Actor Vidya Malavade, best known for her role in Chak De! India, recently surprised her followers with a unique self-care revelation — she hasn’t used soap on her body for the past ten years. Instead, she follows a mindful bathing routine involving affirmations, visualization, and natural cleansers like rosewater and besan ubtan.
In an Instagram post, Vidya shared that she steps out of the shower for about 30 seconds after cleansing and practices a visualisation ritual — imagining negative energy being washed away with the water. Her practice, she says, combines spiritual cleansing and skincare, leaving her skin naturally soft and calm.
Do We Really Need Soap Every Day?
To understand whether soap-free bathing is scientifically sound, we spoke to Dr Swetha Sridhar, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Lady Curzon and Bowring Hospital, Bengaluru.
“A 2024 study showed no significant difference in skin infections between people who washed with water and those who used soap,” said Dr Sridhar.
However, she noted that skipping soap entirely isn’t for everyone.
“If you live in polluted cities, sweat heavily, or work outdoors, plain water may not suffice. Areas such as the underarms, groin, scalp, and feet still need proper cleansing to prevent odour, acne, and infection,” she added.
Why Are People Choosing Soap-Free Bathing?
Dr Sridhar explained that soap-free or minimal-soap routines are gaining popularity, especially among those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
“Many cleansers contain harsh surfactants that strip the skin of its natural oils. These oils protect and hydrate the skin. When they’re preserved, the skin feels softer and less irritated,” she said.
The dermatologist also highlighted the importance of the skin microbiome, the natural layer of good bacteria and fungi living on our skin.
“Over-cleansing disrupts this balance. When left intact, the microbiome maintains pH, reduces inflammation, and strengthens skin defences. That’s why some people report smoother, more resilient skin when using less soap.”
The Role of Traditional Alternatives
Vidya’s routine includes traditional Indian cleansers like besan (gram flour) ubtan and rosewater — both known for their soothing effects.
“Ubtans gently exfoliate without stripping moisture, and rosewater can refresh the skin,” Dr Sridhar explained. “However, rosewater alone doesn’t clean; it’s more of a calming agent.”
For those unwilling to give up soap completely, the expert suggests mild, organic, or pH-balanced cleansers as a middle ground.
Is a Soap-Free Routine for Everyone?
Dr Sridhar cautions against blindly following viral trends.
“If you have oily skin, acne, psoriasis, or fungal infections, skipping soap may worsen your condition. In hot, humid regions, bacteria and sweat build up quickly, and water alone won’t suffice.”
Instead, she recommends a gradual transition:
- Use soap only on high-sweat areas (underarms, groin, feet, hands).
- Rinse the rest of the body with water.
- Moisturise immediately after bathing.
- Observe how your skin responds before making it a habit.
“Switching too quickly can make the skin feel greasy or smell stronger at first. Give your microbiome time to rebalance,” she advised.
The Takeaway
Vidya Malavade’s decade-long soap-free journey highlights a growing movement toward minimalist skincare and mindful wellness. While experts agree it can benefit certain skin types, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Listening to your skin and maintaining hygiene balance remains key.
Disclaimer: This article is based on expert commentary and publicly available information. Always consult a qualified dermatologist before making changes to your skincare or bathing routine.
