I have very sensitive skin and almost anything I put on my face breaks me out. The only cleansing agent I've found that does not cause breakouts is Dove soap. However, I would still like to see my skin become smoother and more even toned. I've even tried the oil cleansing method and which left my skin irritated. I know people and have heard about others who only use water to cleanse their face and their skin is beautiful. While it's tempting to give it a try I can't imagine how that could be really cleansing the face.
My husband has always had SUPER sensitive skin. He was very acne prone on his back and shoulders as a teen and in his early 20s, and now, though he doesn't break out in acne, he still gets red and spotty and itchy when he uses nearly every kind of soap found over the counter. For many years he only "washed" in the shower with water. But then we discovered 100% shea butter soap, and both of us have completely switched. We buy ours online, but I actually think Bath and Body works carries some and also perhaps the Body Shop. (You can find it much cheaper on Amazon.) It is expensive for bar soap, but SO WORTH IT. It isn't drying, it isn't overly oily, and it doesn't break my husband out. I even use it on my kids as long as I'm there to make sure it doesn't get in their eyes.
I wouldn't give it a try either. When you have naturally oily face, water alone won't be much of help. The least it can do is remove surface dirt but if you're looking for deep cleansing action, then you need a good facial scrub and facial wash to go with it. I also apply facial masks (both organic and synthetic) to ensure that dirt does not clog up my pores. Had I more money to dispose of, I'd have liked to visit the derma at least once a month for a regular diamond peel session. I have scars to take care of so water would never do justice to my facial skin.
You could try some baby products as they tend to be very gentle, but water alone does not cleanse, but refreshes the skin. It won't take away dirt or grease, so you do need some cleansing agent. There are quite a few organic products that can work, but it will be trial and error to see what suits you and then stick to it.
Have you ever heard of the Simple products? They do all kinds of products for sensitive skin. They do baby wipes, make-up removal wipes, shower gels, soaps, moisturizer creams, lotions, and I sure that there is much more that I am forgetting about right now. We've been using them for years. My younger sister has sensitive skin, and it seems to agree with her.
The problem with washing your face with only water is that it won't remove oils from your pores. It's the same thing with washing your hair with only water. It's going to dry your face out further and cause more harm than good, though previous posters have mentioned some great products and solutions for your situation!
I don't think water would be enough so if you're looking to find some alternatives I suggest doing some research on natural products. I've seen a few companies that sell soap and other beauty products supposedly made out of natural ingredients like fruits and natural resources and from what I understand they should be fairly safe for those who have sensitive skin. Of course you'd probably still have to do some trial and error but the good thing about it is that if you do find a product that works then you could just stick with it forever.
I've heard of some people using water only, but that just wouldn't work for me at all. I have oily skin, plus I also wear makeup when I'm out and about. If you want a gentle cleanser that doesn't contain any harsh ingredients, I think that you can't get any more gentle than Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. It has great reviews too. It contains no fragrance and is non-comedogenic, and works very well for people with sensitive skin
I also only use water to wash my face. I use soap for the rest of me and the face does not get particularly dirty, so water usually suffices. It seems to be an unnecessary excess that wouldn't really be of much benefit.
My partner suffered from dry facial skin and rashes for years. At times his cheeks would turn fiery red and form flakes. Any kind of product would cause him trouble, including natural coconut oil. All he ever used was water, as he got frustrated with the constant reactions he had to anything that got in contact with his skin. Then, one day, I said to him why don't you try my special combination of pure rosehip and argan oil. And, lo and behold, his skin improved almost overnight. It was the magical "cure" for him after years of agony. He's never been the same again.
I also have sensitive skin. I never use any kind of soap other than the local brand of soap we have here in my country. I don't also use facial wash because my skin would become reddish, sort of an irritation. Before going to sleep, I would just wash my face with water. Good thing is that I don't really suffer from acne and pimples, so I'm pretty fine with it.
I agree. It is the same thing when you have overly dry skin too. If you just put water on your face, and leave the house, once the water dries, it will dry with the flaky bits of dry skin on your face, and it looks terrible if you get close enough. Just like water, alone, will not remove dandruff from one's hair. One needs a product that is skin friendly, but will also do the job.
I have tried this for a while, too bad it didn't work for me, because my face is really oily, and the water just don't simply brush the oil away in face. So I though I needed something better, so I tried Cetaphil and we clicked. It worked on my face.
I'm glad that you found Cetaphil useful, 003! Because it's such a simple, no frills type face wash, I think it's often overlooked. But I think it's very good as it's suitable for all skin types, contains no harmful or harsh ingredients, contain no soap and really does a fine job of cleaning your face. I don't use it anymore, but I remember when I suffered badly with acne in my teens, my dermatologist recommended it and it was so very gentle. Even on skincare discussion forums, many people swear by it. It's also a very good makeup remover, and effectively takes off all grime from the skin
I think aside from the products that you use, perhaps you should also be wary of the kinds of foods that you eat. For me I've found that when I'm eating too many sugary and choclatey breakouts occur more frequently. Along with that, it is SUPER important to drink enough water, and most people don't do that at all. It really helps with making your skin more healthy. It's a lot easier if you have a refillable bottle with you throughout the day so you can keep drinking without having to get up for a glass each time you're thirsty.
I can see how some people would be able to only wash their face with water, but I assume it's only the people that don't really have oily faces to begin with. My face is quite oily from time to time (well, periodically, really), and water doesn't do anything. I have to use washing products, and my face is somewhat sensitive as well, so I break out after prolonged use. So yeah, I know your pain.
I only use facial soap near my hairline most of the month. Water only on the rest of my face. For the day before my period starts and the first two days of my cycle, I need to use the facial soap on my whole face. Also for the two days mid-cycle near ovulation. The rest of the time, most soap seems to dry out and irritate my skin too much. It's naturally on the dry side and not oily or prone to breakouts so just a quick splash of water and any diluted soap from higher on my face that runs down (with no rubbing in) is just perfect.
Dove soap was very good for sensitive skin, judging from my mother's experience. She had a dry skin problem and Dove worked like a charm for her. Your idea of using water alone is a good idea too. However, purified water with very low hardness percentage does wonders to your sensitive skin. Gentle splashing and massaging with cold, purified water revitalized your skin cells and leave you feeling fresh.
Once I couldn't afford the face wash recommended by my dermatologist I started washing my face with neutral soap since like yourself anything else would break me out. If I only use water I would feel my skin too oily and not clean enough so I must always use some kind of soap preferably no scented like neutral soap.
I am here to give you guys some first hand experience on the topic. Of recent I developed perioral dermatitis which left my skin extra sensitive and break prone. I have dry skin by the way. I tried all remedies and changed skin specialist but in vain. Then I came across zero therapy and decided to give it a go though I couldn't actually imagine washing my face with water only day in and day out. Nonetheless, tired of pain and the blisters I embarked on water only since 1 months and guess what guys, it has worked like magic! Ni amount of chemicals helped the way chemical free did. I was just thinking if using a facewash again today but decided against it seeing hiw soft calm and pimple free my skin is.
