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From cleansers and serums to acids and moisturizers, there are many hero products that promise to make our skin flawless.
Perhaps surprisingly, the latest skincare trend on TikTok doesn’t include any of these.
Caveman skin care is all about allowing your skin to return to its so-called “natural state”.
Basically, you shouldn’t use anything on your face at all – just water.
And while the idea might give you goosebumps, fans say it “reboots” your skin and ultimately makes it clearer.
So does it really work? General practitioner and founder of ESK Skincare, Dr Ginny Mansberg, told Metro.co.uk that there is no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness.
Dr Jeannie said: “While some skincare products can be harsh and disrupt the natural balance of the skin, cutting out all skincare products entirely may not be the best approach for everyone.
“Different skin types have different needs, and some may require more care and attention than others.”
Dr. Jeannie said there are many poorly formulated skin care products that can irritate the skin, impair barrier function, or aggravate an underlying skin condition, but there is no evidence of rejection of well-formulated products.
She said: “There just wasn’t any peer review that tested the caveman’s daily routine.
“Assuming you’re sun protected and have great skin, that you don’t live in a polluted environment, and that you at least wash your face with water (I suspect that’s a pretty small group of people), I don’t see much harm. in that.
“But if you have any underlying skin problems like acne, hyperpigmentation, eczema, psoriasis, or even rosacea, there’s a good chance your skin will get worse if you stop using products that otherwise help.”
While it’s hard to say exactly why, levels of skin sensitivity and acne have increased over the past few decades. Dr. Jeannie said that if your skin isn’t great, then hoping it gets better by ignoring it doesn’t really make much sense.
Still love the skin reset sound? Dr. Jeannie shares her step by step procedure using proven products.
Use a soap-free detergent
Dr. Ginny said a soap-free cleanser wouldn’t rip the skin off.
You want a cleanser with a pH that is at, below, or near the pH of your skin. The evidence is still emerging here, but look for a pH somewhere between 4.5 and 5.0.
Keep your skin hydrated
Dr. Jeannie said that dry skin is more likely to become irritated and is at greater risk for a number of common skin conditions.
Most active products these days contain moisturizing ingredients, so if you are using active ingredients you may not need a separate moisturizer.
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+, £31.50
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Use sunscreen
“Zinc-based sunscreen, used every day for a year, will not only reduce the risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer, but will also protect the skin from UV damage,” Jeannie said.
“This can dry out the skin and also directly exacerbate any underlying skin conditions.”
Supergoop Zincscreen 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 40, £44
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It’s all about the active ingredients
Dr. Ginny has listed the active ingredients you should look for in your skincare based on your skin concerns.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A (and especially the most effective and gentle cosmeceutical form – retinol) will be your best friend in the fight against premature skin aging, acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3 is an excellent all-rounder against skin aging, pigmentation, acne and rosacea. It also improves the skin’s barrier function, so it’s great for sensitive and dry skin.
Dr Dennis Gross Skincare B3Adaptive Superfoods Stress Rescue Super Serum 30ml £75
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Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps with premature aging and sun-damaged skin. Especially in combination with vitamin E and ferulic acid. The only confirmed form is ascorbic acid, but it must have a low pH and is sometimes irritating.
LA ROCHE-POSAY Pure Vitamin C10 Serum 30ml £38
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Alpha hydroxy acids
Alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin for smoother skin, can hydrate the skin, and glycolic acid also increases the effectiveness of retinol. But they can irritate sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.
Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum 30ml £56.80
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Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a mild exfoliator, especially useful in fighting acne.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser with Salicylic Acid, 236 ml, £12.50.
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4-n-butylresorcinol
And if you’re concerned about pigmentation, look for 4-n-butylresorcinol. Gentle and highly effective depigmentation agent that is well tolerated and can be used for a long time.
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