When it comes to washing your face with just water, people have different opinions.
Some people believe that washing your face with just water is effective, while others believe that using a facial wash or cleanser is the best way to go.
This can be confusing, so I wrote this article to help you better understand the pros and cons of washing your face with just water. Read on to find out.
Pros of washing face with just water
1. It’s inexpensive
Water is cheap, so you don’t have to worry about spending a fortune on face washes or cleansers. This is great for those months when your skincare budget is low.
2. It doesn’t strip off natural oils
Water is gentle on the skin and won’t strip it of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness. It also helps restore the natural sebum and pH levels of the skin, which is beneficial for people who have dry skin or skin conditions like rosacea or eczema.
3. It’s quick and easy
Another pro to washing your face with just water is that it’s quick and easy. You don’t need to take the time to lather up with a cleanser, which can save you a few minutes in your morning or evening routine.
4. It doesn’t cause micro tears
When you wash your face with cleansers or washes, they can cause small tears in your skin, called micro tears. These micro tears can lead to irritation, redness, and even inflammation.
Since water is not harsh on the skin like cleansers or washes, it won’t cause micro tears when you use it to wash your face.
5. It doesn’t cause allergic reactions
Water is non-irritating and won’t cause an allergic reaction when you use it to wash your face. Therefore, it is beneficial for people with sensitive skin or people suffering from contact dermatitis.
Cons of washing face with just water
1. It won’t remove excess oils
If you have oily skin, water alone won’t clean off all the excess oils on your skin (though it will make it less visible). Over time, this can make your face oilier, leading to pimples, blackheads, and other types of acne.
2. It won’t remove makeup
Because it doesn’t contain soap, water is not effective at removing makeup and other heavy skincare products from the skin. As a result, you may have clogged pores and breakouts over time.
3. It doesn’t remove all dirt
Although washing your face with just water removes dirt from the skin, it won’t remove any dirt or impurities that may have settled in the inner layers of your skin. This can make your face more prone to acne and other skin infections.
4. It won’t remove dead skin cells
Another disadvantage to using just water to wash your face is that it won’t remove the dead skin cells on your face. As a result, your skin may start to look dull and dry after a few weeks.
SEE: Can You Use Body Wash On Your Face?
How to wash your face with just water
To wash your face with just water, all you need is some water and a washcloth.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Wet your face with a cup of lukewarm water (avoid using hot water, as it can cause skin irritation).
- Take a clean washcloth, wet it with water, and run it across your face.
- Gently massage the cloth in circular motions over your face, focusing on areas that are clogged or oily.
- Gently remove the washcloth from your face, and then rinse your face thoroughly with water.
- Wash the washcloth, squeeze out any excess water from the cloth, and then place it on a clean surface to dry.
SEE: Here’s What You Need To Know About Having A Small Face
Should you wash your face with soap or just water?
The best option for you is going to depend on your skin type.
As explained earlier, washing your face with soap and washing your face with just water both have their advantages and disadvantages. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, washing your face with soap is the best way to keep your skin clean.
However, if you have dry or sensitive skin, you may want to stick to washing your face with just water. That is because soap can strip natural oils from your skin, leaving it feeling dry and irritated.
If you have normal or combination skin, try experimenting with both options and see what gives you the best results. And if you choose to use soap, be sure to use gentle cleansers and avoid scrubbing your face too harshly.
SEE: These Are The Best Soaps for All Black Skin Types and Conditions
How else can you wash your face without soap?
If you don’t like using soap on your face, there are several options available for you that’ll not only make your face clean but also leave it brighter and smooth.
Here are a few:
Micellar water
Micellar water is a great ingredient that you can use as an alternative to cleansers when washing your face. It doesn’t have any kind of negative effect on the skin, and it’s very cheap, so there’s no need to worry about spending too much money on this product.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural and pleasant way to wash your face while removing excess oil from it. It also helps to tighten pores, making it an excellent choice for people with oily skin or those who want to reduce the appearance of their pores.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has been used as a cleanser since ancient times. It contains natural lauric acid, which helps remove dirt and grime from the surface of the skin. It also has antibacterial effects, which help treat acne and other bacterial infections on the face.
SEE: Is Coconut Oil Good For Your Face?
Lemon juice
Lemon juice is one of the most effective natural ingredients to wash your face. It also has antibacterial and brightening effects that help fight against acne and other types of blemishes. You can use it as a cleanser or toner for clean, clear, and supple skin.
Milk
Milk is good for washing your face because it contains lactic acid, an ingredient that helps remove dirt and dead skin cells from the skin. The proteins in milk also help reduce inflammation in the skin by reducing redness and swelling.
SEE: These Tips Will Help You Achieve Flawless-Looking Skin
What happens if you don’t wash your face?
If you don’t wash your face, dirt, oil, and dead cells will build up on your skin, leading to clogged pores and acne.
Over time, not washing your face can cause premature aging signs such as fine lines and wrinkles. It can also result in dry skin and a dull complexion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you wash your face with hot water?
No, you shouldn’t.
Avoid washing your face with hot water, as it can strip away natural oils from your skin and lead to dryness. It can also cause irritation and even burns on your facial skin.
Is it okay to wash your face without a washcloth?
Yes, it is.
Washing your face without a washcloth is okay and can also be beneficial for your skin.
When you use a washcloth, you can end up scrubbing your skin too harshly, which can lead to irritation. So, if you’re looking to be gentler on your skin, ditch the washcloth and just use your hands to wash your face.
Is face wash good for dry skin?
Yes, it is.
But if you have dry skin, you’ll want to avoid face washes that contain harsh ingredients that could further dry out your skin.
It’s also good to think about what other benefits you want from your face wash. Some face washes contain ingredients that can help to hydrate your skin or reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
How do you get rid of dead skin cells on your face?
Use a face scrub.
Incorporate a gentle face scrub into your wash routine once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells from your face. You can find these face scrubs in drugstores or e-commerce stores.
Conclusion
The truth is, there are pros and cons to washing your face with just water.
Pros: It’s inexpensive; quick and easy; doesn’t cause micro tears and allergic reactions; doesn’t strip off natural oils from the skin.
Cons: Won’t remove excess oils; ineffective at removing makeup; won’t remove deep-rooted dirt; won’t get rid of dead skin cells.
Overall, washing your face with just water has a few benefits that may make it worth trying out. You can also try using natural products such as micellar water and apple cider vinegar if you’re not a fan of washing your face with soap.
Thanks for reading.
Visit African Fashion for more information on how to care for your face.
