The Benefits of Washing Your Face Without Cleanser

In the ever-evolving world of skin care, where countless products promise miracles and instant transformations, I decided to pursue a rather unconventional path that completely reshaped my approach to beauty. Four years ago, I made the audacious decision to bid farewell to face washes. Little did I know that this seemingly radical choice would unveil a natural, radiant complexion I hadn’t seen in years.

My journey into the realm of face wash liberation began with a realization that my skin had succumbed to the harsh effects of over-cleansing. It had become a dull, lifeless landscape, stripped of its natural oils by the very products I thought were enhancing its cleanliness.

The turning point came when I realized that my skin felt as dry as the Sahara Desert. It was a wake-up call that prompted me to reevaluate my routine and embrace a more natural, holistic approach. And so, with a mixture of trepidation and excitement, I decided to ditch face washes altogether.

Why skip the face wash?

Though it may seem counterintuitive, doing less could be the key to keeping skin healthy.

“Every time you wash your face, you strip your skin of some oil,” Jennifer Chwalek, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, previously told Well+Good. “Overwashing can compromise the skin barrier function.”

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Many cleansers contain ingredients that are meant to cut through the natural oils on your skin. While this can be a positive for some, for those prone to dryness, these formulas can strip your skin and make it more prone to irritation and damage. What’s more, skipping out on these products can create a better environment for the bacteria that make up your skin microbiome to flourish, which keeps your complexion functioning optimally on its own. Deepali Bhardwaj, MD, a Delhi-based dermatologist, anti-skin allergy specialist, laser surgeon, and internationally trained aesthetician, says harsh facial cleansers have the potential to aggressively exfoliate the skin, leading to sensitivities.

“Many products claim to be ‘paraben-free,’ but they might still contain ingredients like perfumes, essential oils, and other chemicals that can result in open pores, premature aging, pigmentation, wrinkles, and, in some cases, melasma,” she says. “It’s crucial to avoid harsh face washes and opt for gentler alternatives to maintain skin health.”

She explains that when selecting skin-care products, it’s important to be aware that the absence of parabens doesn’t necessarily mean the absence of other potentially irritating ingredients. Individuals with sensitive skin should be cautious about the inclusion of fragrances, essential oils, and harsh lathering agents in their skin-care routine, as these can contribute to adverse reactions and skin issues.

With all of that said, Geetika Srivastava, MD, a renowned dermatologist from All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, reckons that going face wash-free may not be the best decision for everyone. “Skin care isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach,” she says. “People who struggle with sensitive and dry skin may opt for [gentle cream] cleansers and stop using lathering face washes altogether, and it could benefit them. But for those with excessively oily and acne-prone skin, giving up on face washes may not be a good approach, and it could actually backfire.”

She notes that dry skin needs to retain the natural oils and moisture, and face wash may rip your skin off those essential oils. However, if you have very oily skin, which is associated with high sebum production and clogged pores, cleansing your skin is likely a necessary step in your routine. Generally speaking, dermatologists recommend skipping the face wash in the morning but still using it at night to clear away any dirt and debris that’s accumulated during the day—but again, it’s all about finding what works best for your unique skin needs. And in my case, that’s meant saying goodbye to my cleanser for good.

What happened when I stopped using face wash—and why I’ll never look back

For me, the decision to go sans face wash wasn’t just about abandoning a product; it was a lifestyle shift towards embracing simplicity and allowing my skin to breathe. The constant barrage of chemicals was replaced with a more mindful and intuitive approach to skin care. I began to treat my skin as a living, breathing organ that deserved respect and care.

The first few days of washing my face with just water were a bit disorienting—I was so accustomed to the ritual of foaming cleansers and exfoliating scrubs that the absence of their familiar textures felt almost sacrilegious. I wondered if I was cleansing my face at all! But as the days turned into weeks and weeks into months, my skin began to undergo a transformation that surpassed my wildest expectations.

One of the most immediate and gratifying changes was the disappearance of the dreaded tightness and dryness that followed each wash. No longer did my skin feel like it was gasping for moisture. Instead, it settled into a state of balance and normalcy that I hadn’t experienced in years.

Without the daily intrusion of face wash, my skin’s natural oils finally had a chance to shine—quite literally. Those oils, which I had once considered the enemy, turned out to be the unsung heroes of my skin-care journey. They became my skin’s natural defense mechanism, keeping it healthy, moisturized, and protected.

As the weeks passed, I noticed an unmistakable improvement in the overall texture and tone of my skin. The dullness that had become synonymous with my complexion began to fade, making way for a newfound radiance I hadn’t seen since my teenage years. It was as if I had stumbled upon the fountain of youth, and all it took was the simple act of letting my skin be.

The absence of face wash also meant bidding farewell to the constant cycle of trying new products, each one promising to be the answer to my skin-care prayers—which in turn saved me tons of money. I no longer found myself entangled in the web of marketing gimmicks and beauty trends. Instead, my routine became a celebration of natural ingredients and self-care rituals.

My skin-care routine today is refreshingly uncomplicated. Mornings begin with a splash of lukewarm water, allowing my skin to awaken gently, followed by Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence ($25), a holy grail. The evening sees a repeat of this simple cleansing ritual, followed by a gentle pat dry and a moisturizer (fun fact: because skipping out on cleanser preserves your skin’s natural oils, it may mean you don’t need as much moisturizer to keep your complexion properly hydrated). If I’m feeling indulgent, I might treat myself to a homemade face mask crafted from ingredients that I can pronounce without the need for a chemistry degree.

My decision to ditch face wash was a radical one, but the results—which haven’t faltered over the past four years—speak for themselves. I’ve rediscovered a radiance that goes beyond superficial beauty. It’s a glow that emanates from within, a reflection of the health and happiness that my skin now embodies. I may not have a shelf lined with fancy face washes and skincare products anymore, but what I have is something far more valuable: skin that feels alive, vibrant, and authentically beautiful.