How to Make Moroccan Hammam Session in a Sauna

The soothing warmth of steam, the gentle exfoliation of your skin, and the invigorating feeling of deep cleansing … Yes, you can experience the magic of the Moroccan hammam in your sauna here, in Ontario; there’s no need to go to Marrakesh.

Known for its centuries-old rituals that combine relaxation and beauty treatments, the Moroccan hammam is a cultural experience designed to rejuvenate both body and soul. While traditionally performed in special bathhouses, you can recreate this luxurious experience right at home in your traditional sauna or Russian banya. Here’s how to do it, step by step, with a touch of Moroccan flair.

Understanding the Hammam Ritual

The Moroccan hammam is a ritualistic bathing experience that focuses on purification and rejuvenation. Traditionally, it takes place in a steam-filled room where participants cleanse, exfoliate, and nourish their skin. The process involves multiple stages, starting with warming up the body, followed by deep exfoliation using black soap and a kessa (exfoliating mitt), and ending with moisturizing treatments using natural oils like argan oil.

Incorporating these rituals into your sauna or banya sessions allows you to bring a piece of Moroccan culture to your wellness routine, making your sauna experience even more enriching.

How to Make Moroccan Hammam Beauty Session in a Sauna or Banya

Recreating a Moroccan hammam session in your sauna or banya is a wonderful way to add a touch of luxury and cultural richness to your regular wellness routine. By incorporating traditional elements like black soap, exfoliation, and argan oil, you can enjoy the benefits of this ancient ritual from the comfort of your own sauna.

Not only will your skin feel revitalized, but you’ll also emerge from the session feeling more relaxed, refreshed, and connected to the centuries-old traditions of Morocco.

Step 1: Collect All Things for Moroccan Hammam Beauty Session

• Beldi Soap is a quintessential part of the Moroccan beauty regime. It is a gel-like paste made from olive oil, macerated olives, plant extracts, essential oils (eucalyptus, rosemary, or peppermint), and glycerine. Suitable for all skin types, it has excellent cleansing and exfoliating properties.
• Kessa Mitt is a glove made of twisted silk fibers. It’s much more effective than any sponge in removing dead cells without damaging the skin.
• Moroccan Clay Rhassoul is another Moroccan beauty endemic from the Moroccan Atlas Mountains. Rhassoul absorbs deep impurities four times better than coal. It softens the skin, reduces sebum secretion, regenerates the skin by removing dead cells, rebalances the skin pH, and tightens the pores.
• Argan oil is a beauty elixir, the unparalleled Moroccan beauty hit. Argan oil is obtained by cold pressing from the kernels of the argan tree, which grows only in one place on the planet – on the outskirts of the Sahara in Morocco. Having incredibly healing, anti-aging, and soothing powers, it’s difficult to list all skin problems and health conditions that argan oil cannot successfully cope.

Step 2: Prepare Your Sauna or Banya for a Hammam Beauty Session

To begin, you’ll want to create the right environment in your sauna or banya. The hammam experience is all about gentle, moist heat.

• Create the Right Levels of Heat and Humidity: Make sure the temperature is warm but not too intense. Hammams typically operate at a lower temperature than saunas, around 100-120°F (40-50°C). You want to sweat, but not feel overwhelmed by the heat. If you’re using a traditional sauna, consider adding water to the hot stones more frequently to increase the humidity and replicate the hammam’s steam. For a Russian banya, the humid atmosphere is already quite similar to a hammam, making it an ideal setting.
• Use Essential Oils: Add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or rosemary to the water before pouring it over the hot stones. These scents are commonly used in Moroccan hammams and will help set the mood while opening your airways.

Step 3: Start with a Gentle Warm-Up

• The first stage of the Moroccan hammam is to gently warm up your body. In the context of your sauna or banya, this means spending the first 10-15 minutes simply relaxing in the heat. Let your muscles loosen, and allow the steam to open your pores. This is a time to let go of any stress and prepare your body for the exfoliation to come.
• During this stage, focus on your breathing and mindfulness. Many hammam-goers use this time for quiet meditation, which can enhance the overall relaxation experience.
• Bring a bowl of warm water into the sauna or banya and use it to splash your face and body periodically. This helps to keep your skin hydrated and primes it for the next step.

Step 4: Exfoliation with Beldi Soap and Kessa Mitt

After your body is thoroughly warmed up, it’s time for the star of the hammam ritual: exfoliation. Moroccan black soap, known as beldi soap, is a key component of this process.

• Apply the black soap all over your body, making sure to cover every inch of your skin. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the soap to work its magic. The combination of steam and black soap will soften your skin, making it ready for deep exfoliation.
• Once the soap has been applied and your skin feels supple, use a kessa mitt to exfoliate your body. The kessa is a coarse glove designed to slough off dead skin cells, leaving your skin incredibly smooth. Start at your feet and work your way up, using firm, circular motions. Don’t be surprised if you see visible rolls of dead skin peeling away—this is a sign that the exfoliation is working!
• While the kessa mitt is meant to be used with some pressure, be gentle on sensitive areas of your body. The goal is to exfoliate without causing irritation.

Step 5: Rinse and Cool Down

After the exfoliation is complete, it’s time to rinse off all the soap and dead skin. If your sauna or banya has a shower nearby, use cool or lukewarm water to rinse your body thoroughly. If not, a bucket of water or even a cold plunge can serve the same purpose. The cool water will close your pores, refresh your skin, and leave you feeling invigorated.

If you’re feeling brave, try alternating between warm and cool rinses. This contrast can boost circulation and energize your body even further.

Step 6: Nourish Your Skin with Argan Oil

Now that your skin is clean and exfoliated, it’s the perfect time to nourish it with a luxurious oil treatment. Argan oil, often referred to as “liquid gold” in Morocco, is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that deeply hydrate and protect the skin.

Massage the oil into your skin while it’s still slightly damp from rinsing. The warmth of the sauna will help the oil absorb, leaving your skin feeling soft and moisturized. For an extra touch of luxury, warm the argan oil slightly before applying it to your skin. This not only feels amazing but also helps the oil penetrate more deeply.

Step 7: Relax and Rehydrate

After completing the full hammam ritual, take a moment to relax and let your body soak in the benefits. Lie down on a comfortable bench or recline in a quiet spot in your sauna or banya. Sip on some herbal tea or water to rehydrate and enjoy the feeling of your rejuvenated skin. Traditional Moroccan hammams often serve mint tea after the bathing ritual. You can recreate this experience by brewing some fresh mint tea before your session and enjoying it as a refreshing post-sauna drink.

Step 8: Add a Social Element (If Desirable)

If you’re enjoying the hammam experience with friends or family, take advantage of the social aspect of the tradition. Hammams in Morocco are communal spaces where people gather to cleanse, chat, and unwind together. While your sauna or banya may not accommodate a large group, inviting a few close friends to join you can make the experience even more enjoyable. You can take turns applying the black soap and exfoliating each other’s backs, just as you would in a traditional hammam. Sharing this ritual can turn your sauna session into a bonding experience that’s both relaxing and fun.

So the next time you step into your sauna or banya, why not bring a little bit of Morocco with you? Your mind, body, and skin will be happy and thankful!