📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Vidya Malavade recently revealed that she hasn’t touched a bar of soap in over a decade. The Chak De! India actor follows an unconventional post-shower ritual: stepping out of the water for 30 seconds, repeating an affirmation to wash away “negative energy,” and often skipping soap in favour of plain water, rosewater, or even a traditional besan ubtan.
For Malavade, the ritual combines meditation and skincare. Intrigued by her mantra and curious about the science behind it, we reached out to Dr Swetha Sridhar, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Lady Curzon and Bowring Hospital, Bengaluru, to seek answers.
According to her, a large chunk of people do not need to use soap daily. “A 2024 study found no difference in skin infections between people who washed with water versus those who used cleansers,” she says.
However, skipping soap doesn’t mean it’s irrelevant. “If you’re sweating a lot, working outdoors, or live in a polluted city, water may not be enough. Areas like the underarms, groin, scalp, and feet often still need cleansing to control odour, acne, or infections,” she cautions, adding that using soap lowers the risk of infections and preserves hygiene, barrier protection, and comfort.
The practice isn’t new. People with sensitive or eczema-prone skin often avoid harsh cleansers. “Fewer surfactants can mean fewer flare-ups,” Dr Sridhar notes.
For others, the reason lies in its cosmetic benefits. “Our skin naturally produces oils and lipids that keep it flexible, hydrated, and resilient. When you strip these away daily, the skin feels tight, flaky, or itchy. By rinsing with water instead, you’re letting those natural lipids stay in place, which is why many people say their skin feels smoother and less irritable,” she explains.
A key component of this is the skin microbiome, the community of bacteria and fungi that live on your skin. “Too much soap disrupts this balance. When left intact, the microbiome helps maintain the skin’s natural pH, modulates inflammation, and improves its defence against pathogens. It’s not just about infection — it affects how healthy your skin feels and looks,” says Dr Sridhar.
As a result, soap-free or minimal-soap routines can make skin feel softer, less reactive, and even appear more radiant.
“Ubtans, made of ground pulses, flours, and turmeric, are natural exfoliators. They remove sweat and debris without stripping skin. Rosewater can soothe and refresh, though it’s more of a fragrance and feel-good factor than a cleansing agent,” Dr Sridhar explains about the traditional alternatives that Malavade shared. Those who don’t want to ditch the soap entirely can go for organic soaps and pH-balanced cleansers for a middle ground.
The dermatologist warns against blindly following the trend. “If you have acne, psoriasis, fungal infections, or very oily skin, you’ll likely need targeted cleansers.”
Similarly, in hot, humid regions, sweat and bacteria accumulate more quickly. “Water alone may not be enough in these cases — you risk odour, rashes, or infections,”
“Start small. Limit soap to the underarms, groin, feet, and hands. Rinse the rest of your body with water. Moisturise after, and observe your skin’s response,” she concludes
Dr Sridhar warns that switching overnight may bring a transition period and isn’t a good idea. “The skin may feel greasier or smell stronger until the microbiome rebalances,” she says. Switching to a soap-free bathing practice needs gradual pacing. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
