Most of us are aware of the pattern of tweens and teenagers caring extra about skincare than the rest and spending tons of cash to purchase infinite magnificence merchandise at Sephora. 

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

The tactic of not utilizing any merchandise on the pores and skin has been gaining reputation 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 basically neglecting your face truly work to rebuild the pores and skin? And are there another advantages to adopting the caveman pores and skin technique? Most significantly, can teenagers do extra hurt than good by making an attempt this out, and doubtlessly exacerbate pimples or different pores and skin situations? 

We turned to specialists to seek 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 perfect skincare routine hiding in plain sight all alongside. 

In spite of everything, 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 best way to go.

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

“Chopping out cleaning can result in pimples, clogged pores, and infections,” she tells Mother and father.

Dr. Spearman says simplifying your skincare routine can profit you when 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, resembling chopping out harsh merchandise,” she advises. 

There’s some fact that overuse of harsh substances can hurt the pores and skin barrier, and taking a break can assist pores and skin recuperate, in response to Lika Alania, a celeb aesthetician and founding father of Alania Aesthetics.

“Nonetheless, that’s very completely different from eliminating primary skincare altogether,” Alania says. “Cleaning is important, particularly on the finish of the day, to take away oil, grime, micro organism, and sweat. With out this step, pores and skin is prone to develop into congested, uninteresting, or infected.” 

Teenagers are particularly susceptible to breakouts from an absence of cleaning because of the excessive ranges of sebum their pores and skin produces.

The Finest Method to Teen Skincare Is Someplace within the Center

In keeping 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 primary hygiene.

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

Likewise, Alania recommends following a constant, easy, and mild 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 Desires To Strive the Caveman Technique

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

Condous recommends utilizing the chance to debate why TikTok is probably not the perfect supply of any well being data. It’s additionally a terrific jumping-off level for having a dialog concerning the unrealistic picture of magnificence portrayed by the media.

However Condous additionally urges mother and father to not underestimate how vital skincare and picture are to teenagers.

“There’s an vital psychological side to the caveman pattern that additionally can’t be ignored,” Condous tells Mother and father. 

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.”