I've dealt with my fair share of acne issues. I've chronicled them in various articles here, here and here and yet, despite how many masks and spot treatments I try out, it never ceases. It's just something I try and deal with on an ongoing basis. Essentially, my skincare routine is a balancing game: trying to figure out the perfect mix of drying and moisturizing. 

You might remember my skincare routine article from a few years back, it was extensive to say the least. I'm not ashamed to admit that I like my products. But lately the amount of products I own has been piling up and I can't keep up. So I started downsizing, and I've actually got it down to a pretty decent number and a simple regimen. Notice the difference? Here's the kicker: from a huge amount of different products to a few key ones, my skin isn't much different. In fact, I might even go as far as saying that it's better. 

I've been thinking a lot of minimizing, downsizing and keeping it simple (also saving money too!) and in my research, I found out about 'the caveman regimen'. Perhaps this is what gave Betty and Wilma their glowing skin?

What did a caveman skincare regimen consist of? Nothing. And that's exactly what this method tells you to do. Yup, nothing. The theory is that your skin has something called an 'acid mantle' which protects it from bacteria. This acid mantle is slightly acidic with PH of about 5.5. It continues, saying that most of what we use on our faces strips this acid mantle. Therefore allowing bacteria to invade and creating acne. The solution to this is to simply let your natural oils replenish themselves by doing nothing. In fact, it even recommends letting as little water as possible to touch your face. At night, it's suggested to sleep on a clean towel over top of your pillow so that bacteria doesn't come in contact with your face. 

Also - no makeup. None. GASP. 
 
Now, this concept terrifies me. The potential of breaking out without my trusty cleanser and my benzoyl peroxide is so. scary. I don't know whether it's just the idea of breaking out or breaking a long time habit (I've been a skincare product connoisseur since high school) that makes me so worried. Am I alone in this? My nerves are only somewhat soothed by the fact that many people report having better skin or almost no change. The one change that I read about coming up for many people is 'dead skin mask'. Ugh, yuck, right?

Dead skin mask, from what I understand is basically a layer of dead skin that hasn't been exfoliated. It isn't extremely noticeable but it doesn't exactly feel like a baby's bottom or anything. According to some, you can exfoliate this away every month once the skin renews. 

I don't know about this one chicks, I need some advice. Have you ever heard of this? Would try it out? Are you as terrified as I am? Let me know if you think I should try this!

(via reddit.com, thelovevitamin.com)