In a recent video call, Zakher assured viewers that she’s doing well and, as of five days ago, has begun using just water to cleanse her face.

Tia Zakher, a 22-year-old TikTok creator, has drawn widespread attention for her unconventional skincare routine—one that involves doing absolutely nothing to her face. Not even washing it.

Her clarification may sound odd, but it reflects the strange dynamics of life online. After she began sharing videos about her minimalist approach to skincare, speculation quickly spread.

Some accused her of faking her journey, while others worried about her health. The situation is yet another example of the scrutiny—and skepticism—that often follows when personal health choices unfold in the public eye.

Zakher’s journey began on March 14, following years of trying everything from topical treatments and chemical peels to microneedling and exfoliation in an effort to manage her acne. Eventually, she decided to take a radical step: no more touching her face, picking at skin, or even washing it.

She didn’t initially share this decision with her followers, a community that has grown to more than 125,000.

But by April, changes in her skin—such as discoloration, flakiness, and a scaly texture—sparked questions from viewers. In response, she posted a video explaining her choice, which has since garnered over 10 million views. Zakher described the transformation as part of her skin’s natural healing process, referring to her approach as the “caveman” routine.

She noted during the call that she didn’t coin the term herself, but discovered it while researching similar routines online.