So you want to learn the best way to Exfoliate your body-I go with you! I’d like to start by saying that although I haven’t tried every exfoliant (wo)man knows of, I have tried many. The method I’m about to share? By far the best. But be warned: hammam Exfoliating can also be the most annoying thing to do.
As a North African (Tunisian to be exact), I exfoliate with kessa, a kind of mitt, as long as I can remember. I have memories of my grandmother scrubbing at my arms until my olive skin turns painfully different shades of pink. I will try to overcome the pain and watch with passion like clouds Gray matter would pop out of my skin and fall into the tub. It sounds a bit gross but I promise you this exfoliation method is the best please feeling in the world. Now I know that a little pain and all the redness is completely normal and non-negotiable for smooth and luxurious skin.
Featured image of Michelle Nash.
So what exactly do a hammam Exfoliation followed? It’s a very simple process that basically mimics a traditional hammam, The oldest bathing tradition in the world. Originated in Turkey, a hammam will leave you feeling cleaner than ever. And if a private bath is your thing, trust me: there’s nothing more luxurious than turning your bathroom into your own. hammam.
What is one? hammam?
One hammam is a public steam room used for cleaning and relaxation. I myself have never been involved, but my mother has told me stories that provide some insight into the hammam experience. The hammam full of steam, pools and intoxicating aromas of essential oils. The pools are segregated by gender and each area has a staff member to take care of you and give you a full body scrub kessa until the layers of skin emerge. After the exfoliation is complete, you can rinse your body and relax in the warm pool at your leisure.
How can you recreate hammam Exfoliating experience at home?
So, what do you need to mimic this luxury experience? Two things: a kessa and a steamy shower. (Bonus points if you have a partner who doesn’t object to back rubs for you.) A kessa is a traditional exfoliant with a rough texture that removes all dead skin and dirt from the surface of the skin. These are usually sold in Arabic Souks, or market, for less than a dollar. This is the first thing friends and family ask for when someone mentions a trip abroad. Second best way to find a kessa of course Amazon. My current favorite is Zakkia’s. It’s certainly more expensive than anything you’ll find in the Middle East, but it’s solid and has been around for years.
Step 1: Wet your shower.
The key to sloughing off layers and layers of dead skin is lots of heat and steam. Here, the goal is to imitate a hammam spa. So keep the water as hot as you can handle, close the curtains so the steam can’t escape, and take a deep breath as your skin begins to soften. You can also do this while take a shower good, but I prefer bathing. If you do this correctly, the water will be filled with dead skin, you don’t (I repeat, do not) want to sit in it.
Step 2: Start scrubbing
Spend about 10 minutes in the steam before you start scrubbing. Clean your scalp twice, apply conditioner and maybe mask while you’re at it. When you start to feel almost dizzy from the steam, it’s time to start scrubbing. Take the kessa, Dip it in water and then squeeze out the excess. Then I want to move the shower so that it no longer sprays water on my body.
When you’re bathing in a dry but steamy tub, get to work and watch the layers of skin swim down the drain. As you exfoliate, continue rinsing off the top layer of dead skin kessa but always make sure to squeeze out excess water. Also, don’t add any soap or body wash to this step — water, soap, and body wash will make it harder for dry skin to come off.
Step 3: Lock in moisture
Once you feel like a whole new person and sweat a little to wash it off, it’s time to moisturize and give your new skin some love. It doesn’t really matter what you use, but the thicker the better. I was obsessed with Weleda’s Skin Food because it’s affordable, lasts forever and retains its luster. Whichever you choose, make sure to use it as soon as you get out of the shower and you’ll have soft, glowing skin for weeks!
Things to keep in mind as you get started hammam Exfoliation practice
If you use a self-tanner, this isn’t something you want to use right after your self-tanner, as you’ll probably scrub off that beautiful bronze in no time. Hammam However, exfoliation is the perfect way to prep your skin before adding a self-tanner as your skin will become baby-smooth.
This exfoliation will transform your skin. I introduced this method to my roommate and she, like me, has struggled with keratosis and dull skin on her legs. But now? She literally has feet that shine on the lake. Here’s what she said, “I always have trouble with razor bumps and irritation on my legs after shaving. I now use the mitt scrub twice a week and my feet have never been smoother. After just two weeks, my swelling and irritation had completely disappeared. I am a fan for life! ”
Where to exfoliate hammam? Looks like it’s closed.
