
Zakher’s journey began more than a month ago when she decided to completely halt her existing skincare regimen. Frustrated with what she described as an obsession and hyper-fixation on her face, fueled by constant product experimentation, she resolved to see what her skin could achieve naturally. "Why not just drop everything and push it to the side and see what my skin is able to do naturally and kind of reset that cycle naturally?" she explained in an interview with USA TODAY.
The core principle of the Caveman Method, as Zakher practices it, is utter abandonment of any intervention. Initially, this meant no water at all, but Zakher has since reintroduced water, albeit sparingly, after determining it wouldn’t "harm" her process. Even while showering, she diligently avoids getting her face wet.
The results, as depicted in her TikTok videos, are dramatic. Weeks of abstaining from washing have led to a visible accumulation of dead skin cells, forming a textured layer across her face. This unusual appearance, while seemingly alarming to some, is central to the experiment and the catalyst for the online frenzy.
While Zakher didn’t coin the term "Caveman Method," she credits another TikTok user for giving her no-routine routine a catchy moniker. Regardless of its origin, the label perfectly encapsulates the back-to-basics, hands-off approach that defines the method.
Zakher’s decision to embrace the Caveman Method stems from a history of managing skin issues. She recounts dealing with minor acne during high school, which subsided with medication. However, she subsequently developed a skin-picking habit that led to redness, irritation, pimples, and scarring. After eight years of navigating these challenges, she questioned the efficacy of her efforts: "Why don’t I just stop doing everything?"
This isn’t Zakher’s first foray into the world of minimal skincare. A year prior, she attempted to cease face washing, sharing a photo of her flaky, textured skin on Reddit. Yet, the buildup of dead skin cells proved too much, and she ultimately exfoliated it all off. This time, however, she was determined to persevere.
Prior to embarking on her second attempt, Zakher asserts she conducted "personal research." Notably, she did not consult with a dermatologist to discuss her plan. She commenced her current Caveman Method experiment on March 14th, and within two to three weeks, she began to observe the effects.
Her TikTok videos have garnered millions of views, sparking a wide range of reactions. Some viewers are genuinely intrigued, while others express concern or skepticism. Medical professionals have weighed in with potential diagnoses, and some even question the authenticity of Zakher’s claims.
In one particularly popular video, which has amassed over 3.4 million views, Zakher suggests she is experiencing retention hyperkeratosis, a condition characterized by the improper shedding of skin cells.
Marisa Garshick, a New York dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, corroborated this possibility in an interview with USA TODAY. She explained that the "topmost layer of the skin (is) essentially dead skin cells … cells that are no longer healthy. If we don’t actually remove them, then those dead skin cells just kind of build up and that can cause a thickening of that layer." This buildup, Garshick warned, can lead to clogged pores, resulting in whiteheads, blackheads, inflammation, and bacterial growth.
Garshick also pointed out that skin naturally produces oil. Excessive oil buildup, without proper cleansing, can further contribute to clogged pores and breakouts. While acknowledging that "less can often be more" in skincare, Garshick generally advises her patients to wash their faces at least once a day, especially before bed.
For those seeking to simplify their skincare routines, Stephanie Kosack, a lead esthetician at Woodhouse Spas in Denver, Colorado, recommends gentle, oil-based cleansers that promote skin barrier repair and contain ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, both of which are naturally found in skin.
Despite the concerns expressed online, Zakher remains relatively unconcerned about bacterial infections. She recently shared photos with a family friend who is a dermatologist, who reportedly told her that her skin looks "fine."
Beyond medical opinions, Zakher’s videos have also been met with skepticism from some TikTok users. Comments like "You’re fooling no one. Just wash ur (your) face gang" reflect a distrust in the authenticity of her situation.
Content creator Kelsie Carolos became particularly intrigued by the skepticism surrounding Zakher’s experiment. Carolos explored theories that Zakher was using a clay mask with foundation to simulate the effects of retention hyperkeratosis. Carolos attempted to recreate Zakher’s skin texture using three different variations of this technique, but none of them looked convincingly real. Through her experiments, Carolos ultimately concluded that Zakher’s condition is likely genuine.
"My videos, I was kind of poking the bear a little bit. I was poking at the whole, ‘Is she? Isn’t she?’ conspiracy that people love to engage with," Carolos explained to USA TODAY. "People love to rip young women apart online – we all know that. My intention was not to contribute to that at all. I just really wanted to engage in the conversation and put these theories to the test."
As Zakher’s videos continue to gain traction and generate discussion, she maintains a lighthearted and humorous approach to addressing her detractors.
Looking ahead, Zakher plans to introduce moisturizer into her routine to support skin cell production. She intends to continue her modified Caveman Method "routine" for the next few months. Her experiment serves as a fascinating, albeit potentially controversial, exploration of the skin’s natural capabilities and the complex world of modern skincare. Whether her approach is ultimately beneficial or detrimental remains to be seen, but her journey has undoubtedly captured the attention of millions and sparked a much-needed conversation about the potential for overcomplicating our approach to skincare.
