Short answer is yes, yes you can. But don't throw out your face wash yet.
Let's really get into the details on if and when you should only wash your face with just water.
How to Clean Your Face with Only Water
Some people say that washing your face with just water is helpful, especially if you already have dry skin. Many people offer anecdotal stories and evidence, but there really is some research and science that supports limiting our use of facial cleansers.
Kathryn A. Boling, MD, a primary care provider at Mercy Personal Physicians in Lutherville Maryland, says that she personally rarely uses cleansers and that it can actually dry out dry skin.
If you have oily skin or a lot of sweat you may need soap, but if you have dry skin, you can get by with nice, good water. - Kathryn A. Boling, MD
So sometimes overusing cleansers can be a big problem for your skin. You may have heard of the "No Poo Movement": a growing internet crusade against using shampoo, especially on curly hair. What Boling suggests is pretty similar. Our skin doesn't necessarily need a deep, oil striping cleanse as often as we may think. It is time to reevaluate how we are washing our faces to take better care of our skin epidermis' health by using fewer harsh chemicals.
The Water You User Matters
Dr. Boling mentioned “nice, good water,” but what exactly is she referring to? Well, not all water is "good" water for your skin. In fact, a lot of the water used will not fall under her “nice, good water” disclaimer. We can nearly guarantee that the water you use doesn't meet this standard.
Hot Water Causes Damage
Hot water can damage to your skin. It inflames the skin, causing sunburn-like effects including redness, itching and even peeling. Hot water can strip away natural oils, fats, and proteins, all which are necessary to maintaining your skin’s health.
Tap Water is Not Good for Your Skin
Recent studies show that tap water might not be the best for your skin either. Tap water contains many contaminants that harm your skin and damage your skin's delicate epidermis.Heavy metals, chlorine and minerals are just a few of these contaminants that could be lurking in your tap water. Instead, use filtered water to make sure your water isn’t disturbing your skin.
What is Filtered Water?
Filtered water is water that has been processed, water that has all of those contaminants taken out. The best way to get filtered water is with a PROdermis skincare water filter. Our filters have three levels of filtration, to ensure that the water that you use to clean your face is as pure as possible.
Cut Back on Your Cleanser
While many dermatologists say that cleanser is essential to your skin routine, others are much less certain about it. If you have been sticking to the same routine for a while, but don’t see any results, it may be time to change something. Cutting back on cleanser can help you out by allowing your skin's natural oils and epidermis to do what they do best.
Try Washing with Water Only in the Morning
If you feel like over washing your face is affecting your skin negatively, try washing your face in the morning with just water. A water rinse won’t dry your skin out, and this can help reduce those fine lines and wrinkles. Save your cleansers for the evening or when you have worked out. Removing makeup, sweat, and dirt is where cleansers really perform at their best.
Keep Soap Away from Your Face
Unless otherwise directed by a dermatologist or other medical professional, keep soaps away from your face. Soaps can have adverse effects on your skin. Cleansers often have moisturizers, which soaps do not have. Therefore, soap can be very irritating and abrasive on your skin. It can disrupt your skin’s innate pH and damage the skin barrier.
"Regular soap is for cleaning regular things. Your skin is not regular,"Rachel Nazarian says, a New York City-based dermatologist.
Gentle Cleansers with Safe Ingredients
Make sure that you are using gentle cleansers. Especially those with drier skin, it becomes important to use something that won’t be harsh on your skin.
Healthy Skin is Beautiful
Remember, your skin is unique to you and you alone. So if your routine is working and your skin is impeccable, don’t go changing it. Healthy skin will reflect on you and your routine should as well.