The Caveman Method is one of the latest skin care trends to go viral on social media. It’s an extreme method of skin detoxing that aims to restore skin by cutting out all products. However, it may not actually be the best for your skin. Learn how experts are weighing in on the regimen and explore healthier alternatives.
What is the caveman skin care method?
Caveman skin care is a zero-step regimen in which you use no cleanser, toner or serums. At most, you can wash your face with plain water or blot with paper towels. Some people’s version of the method may involve putting on makeup and removing it with just micellar water, but it can vary from person to person.
Why did caveman skin care get so popular?
The caveman skin care is one of the many routines that have been popularized on TikTok. Many trends have come from video-sharing apps, like using ocean water to wash your face or toothpaste to erase pimples. That said, very few have been as radical as this routine.
The main appeal behind it is how it can help your skin breathe. The overconsumption of products can sometimes do more harm than good for your skin, and some people feel the need to detox from their multi-step routines.
Piling on several heavy products can leave your skin feeling clogged and sometimes lead to irritation. If you’re experiencing new breakouts or oily skin, reducing the amount of products you use is a natural solution.
Does caveman skin care work?
Some experts say there may be some benefits, but also risks.
Medpak Solutions’ Dr. Stephanie Taylor, a board-certified dermatologist for 12 years, has seen an increase in patients who have tried this regimen.
“If we eliminate harsh cleansers, then this mantle can mend and shield skin more effectively,” she notes. “Oil-producing glands may also quiet down and produce fewer oils. So, yes, sometimes, for a short period, it might do something positive, just a little, though.”
The caveman method may not be a good idea in the long run.
“If you don’t wash your face, dirt, bacteria and dead skin can accumulate,” Taylor says. “It can lead to clogged pores, acne or even infection. Certain skin disorders, such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis, worsen.”
According to Kristine Evans, a medical esthetician at Seaside Skincare, reducing your routine is better than cutting skin care out entirely.
“While simplifying your routine can absolutely be helpful, eliminating all skin care, even essentials like cleanser and sunscreen, can do more harm than good,” Evans says.
The harms of eliminating skin care can include:
- Breakouts caused by a buildup of sweat and environmental pollutants.
- Skin irritation or infection from a lack of proper cleansing.
- UV damage from skipping sunscreen, which can accelerate aging and increase skin cancer risk.
Alternatives to caveman skin care
The caveman skin care method can be a little extreme, but it brings up some interesting points on how you handle your routine. Here are alternative ways to still apply the principles without completely stripping your skin of TLC.
1. Have a minimal skin care routine
Some people favor the caveman method over multi-step skin care routines that use dozens of serums, essences and other products. However, you can find a happy medium.
Both Taylor and Evans recommend a simple skin care routine that supports the skin. Go back to basics by:
- Washing with a gentle cleanser: Products like the Pacifica Coconut Whip Cream to Foam Gentle Cleanser are ideal as they nourish the skin while cleansing it of dirt and sweat. Plus, its creamy texture is suitable for all skin types and can remove stubborn makeup.
- Using a light moisturizer: You need a gentle and hydrating moisturizer that supports the skin’s protective barrier. Consider the Tree to Tub Deep Hydrating Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin with Green Tea, which can give you a radiant complexion while letting your skin feel safe and good.
- Applying SPF generously: It’s important to use sun protection on your skin. The Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen Tin SPF 40 is a great hypoallergenic product that can protect your skin. It’s certified reef-friendly, which is perfect for those who are swimming and surfing. Remember to reapply every two hours.
2. Simplify your skin care schedule
Another way you can help your skin breathe is to change up your skin care schedule. Try these mindful tips when applying your favorite products:
- Have a product-free day: Rather than completely omitting skin care for multiple days in a row, you can plan one product-free day out of the week. That way, you can give your skin a brief detox. For the best results, make sure you’re staying indoors during this time to avoid sun exposure if you’re not wearing sunscreen.
- Exfoliate once a week: Over-exfoliating may be a habit that leads people to believe they need to detox. Cut back your exfoliation to once a week or every other week. You can also switch to mild exfoliators instead of more abrasive methods if you feel like you’re irritating your skin with your current product.
- Stick to night routines instead: Skin care enthusiasts like to have separate morning and evening routines with different sets of products. However, you can make things easier to keep up with by just following one regimen instead. Nighttime products are ideal to help remove all the gunk accumulated throughout the day. Just be sure to apply SPF every morning.
3. Pick more skin-friendly products
Apart from skin care steps and schedules, the products themselves also make a difference. Many personal care products on the market contain harsh and irritating chemicals. For instance, some may contain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS chemicals. These can weaken the immune system’s ability to fight infections and create hormonal imbalances.
Make sure you are thorough in what you put on your skin. You can look for more organic and natural ingredients that eliminate artificial ingredients. Consider what would benefit your skin type and concerns.
4. Manage your stress
It’s also important to make a few lifestyle changes that can help you treat your skin. For instance, stress can worsen your skin problems. Make sure you manage it to the best of your abilities with healthy coping mechanisms. Regular exercise is a good outlet that can also help improve your sleep quality.
5. Have a healthy diet
Another lifestyle change is to adopt a skin-friendly diet. Balance is key, but several key ingredients can help your skin thrive. For instance, fatty fish, such as salmon and herring, can keep your skin moisturized and less red. Avocados are also good for providing antioxidants and stimulating collagen production.
Ditch the caveman skin care method
While the caveman method addresses the need for simplified skin routines, experts believe it’s too extreme and can make your skin worse over time. Instead of an all or nothing approach, try to find a good middle ground. A simple routine of cleansing, moisturizing and applying SPF can help settle irritated skin while still
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