I'm surprised I didn't see this thread before.
I've been showering without soap for about
10 years and stopped using shampoo last year.
Concerning the soap, I stopped using it basically on accident. I ran out and just kept forgetting to buy more. After two months of this, I noticed my skin felt a lot better. It felt like it had a better texture to it and just seemed healthier.
I decided to deny soap for another few months and that turned into years. I get complimented on the feel/look of my skin by almost everyone I date. I highly recommend everyone give this lifestyle a try. You don't really save much money but you do feel better in the long run.
The shampoo use I decided to cut out because I've had bad dandruff my whole life. I finally started using head and shoulders a few years ago, but my hair started falling out. I've tried everything and none of it worked without some kind of horrible side effect.
So I stopped using shampoo and it cut down on my dandruff by a huge amount. I'd say I generate about 75% less dead skin on my face/scalp now.
For those that are worrying about the smell: don't. Even someone like me that comes home covered in piles on man sweat (
) several times a week can use minimal to no soap and still smell great.
If anyone has more specific questions, I'll try to answer them.