Posted by Mariam Skalli
on January 05, 2026
TL;DR
• The Moroccan hammam ritual is a centuries-old cleansing tradition centered on steam, olive-based black soap, physical exfoliation with a kessa glove, and clay masking.
• You can replicate the core steps at home in about 30–45 minutes with simple products.
• This ritual is typically done once per week (or biweekly for sensitive skin) as a deep-cleansing complement to a daily routine.
• Always follow exfoliation with a nourishing oil (argan or prickly pear seed) to restore moisture.
• Adjust pressure and frequency based on your skin's tolerance.
The Hammam Tradition: Context and Origin
The word “hammam” (حمّام) comes from Arabic, meaning “hot bath” or “spreader of warmth.” Public hammams have been central to social life across North Africa, Turkey, and the broader Islamic world for over a millennium. In Morocco, the hammam is more than a bath; it is a weekly ritual of hygiene, relaxation, and community.
Traditional Moroccan hammams consist of a series of heated rooms with gradually increasing temperatures, typically constructed from tadelakt (polished lime plaster). Bathers move through the rooms, beginning with warm acclimatization and progressing to hot steam rooms where the cleansing ritual is performed. While visiting a professional hammam is an experience worth trying, the core products and steps can be adapted for a home bathroom.
The At-Home Moroccan Night Ritual: Step by Step
What You’ll Need:
• Moroccan black soap (savon beldi)
• Kessa exfoliating glove
• Ghassoul (rhassoul) clay
• Rose water or warm water
• Argan oil or Prickly pear seed oil
• Optional: Nila powder, eucalyptus essential oil, Tbrima powder
Preparation (5 minutes):
Run a hot shower or bath to create steam in your bathroom. If you have a bath, soak for 5–10 minutes. The goal is to warm the skin and open pores.
For an aromatic touch, add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the shower floor (not directly on skin).
Step 1: Black Soap Cleanse (10 minutes)
- Turn off the water.
- Apply a thin layer of Moroccan Black Soap (about 1–2 tablespoons) to damp skin, covering your body and face (avoiding the eye area).
- Leave the soap on for 2-5 minutes. The olive-oil base softens the surface layer of dead skin cells, preparing them for exfoliation.
- Rinse completely, ensuring no more soap is left on the skin.
Step 2: Kessa Glove Exfoliation (10 minutes)
- Dampen your Kessa glove with warm water.
- Using firm, long strokes, scrub your skin in one direction (not back-and-forth). Work upward from ankles to thighs, then arms, torso, and back.
- You should see small rolls of dead skin appearing, this is expected and is the hallmark of an effective kessa scrub.
For the face: avoid using the kessa glove as facial skin is thinner and more delicate.
Step 3: Clay Mask (10–15 minutes)
- In a small bowl, mix 2–3 tablespoons of Ghassoul clay with rose water (or warm water) until you have a smooth, spreadable paste.
- Optional: add 1 teaspoon of Nila powder for a traditional brightening mask.
- Apply evenly to your face, neck, and body.
- Leave for 10–15 minutes, or until the clay begins to dry.
- Rinse with warm water. Do not let the mask dry completely as this can over-strip moisture.
Step 4: Tone and Mist (2 minutes)
Spray rose water generously over your face and body while skin is still damp.
Step 5: Moisturize and Seal (5 minutes)
While your skin is still slightly damp, apply 3–5 drops of argan oil to your face and neck using gentle pressing motions.
For the body, use a generous amount of argan oil or a body oil, focusing on elbows, knees, and any dry areas.
Optional: apply 2 drops of prickly pear seed oil specifically to the under-eye area and any areas of concern.
Total time: approximately 30–45 minutes
Who This Ritual Is Best For and Who Should Adjust
Ideal For:
• Anyone looking for a deep-cleansing weekly reset
• People with normal, combination, or oily skin
• Those interested in incorporating traditional practices into their self-care routine
Adjust the Routine If You:
• Have sensitive or reactive skin: use lighter pressure with the kessa glove, limit exfoliation to biweekly, and skip the scented Moroccan Black Soap.
• Have active acne, eczema, or broken skin: avoid physical exfoliation on inflamed areas; consult a dermatologist
• Have very dry skin: shorten the clay mask step (5–7 minutes) and apply extra oil afterward
Safety & Patch Test
• Kessa glove pressure: More is not better. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends gentle pressure when exfoliating and cautions against aggressive scrubbing, which can cause micro-tears and irritation.
• Frequency: Once per week for most skin types. Biweekly for sensitive skin. Do not use the kessa glove daily.
• Moroccan Black soap: If you have very dry or eczema-prone skin, test on a small area first. The alkaline pH of traditional soaps can be drying for some.
• Clay masks: Do not leave on longer than 15 minutes, as over-drying can damage the moisture barrier.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I do the full hammam ritual?
Once per week is traditional and works well for most skin types. If your skin is sensitive, every 10–14 days may be better.
Can I do a hammam ritual in a shower (no bath)?
Yes. Run the shower hot for a few minutes to create steam, then proceed with the steps. The steam and warm water are the key; a bathtub is helpful but not essential.
Why does the kessa glove produce visible dead-skin rolls?
The combination of softened dead skin cells (from the Moroccan black soap) and the coarse texture of the kessa glove physically dislodges the outermost layer of the stratum corneum. The visible rolls are composed of these shed cells mixed with soap residue.
What is the difference between a kessa glove and a loofah?
A kessa glove is a flat mitten made from crêpe-textured fabric that provides consistent, controlled exfoliation. A loofah is a natural sponge from the Luffa plant with a more irregular texture. The kessa allows more even pressure distribution.
Can I do this ritual in the morning?
You can, but evening is traditional and practical; it allows the oils to absorb overnight and your skin to recover from exfoliation without sun exposure.
Is the hammam ritual safe during pregnancy?
The products themselves are generally considered safe, but extended exposure to very hot steam may be inadvisable during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider.
References
American Academy of Dermatology. “How to Safely Exfoliate at Home.” https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home
UNESCO. “Argan, practices and know-how concerning the argan tree.” 2014. https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/argan-practices-and-know-how-concerning-the-argan-tree-00955
Boucetta, K.Q. et al. (2015). Clin Interv Aging. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4321565/
Moreau, M. et al. (2014). Int J Cosmet Sci — Rhassoul clay effects.
Cleveland Clinic. “How to Exfoliate Your Skin Safely.” https://health.clevelandclinic.org/exfoliate
