Content creator Tia Zakher defends not using water or products on her face as social media erupts in disbelief over caveman skincare routine

A TikTok creator has sparked a heated debate online with her bold claim that she hasn’t been washing her face at all.

Instead, she’s embracing what’s known as the “caveman method,” which involves avoiding water and traditional skincare routines to let the skin “reset” itself.

Who Is Tia Zakher?

Tia Zakher, a content creator who splits her time between Montreal, Dubai, and Cairo, has gained attention for her unconventional skincare approach.

In her videos, Tia explains that she stopped washing her face because she believed her skin’s shedding cycle had been disrupted after years of over-picking and manual texture removal.

She claims that letting dead skin cells accumulate was part of her effort to restore her skin’s natural barrier.

Reactions From Followers

While Tia insists that the thick, flaky skin is a normal part of the process, many of her followers weren’t convinced.

Some viewers accused her of faking the flaky look to gain attention or boost her social media presence.

In a follow-up video, Tia seemed to enjoy the controversy, even saying she was curious to see what new conspiracy theories would emerge about her skin.

The Caveman Method: A Trend or a Hoax?

Tia eventually revealed that she would start incorporating water back into her skincare routine, after completely avoiding it.

She had stopped using all skincare products to allow her skin barrier to “rebuild naturally.”

However, some commenters were skeptical, with one even suggesting that she should consult a dermatologist.

To get some professional insight, FEMAIL reached out to dermatologists to see if this “caveman method” is as effective as Tia claims, or if it’s simply a viral stunt.

Expert Opinions on the Caveman Method

Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist, weighed in on the method, explaining that avoiding cleansing altogether could lead to a buildup of oil, dead skin cells, and pollutants.

This could result in clogged pores, acne, and even fungal overgrowth.

She cautioned that in urban or humid environments, this could significantly damage the skin’s health.

While Dr. Kopelman didn’t confirm what exactly might be on Tia’s face, she speculated that the flaky appearance could be caused by a powdered clay or mud mask used for aesthetic purposes.

She also stressed that if someone wanted to repair their skin barrier, using a gentle moisturizer and washing the face twice a day would be the best course of action.

The Reality of the Caveman Method

Despite Tia’s growing following, many TikTok users were quick to voice their concerns.

Some were appalled by the idea of skipping basic skincare steps, particularly since water isn’t harmful to the skin.

Others suggested that Tia might eventually develop a rash or fungal infection from neglecting her routine.

Dermatologists agree that while the caveman method is gaining traction online, it’s not advisable.

Dr. Stephanie Taylor, a board-certified dermatologist, warned that skipping face washing could lead to fungal folliculitis, a skin condition caused by yeast growth in oily skin.

She added that failure to maintain the skin’s protective barrier could lead to redness, itching, and dermatitis.

The Dangers of Skipping Skincare

While Tia’s bold skincare experiment might be gaining attention, it’s clear that skipping basic skincare could lead to more harm than good.

Experts recommend maintaining a proper routine with gentle cleansing and moisturizing to keep the skin’s natural barrier intact.

So, before jumping on the “caveman method” bandwagon, it’s worth considering the long-term effects on your skin’s health.