There is a lot we can learn from our caveman ancestors. Their fossils help us trace the evolution of the human species. Their lifestyle paints a picture of how we adapted to survive in difficult environments. But what about their skincare routine?
The latest social media skincare trend that everyone is talking about is the caveman method. The trend has been gaining popularity lately thanks to TikTok user who claims to have not washed her face in six weeks.
The caveman skincare method is a minimalist approach that is supposed to help with resetting and strengthening your natural skin barrier, but is it actually safe to try?
The Caveman Skin Care Method
Participating in the caveman method involves eliminating all your skincare products and routines, often including even water. Rooted in the belief that modern skincare does more harm than good, those who recommend the method argue that our skin is able to naturally regulate itself when left alone, much like it did in prehistoric times when retinol and moisturizer didn’t exist.
There are two main variations to the caveman method: water-only and no-contact. Water-only involves continuing to cleanse your face, but only with water. The more extreme version, no-contact, calls for no touching of the face at all, not even with water.
This method has gained popularity on many social media sites, like TikTok and Reddit, as it is part of the “skin reset” trend. A skin reset is often recommended to those suffering from severe acne or overly oily or dry skin. The benefits of doing a skin reset, such as the caveman method, are claimed to include reduced irritation, fewer breakouts, and normalized oil production.
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The Danger of Skincare Trends
While the appeal of never washing your face and waking up with glowing, healthy skin is tempting, dermatologists and nurses alike warn that trends like the caveman method can do more harm than good, especially in the long term.
One of the major concerns is a build-up of dead skin and bacteria. Without regular cleansing, dead skin cells, oil, and environmental pollutants can accumulate. This can lead to the opposite of the promised results, including clogged pores, acne flare-ups, and even infection.
An important thing to remember is that we do not live in the same environment and climate as our caveman ancestors. The Paleolithic era was not an environment full of pollution and other stressors that modern humans deal with on a daily basis. Our skin needs help to combat these elements, especially if you wear makeup, sunscreen, or live in an urban area.
Healthy Alternatives for a Skin Reset
If you are feeling overwhelmed by all those 20-step skincare routines or are experiencing skin irritation, there are safer, dermatologist-approved alternatives to reset your skin without going caveman.
Many dermatologists recommend simplifying your skincare routine to just the necessary three elements needed for healthy skin: a gentle cleanser, hydrating moisturizer, and sunscreen. All of these products support your skin barrier while also giving it time to reset and heal.
There are also many products that work to restore and strengthen your skin barrier. Look for products with ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.
The caveman skincare method may seem simple and appealing, but the risks outweigh the benefits. Stick to science-backed skincare that’ll help your skin evolve with time, not step back into the Stone Age.
This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.
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Article Sources
Our writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:
As the marketing coordinator at Discover Magazine, Stephanie Edwards interacts with readers across Discover’s social media channels and writes digital content. Offline, she is a contract lecturer in English & Cultural Studies at Lakehead University, teaching courses on everything from professional communication to Taylor Swift, and received her graduate degrees in the same department from McMaster University. You can find more of her science writing in Lab Manager and her short fiction in anthologies and literary magazine across the horror genre.
