Dirt, germs, and various other things that come into contact with your skin can build up quickly and cause acne, congestion and buildup on the skin. For this reason, it’s important to wash your face regularly.
Throughout my journey toward minimal skincare, I’ve learned more about the benefits of water cleansing. The technique has been around for ages and is still used by many people today. When it comes to taking care of your skin, there’s no “one size fits all” regimen.
If you’re curious about washing your face with just water, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to take a deep dive into facial cleansing. I’ll not only reveal whether it’s okay to wash your face with only water, but I’ll also share how to do it effectively to protect your skin barrier and maintain healthy skin. So, let’s get into it!
Can You Wash Your Face with Just Water?
Yes, you absolutely can wash your face with just water. In fact, cleansing your face with water is one of the simplest ways to achieve healthy, glowing skin.
Generally, water cleansing tends to work best for those with dry skin, a sensitive skin type, or another skin condition. Whenever possible, I like to recommend a gentle cleanser and a minimal skincare routine. However, depending on their skin type, some people do need cleansers to achieve healthy, glowing skin.
If you have sensitive skin, rosacea, very dry skin, or eczema, your skin might react negatively to the ingredients in facial soaps and cleansers. However, if you have acne-prone skin, oily skin, or combination skin, you might need to include cleansers in your skincare routine.
Benefits Of Washing Your Face With Water Only
Water Won’t Cause Micro-Tears On Your Skin
Especially for people over the age of 30, exfoliating with physical scrubs can do more harm than good. Using an exfoliating facial cleanser can cause micro-tears on your skin.
Exfoliant scrubs can be beneficial for people under 30, as they remove dead skin cells and help to clear clogged pores. But for people 30 and older, these scrubs can strip the skin of natural oils and potentially ruin the texture of the skin over time.
Cleansing with just water won’t damage the surface of your skin.
It Won’t Strip Your Skin Of Its Natural Oils
Rinsing with warm water helps to reduce excessive sebum production, without completely stripping your skin of natural oil. It can also effectively wash away any buildup, including dead skin cells. Using only water to wash your face can help your skin retain natural moisture which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Basically, the more water we provide our skin, the healthier our skin will be. If your skin feels dry, even after using a hydrating cleanser, consider switching to plain water as a cleanser.
It’s A Great Detox For Your Skin
It’s nice to take a break from the countless skin care products on your makeup counter. Even if, like me, you follow a minimal skincare routine, your skin deserves a break now and then.
Switching things up and washing your face with just water is a great way to regulate sebum production and pH levels of your skin. This “detox” for your skin is like a reset that can work wonders for your complexion.
It’s Better For Your Wallet & The Environment
Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that washing your face with just water is easier on your wallet and the environment. Using water to wash your face means you don’t have to spend money on cleansing products, or at least, you can spend less. Plus, fewer bottles and containers end up in the landfill.
How To Wash Your Face With Only Water
Use Lukewarm Water
Many people swear by micellar water for facial cleansing, but there’s nothing wrong with using plain water. The key is using water at the right temperature. When washing my face, I prefer to use lukewarm water. It’s much more soothing than cold water or hot water, both of which can feel like a “shock” to your skin, and it tends to melt sebum more effectively.
However, once you’ve become comfortable with the practice and feel your skin is balanced and responding well, you can try some cold water washes. This is a kundalini beauty practice with the intention of waking up the nerves and stimulation lymph movement, leaving complexion bright and full of clarity.
Use A Microfiber Cloth
Using a microfiber cloth to wash your face not only speeds up the entire process, but it’s also gentle on your skin. A warm microfiber cloth will effectively remove buildup without damaging the surface of your skin.
Monitor Your Skin’s Condition
Whenever you make any kind of change to your skincare routine, it’s important to monitor your skin’s condition. Ideally, these changes are made for the better. But if you begin to notice a negative reaction or a change for the worse, it might be better to return to your previous routine.
However, if you’re unhappy with the results of any regimen you’ve tried, I encourage you to talk to a skin care specialist like myself about what techniques will work best for you. Then, consider joining the collective and join us as we embody healthy and radiant skin through authentic and results-driven holistic skincare and lifestyle practices.
There are numerous benefits to washing your face with just water. Try it and see how it can work for you!
The fewer products you can use on your skin, the better. If you think washing your face with just water is something that can help your skin, I strongly encourage you to give it a try.
For more ways to achieve radiant, glowing skin with a minimal beauty routine, check out the blog. Visit the shop for my top recommendations on clean products, from clean beauty to teas and botanicals and beyond. See you there!
