Over the past several months, we’ve seen a slow but steady transition to the “less is more” perspective on beauty routines and aesthetics. Many are leaving behind multi-step regimens in favor of a simpler, more natural approach to skin care and makeup. Leave it to TikTok, though, to take a good thing one step too far. Lately, murmurs about “caveman skin care” have been circulating the app, referring to a routine so minimal it includes, well, no steps, including cleansing. But, as more users experiment with and explore the ultra-minimal routine, worries continue to arise about the safety of the practice and its potential link to fungal infections and skin issues. To fully understand the risks and rewards of the caveman skin-care method, we tapped dermatologists to answer all your pressing questions about the prehistoric trend.
Featured Experts
- Anna Chacon, MD, is a dermatologist in Coral Gables, FL
- Marisa Garshick, MD, is a dermatologist in New York
Is the caveman skin-care method safe?
Tons of beauty lovers have seen next-level results from stripping back their skin-care routines, but taking anything to an extreme can reap negative consequences. So, is the caveman skin-care method safe? As Dr. Chacon explains, “The ‘caveman’ skin-care method—where people stop washing their face or using any products—can potentially be harmful. While minimalism in skin care works for some, completely avoiding cleansing can lead to a buildup of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria, which may contribute to acne, irritation and even fungal or bacterial infections.” Dr. Garshick agrees, noting that it is not recommended to cease washing your face entirely “as the buildup of dirt, bacteria and oil can lead to breakouts and irritation.”
Can not washing your face lead to fungal infections?
If you scroll to any TikTok video discussing or experimenting with the caveman skin-care method, one of the most prevalent concerns is whether or not stopping skin care entirely can increase your risk of developing fungal or bacterial infections on the skin. “Neglecting to cleanse the skin can create an environment where yeast and bacteria flourish, particularly in individuals who are already prone to such infections,” Dr. Chacon warns. “This can result in conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or pityrosporum folliculitis.” Dr. Garshick adds that while poor or reduced hygiene practices can increase your risk of infection, not everyone who stops washing their face will develop these conditions.
Alternatives to the Caveman Skin-Care Method
If trying tons of products and experimenting with multi-step routines has only caused further skin woes, you may be interested in a truly stripped-back approach to your skin-care routine. But as both our doctors affirm, there are safer ways to approach minimalism in skin care. “For those who prefer a minimalist routine, it is important to still wash your face at the end of each day to eliminate buildup and residue from throughout the day,” says Dr. Garshick. “At the very basic level, even just splashing with water may be sufficient, though a gentle cleanser is recommended to adequately remove buildup.”
Dr. Chacon agrees, explaining that a gentle, simplified skin-care routine is a better alternative to the caveman method. “I recommend cleansing with a mild, pH-balanced cleanser once or twice daily, applying a non-comedogenic moisturizer and using sunscreen in the morning,” she says. “Minimal doesn’t have to mean nothing—it just means being thoughtful about what you use.”
