The 'Caveman Skincare Routine' is trending, but is it a hygiene horror?
The routine is to have no routine. Oh, and did we mention? No water either! This is what the internet now knows as the viral 'Caveman Skincare Regimen'.About the caveman skincare routineOn a regular day, people tend to splash water on their face and follow a standard cleansing routine with a little cleanser or facewash, especially after stepping outdoors. But this routine throws all that out the window: no exfoliation, no moisturisation, and no water. And that's why it's called the Caveman Routine - a throwback to how people might have lived, with zero access to even the most minimal.
Tia Zakher living her life with her caveman skincare (Instagram/Tia Zakher)
advertisementTia Zakher, a TikTok creator, rose to overnight fame owing to her compliance with the caveman skincare routine. Zakher started making videos about how she had been hyper-fixating on her skin, trying several products, but to no avail. She was in the habit of skin-picking, which led to inflammation, acne, and more. Hence, in an attempt to reset her skin barrier, she chose to do absolutely nothing."Why not just drop everything and push it to the side and see what my skin is able to do naturally and kind of reset that cycle naturally," she told USA Today. Zakher first tried it for around two weeks and developed textured, flaky skin that she did not like and hence washed it away. In March, she decided to give it another shot, did her research but did not consult a dermatologist.Later, she revealed that she experienced a condition called 'hyperkeratosis', where her dead skin did not shed off completely, giving her that rough texture. However, she still claims that her skin is fine and she is not worried about bacterial infection.To cave in or not - Expert's adviceDitch water for days, weeks, or even months? But that means hygiene goes for a toss. Is your skin ready for it? To address the million-dollar question of hygiene and to understand the legitimacy of this routine, we reached out to experts, and most aren't comfortable with the idea.advertisement"From a dermatological and hygiene perspective, this approach is not advisable. Regular cleansing, at least with plain water or a mild cleanser, is critical to removing the daily buildup of sweat, environmental pollutants, and bacteria. Skipping even basic hygiene can lead to an increased risk of infections and inflammation,' Dr. Geetika Mittal Gupta, skin expert and cosmetologist, tells India Today."This regimen is not considered safe or suitable for Indian skin, which is generally more prone to pigmentation, acne, and environmental damage due to higher levels of melanin and greater exposure to UV radiation and pollution," she adds.She further highlighted that the absence of even a gentle cleanser or hydrating product can compromise skin resilience over time. According to Dr. Gupta, healing the skin barrier doesn't require abandoning hygiene altogether. Instead, dermatologists recommend gentle, skin-barrier-repairing routines that include:Non-stripping cleansersFragrance-free moisturisersSunscreensAdditionally, incorporating a nutrient-rich diet-like having a handful of almonds, which are high in vitamin E, other healthy fats, and antioxidants, can support skin health from within.advertisementWhile the internet spirals into a dilemma over whether to go all in with the trend or not for the sake of skincare, it does highlight the fact that one size doesn't fit all, not even when it comes to skincare. Just because it's viral doesn't mean it's the end game. It might work for some, might not for others. As we continue to hunt for the ultimate skincare hack, listening to our skin is key.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
14 skincare myths that dermatologists want you to stop believing
From oily skin confusion to DIY skincare disasters, we bust 14 of the most viral skincare myths with expert insights from a top dermatologist. This week's episode of our fact-check series gives you the truth behind TikTok trends and influencer claims—backed by science, not hype. Watch now for sharp, simple myth-busting—because good skin starts with good facts.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Is exercising in jeans safe and healthy? RFK Jr's unusual workout raises eyebrows
Image credits: X Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, is known to be a health freak (comes with the job, maybe). However, unlike the common gym-goer who dons comfortable clothing like t-shirts or tank tops with leggings or shorts, the 71-year-old exercises in jeans. No matter how skinny, baggy, dark or light-wash, jeans and boots constitute RFK Jr's popular and controversial gym uniform. Recently, he even went on a hike in the American summer, donning a pair of jeans. But is denim an ideal workout wear, and how does it affect health? Let's figure it out below! How does it feel to wear jeans during a workout? Image credits: X For those who have tried the Health Secretary's gym fit, jeans are a big NO. Recently, a USA TODAY wellness editor tried running three miles in jeans, and the feeling was described as "constricted, contained and confounded." They shared how the humidity and sweat were trapped in their legs, and the usual breeze of air they felt while running in shorts was nowhere to be found. They also tried their hands at a solid core and gym session and ditched the jeans by the end. According to Truett Hanes, an athlete and Guinness World Record holder, who has run a marathon PR in denim pants, jeans don't "slow me down too much." 'The biggest takeaway is if you want to get something done, then you don't need the perfect circumstance or the perfect gear,' Hanes said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mit Qebeh: Unsold Sofas May Be at Bargain Prices (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo 'Make it happen—and if it happens to be in jeans, then even better.' A Men's Health writer also tried working out in jeans for a week. While he was able to do all kinds of exercise, from running to weightlifting, he wrote that he would still prefer the normal workout gear. A social media creator who goes by the name @Atlaspowershrugged, said that his journey of wearing jeans began as a way of convenience while juggling his kids, but later led him to increase his online engagement. 'During my kids' nap, I'd run out and do a workout, and I happened to be wearing jeans during the nap,' Atlas told GQ. 'If I post a cool lift in jeans, there'll be five people asking why I did it in jeans, which is engagement", he added. Is wearing jeans during a workout healthy? Image credits: X The saying each to his own, is the ideal answer to this question. Are jeans the best workout gear? No. But are they the worst? According to some dedicated gym-goers who work out in denim, they are good. However, unlike the ideal polyester gym wear, jeans can cause you some health problems when worn regularly for physical exercise. Restricted movement : Jeans are not as flexible as stretchable polyester, and thus, your range of movements in core exercises and pilates could be extremely limited. Low breathability : As mentioned above, rather than soaking up the moisture or aiding in the air flow, jeans trap the heat and humidity, leading to irritation and overheating during exercise. Chafing : Chafing is a proven disadvantage of working out in jeans. The harsh material and seams of the jeans rub against the skin constantly during a workout and can cause chafing and pain. In a conversation with Newsweek, Justin Kraft, a personal trainer from Denver, advised against denim as sportswear. "I get the logic behind the added resistance jeans might create, but that's pretty much where the benefits stop," he began. "Restricting that flow with tight fabric is a fast way to hinder your performance and could lead to bigger issues, especially if you have conditions like high blood pressure or sciatica," he explained. "Jeans also limit your range of motion, which is crucial for exercises like squats, lunges and deadlifts. If you can't hit those full ranges, you're not only cheating your muscles but also increasing your risk of injury." "Plus, the thick material, seams and lack of breathability in jeans will turn a good sweat session into a chafing nightmare," he said, substantiating the points mentioned above. If resistance is your aim in training, the trainer advises the use of methods such as sandbags, slam balls, battle ropes and balance discs.
Economic Times
7 hours ago
- Economic Times
What is the viral 6-6-6 walking challenge, and what is this weight-loss trend really doing to you?
iStock A new fitness trend called the 6-6-6 walking challenge involves walking for 60 minutes daily with warm-up and cool-down. Experts say it is easy to remember and accessible to all fitness levels. Studies show walking improves health and reduces mortality risk. It may aid weight loss when combined with diet. (Image: iStock) If you've been anywhere near TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are you've come across a curious fitness routine dubbed the '6-6-6 walking challenge.' No, it's not what it sounds like—it's not satanic, and it's not a gym cult either. In fact, this viral challenge is surprisingly wholesome, aiming to improve physical and mental health by encouraging a structured walking habit. But does it live up to the hype? According to a report in Women's Health, the 6-6-6 challenge involves walking for 60 minutes a day at either 6 a.m. or 6 p.m., beginning with a six-minute warm-up and ending with a six-minute cool-down. It's the latest in a long line of numerical fitness trends—think 12-3-30 or 3-2-8—that simplify workouts into digestible routines. Part of the appeal lies in the ease of remembering the format. Lindsey Bomgren, CPT and founder of Nourish Move Love, told Women's Health that people naturally gravitate toward number-based challenges because they remove guesswork and offer a clear, repeatable formula. 'It's accessible to all fitness levels while still offering tangible health benefits,' she noted. Plus, the challenge encourages consistency—often the missing ingredient in long-term fitness success. While it may seem too simple to be effective, walking has long been backed by research as a powerful tool for overall health. A 2021 JAMA Network Open study found that adults who took at least 7,000 steps a day had up to a 70% lower risk of mortality than those who didn't. Since the 6-6-6 method encourages about an hour of walking (roughly 6,000 to 7,000 steps), it could have meaningful health implications if sustained. As for the specific timing—6 a.m. or 6 p.m.—Bomgren points out it's more about habit-building than magic hours. However, walking post-meal has been shown to regulate blood sugar, aid digestion, and boost heart health. If weight loss is your goal, this trend could help, but it's not a silver bullet. Janet Hamilton, CSCS and owner of Running Strong, notes that while any additional movement can aid in weight loss, it must be paired with dietary adjustments to create a calorie deficit. 'You might see your weight drop gradually over time, but it's not just about the steps,' she says. A 2023 Obesity study even observed that people who worked out early in the day had lower BMIs and smaller waistlines—though it stopped short of proving direct causation. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Everygirl® (@theeverygirl) Beyond shedding pounds, walking strengthens bones, supports cardiovascular health, and enhances mental well-being. A PLOS One study from 2022 linked brisk walking to improved bone density, while a JAMA study tied higher step counts to reduced mortality. The mental health benefits are equally compelling. A 2024 review in JAMA Network Open found that walking reduced symptoms of depression, and a 2022 analysis in Applied Psychology revealed walking in nature significantly eased anxiety. Though six-minute warm-ups and cool-downs may seem arbitrary, they're right in line with recommendations from the American Heart Association. They help prepare your body for exertion and ease it back into rest, reducing injury risk and aiding recovery. In a sea of fleeting fitness trends, the 6-6-6 walking challenge may actually have staying power. It isn't a magic bullet, but it might be the nudge you need to get moving. Whether you're chasing a healthier heart, a trimmer waistline, or simply a bit of mental clarity—walking just might walk you there.
