Note - I have DRY and sensitive skin, never been oily.

Hey all I'll try be quick. I'm a 23 year old male that's had persistent acne for almost 2 years now.

Out of desparation I am trying a "water only" routine and quitting all my products. I have tried EVERY topical treatment that exists in multiple forms.

For 2 weeks I have been doing a cleanser moisturiser only routine which WAS going well, but as of yesterday I am breaking out again much more (especially on one side of my face for some reason).

The reason I want to try this is as I am 23 I believe (hope) that my hormones are not so much the issue anymore. I have been using acne products consistently with no breaks for about 5 years now - from BP to azelaic acid, antibiotics, BHA and face washes etc.

Many of these have irritated my skin considerably. I am hoping that my skin can just sort itself out now. Something to do with the acid mantle restoring itself? Is this a legitimate way of treating my acne?

TL:DR - has anyone had success in treating acne with a water only routine? Just washing the face 1x a day with cold water, and a gentle physical exfoliation with a washcloth a few times a week. Is this a terrible idea that will backfire? I don't know what else to do....