I agree less is more. I'm finally starting to realize this, I don't use a face wash everyday anymore. I only wear makeup once a week so that's when I'll use a face wash/scrub. I still use SPF moisturizer and a topical sulfur ointment only because I'm very active. I'm always outside gardening,running errands and cooking/cleaning. I get sweaty and oily plus I got bangs so I need something to fight surface bacteria.

Topical acne treatments help. Those who get completely clear with them are very lucky. I found that if your topical regimen isn't working try treating it internally or stop slathering so many chemicals on your face.

I too am doing something similar to this, although I initially started it unintentionally. It hasn't been too long and I'm already seeing significant changes in my skin, it's really very surprising. I'm a guy so showering once or twice a day is a must otherwise the lady friends start to complain lol, but when I do shower I only use water on my face. Every three or four days or so I then wash it with cetaphil and put on some ACV. So far I am blown away how doing so little can make such a big difference.

I definitely think this will not work for everyone though. If someone has severe acne then this is likely not a good idea; for the majority of those with severe acne I can't see anything but trouble with such a passive regimen. I had to take care of my moderate acne a few years back with some fairly strong topicals, and I can't see what I am doing now helping much if I had the acne I used to.

Everyone's skin is dramatically different though, I'm glad it's working for you xscarringx.

This post is regarding the dead skin with the water only method. I have an idea that the reason we all are experiencing dead skin, the skin is healing. I'm not 100% sure, but it kind of makes sense. When I got laser treatment about a year ago, my skin began sloughing off. It was dry for awhile after that too and continued to slough off. I am just wondering if the dead skin is a process showing that our skin is finally trying to heal itself. I mean after all many of us have used all of these harsh chemicals for years. We have pigmentation problems & scars that need to be healed. The water only method definitely makes my skin less irritated, however I am going to tough it out. I am still wearing make up, but I am going to get past that part too. Another thing, when I got the laser treatment done, I got little white heads and they told me that is a sign the skin is healing. Therefore, that's what I think all of this is. For now, I gently exfoliate with a paper towel and warm water. I am still getting small white heads here and there, but let me remind you I do wear make up everyday and have for 8 years. Ugh. I hate make up. I know one thing though, every pimple I get is normally very small and heals within a couple of days. What's even weirder, is that the marks fade away way quicker than they used to. The way I look at things, is this is the best method that has worked for me. No I'm no where near perfect yet, nor do I expect to be any time soon, but I think this method will be beneficial for me in the long run. I really wish i would have did this sooner. I used to have acne on my back when I was around 14 years old, I mean severe acne on my back & I didn't do anything to it, because it didn't really bug me. Of course it's gone now, and has been for along time with no marks, scars left behind. Another stupid thing I did which I am paying for now, is the constant use of make up every single fucking day. Now I am to the point where I feel like I can't live without it, but I HATE it at the same time, because I know it's destroying my skin too. I know that is kind of irrelevant, but I am begging younger girls to not become dependent on it like I have. Make up will only make things worse over time, trust me. After I get subcision a few times (maybe more) for my scars and a laser treatment, my plan is to stop wearing it completely. Sorry just rambling on here.

Oh and I actually this method is great for severe acne, because when I stopped washing at all my cystic acne went away. I think part of the reason acne gets so bad, is that it can spread. When we wash and exfoliate our face, it opens the would and spreads, kind of like poison ivy. I have noticed this, I think that is why many people get clusters of pimples. I would almost consider to go without washing until you have only 1-3 active break outs and avoid those areas when you are wiping off make up, exfoliating, etc. Save those areas for last and gently wipe them. I used to be a troubled teen and believed scrubbing would "wash" my acne away. Boy, was I stupid? I really wish i was as educated on everything as I am now. Since I am rambling on today, I thought I would add a few more things. If I take ibuprofen, withing 3 days I will form a cyst on the exact same spot on my right jawline. It's crazy, it took me awhile to realize that though. I actually figured it out when I got pregnant (you can't take it while your pregnant). Well after I had the baby, I took one because I had a migraine and what do you know 3 days later I began to get a cyst, but instead of scrubbing it to death, I let it heal up. It was gross, kept scabbing over as it was flattening day by day. Another thing I think, is that some pimples are caused by allergic reactions to products. Like I just mentioned. I think that our acne products have made us more sensitive over time, because it strips away our protective layers. Therefore, things will irritate us more. I think with time, the water only method would make our skin tougher and we will be able to use different products again (not acne products) but things like (shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, make up, etc.) I remember when I was a teenager I could put damn near anything in my hair, without making my acne worse. Over the years, as I continued to use acne medications I have to be VERY careful as to what I use. I think that's what acne medications really do, is make you more prone to get acne. Therefore, it is hard to pinpoint triggers etc. One more thing I read somewhere, a girl went to the dermatologist , because she had a bunch of white heads and inflamed acne. He asked her how many times a day was she washing her face and she said twice a day. I guess he freaked out and told her you should only wash your face like once a week. I understand his idea behind that too, from experience of not washing my face for 7 months. You would have thought my face would have got worse, considering I was wearing make up, but it actually got slightly better. I started using water though, because I wanted even better results. Now my skin is flaky, but I think I'm on the way to progress. After all, I did like 7 years of damage to my face with products. it's not going to be an overnight, days, weeks, months thing.

There is some truth to your method.

Not to use abbrasive scrubs or harsh chemicals on your face.

But I do think you should clean you face, to get remove some of the oil off your face (it may contain some contaminants from your environment, pollen, pollution etc.)

As for oil, you should use on your face, it will "push the pimple" as you say.

Once you clean your face use extra virgin coconut oil, there will be improvements and your skin will feel smooth and soft.