What Is the Viral New ‘Caveman Skin’ Trend?

Most of us are aware of the development of tweens and youths caring extra about skincare than anything and spending tons of cash to purchase infinite magnificence products at Sephora. 

Now, on the reverse finish of the spectrum, a new fad is emerging: caveman pores and skin. It’s actually the antithesis of an expansive facial care routine since completely nothing is concerned in attaining caveman pores and skin, not even water.

The strategy of not utilizing any merchandise on the pores and skin has been gaining recognition on TikTok ever since creator Tia Zakher (@tiazakher) shared a brief video explaining that her objective is to heal her pores and skin barrier. 

However does primarily neglecting your face truly work to rebuild the pores and skin? And are there every other advantages to adopting the caveman pores and skin methodology? Most significantly, can teenagers do extra hurt than good by making an attempt this out, and doubtlessly exacerbate pimples or different pores and skin circumstances? 

We turned to specialists to search out out!

Does the Caveman Pores and skin Technique Work?

As a mother of three teenagers who’ve cumulatively spent tons of of {dollars} at Sephora stocking up on face cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, exfoliators, and extra, I needed to know if doing nothing in any respect has been the best skincare routine hiding in plain sight all alongside. 

In any case, it’s been head-scratching to look at my 11-year-old purchase serums that appear completely pointless for her youthful complexion. Maybe advising her to drop a skincare routine fully is the way in which to go.

However based on Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and proprietor of Radiant Dermatology in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the caveman methodology lacks scientific help—and will even pose dangers to pores and skin well being.

“Reducing out cleaning can result in pimples, clogged pores, and infections,” she tells Dad and mom.

Dr. Spearman says simplifying your skincare routine can profit you should you endure from eczema or irritation.

“There are methods to reset and defend the pores and skin’s biome with out attending to this stage, corresponding to slicing out harsh merchandise,” she advises. 

There’s some reality that overuse of harsh components can hurt the pores and skin barrier, and taking a break may help pores and skin recuperate, based on Lika Alania, a star aesthetician and founding father of Alania Aesthetics.

“Nevertheless, that’s very totally different from eliminating primary skincare altogether,” Alania says. “Cleaning is crucial, particularly on the finish of the day, to take away oil, filth, micro organism, and sweat. With out this step, pores and skin is more likely to turn into congested, boring, or infected.” 

Teenagers are particularly liable to breakouts from a scarcity of cleaning as a result of excessive ranges of sebum their pores and skin produces.

The Greatest Method to Teen Skincare Is Someplace within the Center

In accordance with Kosta Condous, MA, LMFT, teenagers ought to goal for a skincare routine that’s about moderation. When you don’t need your baby to overdo it with a plethora of skincare merchandise, doing nothing isn’t wholesome both, and will even result in your teen neglecting their basic hygiene.

Dr. Spearman’s recommendation is to make use of a delicate, microbiome-friendly cleanser, moisturize with prebiotic components, and defend your pores and skin’s barrier with sunscreen.

Likewise, Alania recommends following a constant, easy, and delicate skincare routine. “Taking good care of your pores and skin begins with the fundamentals: correct cleaning, hydration, and safety,” she says.

What To Do If Your Teen Needs To Strive the Caveman Technique

As with many tendencies on TikTok and friends going prehistoric with their routine, it could increase the profile of the caveman pores and skin methodology. In case your baby is intent on making an attempt it, Dr. Spearman suggests asking what appeals to them concerning the method, corresponding to being pissed off with breakouts. Then, tackle these considerations particularly.

Condous recommends utilizing the chance to debate why TikTok is probably not the very best supply of any well being data. It’s additionally an ideal jumping-off level for having a dialog concerning the unrealistic image of beauty portrayed by the media.

However Condous additionally urges dad and mom to not underestimate how essential skincare and picture are to teenagers.

“There’s an essential psychological side to the caveman development that additionally can’t be ignored,” Condous tells Dad and mom. 

That’s why in case your baby is coping with persistent pimples or one other pores and skin situation that’s impacting their psychological well being, it’s time to hunt skilled assist from a dermatologist, not “Dr. TikTok.”