If you check out the Instagram page of Chak De India actor Vidya Malavade, you will realise one thing quite instantly, and that is, she's quite a fitness freak. From being regular at yoga, flaunting her nearly perfect body to doling out health tips, the actress walks the talk when it comes to adopting health conscious practices.
Recently, the actor spoke about how she hasn't used soap in nearly a decade. Surprised? Well, so are we! Wondering how exactly she bathes then? The actress shared that she steps out of water for 30 seconds and then repeats the affirmation to cleanse away the negative energy. To cleanse herself, she uses plain water, or rose water and sometimes she opts for traditional besan ubtan. She says this practice has made her skin soft and supple. Well, we can see that.
Just the idea of not using soap at all will make many heads shake in disbelief. To understand more about this practice, Moneycontrol reached out to Dr. Sunita Naik, consultant dermatologist and head medical advisor (West) at Kaya Limited, to understand more about soap-free bathing practice and who it is more relevant for.
Take a look at her post:
"See, clearly what Vidya has been doing, it is doing well for her. Soaps can be harsh on the skin, especially for those with dry and sensitive skin. However, individuals with skin conditions like psoriasis and those living in hot and humid climate might still need to use soap to cleanse completely. It is recommended to consult your healthcare provider if you have any of these conditions before you choose to go soap free completely," shared the doctor.
For those thinking that soap is all bad and offers no benefits, you can't be more wrong. Soap is essential for cleansing and maintaining skin hygiene, as it effectively eliminates dirt and other pollutants. "Plus, body odour is a common issue that soaps held get rid of. We also have antibacterial soaps available and their main function is they wipe away bacteria while eliminating body odour as well. I would also say that another benefit of using soap is that it increases blood circulation," explained Dr. Naik.
We live in environment where there's so much pollution. So, to ensure our skin is free from toxins, soaps play an important role. So, the question arises who should avoid using soap? The doctor says that people with dry and sensitive skin can avoid using it, but only after consulting their dermatologist. "Additionally, those with a history of allergic conditions need to follow caution while using soap," she added.
Also read: Collagen banking: Dermatologist tells you how to keep your skin glowing, slow ageing
One can always pick a soap that is more gentle in nature, as strong ones can be quite abrasive and rip the skin of its natural oils. "Studies have shown that regular washing with soap and water can alter the outermost protective layer of skin. Also, it alters the good bacteria on your skin, leaving it more susceptible to infections and acne besides increasing the possibility of causing allergic reactions," cited Dr. Naik.
Alternatives to soap
There are indeed many recipes available if one wants to only use ingredients that are available in one's kitchen. The options range from salt and sugar scrubs to oatmeal and honey exfoliators.
"Ubtans, which consist of ground pulses, flours, and turmeric, are natural exfoliants. They eliminate sweat and dirt without stripping the skin. Rosewater can soothe and refresh, but it is more of a fragrance and mood booster than a cleansing agent. For those who don't want to give up soap completely, organic soaps and pH-balanced cleansers are a good alternative," suggested the dermatologist.
We're living in a world where we can get easily influenced, thanks to so much content that is out there on the internet. A lot of you may want to try out soap-free bathing ritual to see the difference. However, the doctor has a caution. "It is not advisable to mindlessly follow a trend. If you have acne, psoriasis, fungal infections, or very oily skin, you'll likely need targeted cleansers. If you are working outdoors, then you need soaps to cleanse away the sweat and dirt accumulated on your skin," she advised.
Also read: 5 skincare mistakes are damaging your skin barrier
Similarly, in hot, humid climates, perspiration and bacteria accumulate faster. "Water alone may not be enough in these cases, as by doing so you can make yourself more susceptible to odour, rashes, and infections," she says. For those who really want to try this hack, the doctor suggests that one should begin by taking baby steps. "Limit soap usage to the underarms, groin, feet, and hands. Rinse the remainder of your body with water. Moisturize thereafter and monitor your skin's response," she concluded.
FAQs on soap-free bathing ritual:
1. What is a soap-free bathing ritual?
A soap-free bathing ritual involves cleansing the body using natural or non-soap alternatives like herbal powders, clay, oils, or gentle cleansers that don’t strip the skin of its natural oils.
2. Why go soap-free?
Traditional soaps can be harsh, stripping the skin of moisture and disrupting its natural pH. A soap-free routine can help maintain healthy skin, especially for those with dryness, sensitivity, eczema, or allergies.
3. What can I use instead of soap?
Common soap-free alternatives include:
Gram flour (besan)
Multani mitti (Fuller’s earth)
Oatmeal
Aloe vera gel
Milk or yogurt
Ayurvedic herbal powders (e.g., neem, sandalwood, turmeric)
4. Will I still feel clean without soap?
Yes, if used properly, natural ingredients can effectively cleanse the skin by removing dirt, sweat, and excess oil—without the harshness of soap. However, adjustment may take a few days.
5. Is soap-free bathing suitable for all skin types?
Generally, yes. It’s especially beneficial for dry or sensitive skin. However, those with oily or acne-prone skin should choose ingredients carefully (e.g., avoid overly rich oils) and may need some trial and error.
Disclaimer: This article only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific diagnosis.
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