The "Caveman Regimen" Is the Paleo Diet of Skin Care

These days, we find ourselves using the TikTok search bar more than we hit up Google. The app is a treasure trove of information, especially when it comes to beauty tips and tricks. Whether users on the app are encouraging people to apply hemorrhoid cream to undereye bags or use calamine lotion as a makeup primer, the hacks are endless, but it can be tough sifting through what's actually good advice, and what's just being posted for clicks.

In 2024, a skin-care routine (or, rather, an anti skin-care routine) called the "caveman regimen" started gaining popularity, with plenty of users on the app claiming it's worked wonders for their complexions — and plenty of others saying it did absolutely nothing. The trend is having a resurgence in 2025, thanks to TikTok influencer Tia Zakher, who has been testing out the caveman method and documenting it on her page.

Of course, we're here to set the record straight, so we tapped Karan Lal, DO, a double board-certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist, to answer all of our burning questions about the caveman regimen, like what it is, whether or not it's safe, and if it actually works.

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Karan Lal, DO, is a double board-certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist.

What Is the Caveman Regimen?

Put simply, the caveman regimen, also called the caveman method, is the practice of doing nothing to your skin. Sometimes referred to as the paleo diet of skin care, it involves cutting everything out entirely: no skin-care products, no makeup, no washing your face, etc.

"It's the regimen without a regimen," Dr. Lal says. "You basically stop everything you are using in hopes it resets your skin."

The trend, which has been around for years, has recently been gaining popularity on social media, with many people trying it out for themselves for long stretches of time. However, the results are mixed. One TikTok user, Nikki Chan, detailed her experience using the caveman regimen over a period of 30 days, and her results were less than stellar, while others have claimed that the caveman regimen is the only skin-care routine that's ever worked for them.

What Are the Benefits of the Caveman Regimen?

Implementing the caveman regimen can be a great way to help reset your skin if you've been dealing with sensitivity. "It's good for people who have an allergic skin disease, untreatable facial rashes, and for those with eczema," Dr. Lal says. Plus, he adds, "It's a great way to find out what could be instigating a facial rash, and it simplifies things for people who don't want to do much. It basically acts as an elimination diet for your skin."

There could be specific ingredients in your skin-care products or makeup that are having adverse effects on your skin, and forgoing everything should give you a chance to reset. However, for some, that isn't always the case, and testing out this regimen could have the opposite effect.

How Do You Do the Caveman Regimen?

If it sounds like something you'd be interested in, testing out the caveman regimen is simple — all you have to do is forego putting any products on your face whatsoever. (If you do this, though, Dr. Lal recommends continuing to use SPF, no matter what.)

As for how long you should do it, the caveman regimen can be customized based on your specific needs, but typically it's done for a stretch of time anywhere from seven to 30 days. Ultimately, it depends on your reasoning for testing it out. For example, if you're experiencing a facial rash and you're not sure what's causing it, you might opt to cut out skin-care products for a week before slowly reintroducing everything. "There's no definite timeframe, however, it's usually until your skin improves from its previous state," Dr. Lal says.

What Are the Risks of the Caveman Regimen?

While Dr. Lal says the caveman regimen is technically safe for all skin types, there are a few risks involved. The biggest is the lack of sun protection. "Sunscreen actively decreases the risk of skin cancer development. If anything, please use SPF," Dr. Lal says. If you do decide to test out the regimen but continue using SPF, there aren't a ton of downsides to be weary of; however, you should note that the results might not be what you expect. Chan said that during her 30-day trial of the regimen, she experienced dark circles, whiteheads, congested pores, rough texture, and cystic acne.

If you're someone with sensitive skin looking for a simple skin-care routine that won't break you out or cause a reaction, Dr. Lal suggests using a gentle cleanser like the PCA Skin Creamy Cleanser ($40), paired with a moisturizer like the Clinical Skin Multi-Lipid Replenishing Moisturizer ($110), and to always end with an SPF.

Renee Rodriguez (she/her) is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for the PS TikTok and Instagram accounts.