Maybe a gross question RE: Face Washing

So, I've been DE shaving for about 4 months now and I've stopped washing my face. Facial cleansers are expensive, they tend overdry my skin, and I don't think they're necessary. Washing my face can also irritate my skin if it's done too soon after shaving...plus it washes away all the awesome shaving smells. Am I wrong or gross on this?

The way I look at it, my badger brush and blade exfoliate my face very thoroughly, the alum block acts as an astringent, and the aftershave replaces the lost moisture. I do use a basic face wash on my forehead, eyelids and nose, but won't touch any place that sprouts facial hair.

Is this gross?

Why would it be gross? Washing/cleansing is overrated, IMHO, and often does more harm than good. I would say, avoid to wash/shower/cleanse, etc., as much as possible. Do it only when necessary. Best - MM

I don't think it's gross at all. Since I've started using shaving soaps and cremes with a shaving brush, if I wash my face otherwise, it only irritates my skin. Dirt and excess oil gets washed away after you lather up and shave.

Spencer

Yeah. No need. You wash the shaved parts of your face every time you shave.

-Mo

I don't wash my face as much anymore either.

I have also found that washing my face with most typical facial cleansers irritates and dries my skin out. However, two that I can use regularly without too much drying are Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash.

As long as you wash your foehead and nose I agree with others that the shaving soap does a very thorough job washing your face (and the brush exfoliates). I mean, it IS soap after all...

fia1331 said:

I have also found that washing my face with most typical facial cleansers irritates and dries my skin out. However, two that I can use regularly without too much drying are Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash.

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+1
And Nivea Sensitive too

Anymore I tend to go for just rinsing my face off if it feels overly dirty.

If it feels really grungy, I'll wash my face with a spare puck of shave soap laying around, and follow up with a little aftershave.

I'm glad I'm not alone on this

Sounds like it would be a cheaper option for me too. My face washes are around $30 for a three months supply. But for me, the shaves are better when I wash and use an oil.

Holton181 said:

Sounds like it would be a cheaper option for me too. My face washes are around $30 for a three months supply. But for me, the shaves are better when I wash and use an oil.

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Try and skip the wash and the oil. Just using my natural skin oils without washing made a huge difference for me.

Wash the parts that you don't shave with plain soap.

Oh Mannn! I hate to be the first.
I still wash my face the first thing when I enter the shower. The only difference is that I use Mitchell's WoolFat soap now. Either that or the Mysore Sandalwood soap I got online. Both soaps leave my skin soft and smooth.
Count me as more or less of an unrepentant clean phreak.
Ken.
Did I mention that I have a crew cut (mostly bald in the middle) and I use the Mitchell's WoolFat soap for that too..
Ken.

Well, I think if you wet your face, use a good cream, and then shave you are doing a pretty darn good job of cleaning your face. Probably more so than washing with a cloth and soap. And if you take a shower every day and wash your hair with shampoo, then I would imagine the rest of your head and face get clean enough. That's how I do it.