This 22-year-old shared her skincare method online. People were horrified.

There's no denying we're living in the age of skin that looks like a mirror, glass or a glazed doughnut.

So, when a trend that completely contradicts this ultra-clear and shiny ideal starts gaining serious attention, of course, it's going to pique our interest.

That was exactly the case when one particular video popped up on my feed and I haven't stopped thinking about it since. Neither have 9.8 million other people.

Enter: the Caveman Skincare Method.

Watch: Sarah Marie Fahd explains her new obsession with the world's smallest eyelash curler. Post continues below.

TikToker Tia Zakher recently shared her skincare journey in a series of videos documenting her progress with what she calls the "Caveman Skincare Method."

Tia, 22, explained that "after eight years of picking and over-exfoliating, I'm healing my skin barrier by doing the one thing I never tried before… absolutely nothing."

In other words, she's ditched all skincare products — cleanser, moisturiser, exfoliator, serum and so on — including… water. Yes, really.

@tiazakher

it’s SO tempting to not pick at it but so far so good 💪

♬ I Love It (feat. Charli XCX) - Icona Pop

The 22-year-old had toyed with the caveman skincare trend before, but earlier this year, she fully committed to a zero-maintenance routine in an effort to reset her skin. In doing so, Tia has seen a buildup of dead skin on her face, as shown in her viral videos.

As her complexion has begun to show noticeable texture and discolouration, it hasn't taken long for the internet to spiral. Millions of users have weighed in, with many offering unsolicited (and often extreme) diagnoses. Some have speculated it could be dermatitis, while others have suggested something more serious, like a fungal infection.

While others claiming to be experts have warned against it: "Licensed esthetician here — you can do "nothing" to your skin and just simply wash and moisturise daily and you will be fine. THIS is extremely dangerous to your skin health & overall health."

However, Tia explained exactly what she believes is happening with her skin.

"My skin used to rely on picking to 'exfoliate'. When I stopped, my skin had to learn how to shed on its own. All the dead cells that should have shed built up temporarily. The thick, flaky look, is a normal part of resetting my barrier," she said.

"It's called 'retention hyperkeratosis' when skin holds onto dead cells instead of shedding them immediately. It looks bad temporarily, but it's fixable and part of healing with patience and if I don't force it off."

@tiazakher

thank you for all the sweet & supportive messages!!! to my fellow pickers & those with dermatillomania i know the struggle & im always a message away :) now back to some regularly scheduled programming 🤍

♬ original sound - tia zakher

But with all the scepticism floating around the TikToker's flaky skin, it made me wonder: how legit is this routine, really?

To separate skincare myth from fact, we asked Elisa Osmo, founder of Glow Medispa and advanced dermal therapist, to weigh in on the viral caveman skincare method and what really happens when you stop washing your face.

What is the caveman skincare routine?

Just to reiterate, the caveman skincare routine involves avoiding all skincare products — even water. But just because it's gaining traction on social media doesn't mean everyone should be following suit.

"While the idea is to let the skin reset and heal naturally, I would caution against this extreme approach," Elisa warned. "Daily cleansing is essential in our modern environment to remove pollutants, bacteria, and excess oil. Failing to do so can compromise skin health."

What actually happens to your skin when you stop using skincare products altogether?

Scroll through Tia's videos and you'll see her skin looking... well, a little green and flaky. So, what's going on?

"When all skincare is stopped, sweat, oil, pollution and dead skin cells can accumulate, leading to congestion, breakouts or even more serious skin conditions," Elisa explained.

Yep. That could be the mystery behind the greenish layer.

"While some might initially see a 'calming' effect, over time, the lack of hydration and cleansing can lead to dullness, dryness, irritation and imbalance."

Could this method help with skin barrier repair?

So, does the caveman method hold any truth? Yes — but to a very little extent.

"In some cases, simplifying a routine can support barrier repair, particularly if a person has been overusing active ingredients," Elisa said. So yes, stripping things back can help... to a point.

"But completely eliminating skincare, including moisturisers and gentle cleansers, isn't typically the most effective or evidence-based path," she continued. "Instead, I recommend a minimal routine with barrier-supportive ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide."

Is the flakiness and discolouration we're seeing on Tia's skin normal in a skin reset?

There's been a lot of speculation online about what's really going on with Tia's skin — so Elisa cleared it up for us.

"Some flakiness can be expected when the skin is dry or dehydrated, but persistent flaking and visible discolouration may signal inflammation or even a condition related to poor hygiene like dermatitis neglecta. This condition occurs due to inadequate skin cleansing, leading to the buildup of dirt, sebum and dead skin cells. When the skin isn't properly cleansed, it can disrupt normal function and contribute to further issues."

Can a "no skincare" approach work for everyone?

You probably guessed it — the short answer is: no.

"Those with underlying skin conditions such as acne, rosacea or eczema often require targeted treatments," Elisa noted. "For these individuals, stopping all skincare can cause flare-ups or worsen symptoms. While the intention may be to 'reset' the skin, neglecting fundamental skincare — particularly cleansing — can increase the risk of clogged pores, bacterial or yeast overgrowth, and irritation. Long term, it may do more harm than good, especially without guidance or consideration for your skin type and needs."

What's a safer way to fix a damaged skin barrier?

Instead of eliminating everything (including water) from your skincare routine, a more effective and safe approach is to simplify.

Elisa recommends these four essentials:

1. A gentle, pH-balanced cleanser.

2. A nourishing moisturiser with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

3. Daily broad-spectrum SPF.

4. Avoiding harsh exfoliants or too many actives until your barrier is back on track.

"Consistency, patience and a tailored approach are key when rebuilding a healthy barrier," Elisa concluded.

At the end of the day, Tia's caveman journey has definitely sparked conversation — but if your skin's freaking out, going completely cold turkey isn't the magic fix. Your skin might not need a 10-step routine, but it still needs something.

If you're unsure where to start, make sure to talk to a professional before hitting pause on skincare entirely.

Have you seen the caveman skincare routine doing the rounds on social media? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Image: TikTok/tiazakher.