Ever been so tired you skipped your skincare and went straight to sleep? Imagine doing it every night. Most people would worry about buildup, bacteria, oily skin, and breakouts.
But a movement against elaborate skincare routines is emerging: doing nothing at all. No cleansers, exfoliants, moisturizers—or even water. This counterintuitive “caveman method,” which involves “caring” for your skin by ignoring it, is gaining popularity on social media. One person’s post went viral after she stopped washing her face to repair her skin barrier, even though it led to flaky skin with dead cells.
What really happens when you stop washing your face? Is it safe? We consulted dermatologists.
Is the “caveman method” good for your skin?
The idea behind this method is that many skincare products can strip the skin’s natural oils, disrupt its pH, and alter its natural microbiome. The caveman theory suggests that avoiding all of this will restore your skin to its “natural” healthy state.
However, whether this method benefits your skin, or anyone’s, is complex, according to Dr. Nicole M. Golbari, a dermatologist at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine.
“Each face has a unique microbiome,” she says. “We all have bacteria, fungus, and even microscopic mites on our faces. While that might sound alarming, these microbes are normal and needed for healthy skin.”
However, not washing your face can cause yeast and bacteria overgrowth, leading to issues like seborrheic dermatitis and inflammatory acne.
, an overgrowth of Malassezia fungus, can cause yellow scale buildup and inflammation around the cheeks, eyebrows, and nose. Not cleansing also leads to dead skin cells and oils clogging pores.
“Skin bacteria thrive in clogged pores, causing inflammatory pimples, pustules, and cysts,” Golbari adds.
The risks and benefits of not washing your face
The risks of not washing your face usually outweigh the benefits, says Dr. Asmi Berry, a Los Angeles dermatologist. “Skin minimalism can be good, but skipping all cleansing isn’t the answer,” says Berry.
She says skipping soap is okay for those with very dry or sensitive skin if they still rinse with water—but avoiding both allows buildup that can clog pores, worsen acne, or trigger dermatitis.
Besides health concerns, unwashed skin simply doesn’t look its best. Dead skin cell buildup can make skin look dull, uneven, and feel rough. Clogged pores can become over time if not cleaned. Pollutants left on the skin can also that contribute to premature aging.
“The only benefit might be less disruption to the skin barrier, but you can achieve that with a gentle cleanser,” Berry adds.
A dermatologist-approved method for keeping skin clear
A balanced approach involving and listening to your skin’s needs promotes long-term skin health, Golbari says.
She advises testing new products on a small skin area before applying them to your whole face to check for sensitivity. Regularly clean makeup brushes and sponges with a gentle cleanser or mild soap to prevent bacteria buildup.
She also suggests using a mild face wash suitable for your skin type and looking for terms like “gentle,” “pH-balanced,” “fragrance-free,” and “non-comedogenic.”
Remember that “skin health often comes from within,” she adds—so staying hydrated and eating fruits and vegetables can help maintain a healthy glow.
Doing nothing won’t work. “For most people, completely stopping skin cleansing, especially facial cleansing, will lead to premature aging, clogged pores, dullness, and breakouts,” Golbari says.