The spa and the beauty secrets practised by Moroccan women are rooted in religious traditions, purification and natural resources. The Amazigh people – an indigenous North African Group – coined some of these traditions long before colonisation, and these traditions have lived on. Today, we are exploring some of these beauty secrets that have been used in Moroccan culture and the benefits they have on the body and mind.
#1: Black soap
Moroccan black soap is a key component in the Moroccan Hammam (bath) experience. It is usually a mixture of oils and crushed olives. Depending on the spa or manufacturer, black soap may also include a combination of salt, glycerol and/or local plants. The ingredients result in a buttery black paste that is rich in vitamin E.
To use black soap, you need to lather it on your skin before exfoliation. Leave it on for a few minutes so that it softens your skin and lifts out the impurities. When you wash away the black soap, you will be left with soft, moisturised skin.
#2: Kessa glove
The Moroccan Kessa glove is very similar to the Kese mitt, which is used in a Turkish Hammam. It is a coarse, rugged material that is typically used in a Moroccan Hammam or in the shower. The Kessa glove is often used along with black soap to exfoliate and replenish the skin.
Using the Kessa glove with black soap is quite simple. After applying the black soap to your body, all you need to do is dampen the glove and slip it on. Rinse away the black soap, then rub the Kessa glove all over your body in a vigorous motion. Ensure the skin is still wet when you are using the glove, and avoid areas with sensitive skin.
The result is smooth, exfoliated skin that looks younger and brighter!
#3: Moroccan Argan oil
It’s quite safe to say that most of us have heard of Argan oil. It can be used to treat a variety of skin, body and hair issues, such as:
- Dry skin and wrinkles
- Split ends
- Dry scalp
- Acne
- Hair loss
- Joint pain
Argan oil is produced from the argan trees and kernels (or argania spinosa) that grow exclusively in Morocco. The trees only grow in the Sous Valley, making the oils a valuable addition to anyone’s beauty kit. In the Western beauty community, the awareness around Argan oil has only grown recently, but it has been coveted for many years for its rich nutrients.
#4: Rhassoul clay
Rhassoul clay (also known as Ghassoul clay) is Moroccan clay that is loved for its deep-cleaning properties. The minerals found in Rhassoul clay are unique to Morocco’s Atlas Mountains and are detoxifying and nourishing.
Rhassoul clay typically looks like a set of small bricks, a powder or a bottled treatment, and it can be mixed with rosewater or other flower waters. It can be applied to the skin as a facemask or it can even be used as a hair mask.
#5: Damask roses
In terms of what is popular in Moroccan spa routines, it is impossible to ignore roses. From rose oil to rose water, roses do more than just smell beautiful: they soothe, tone and soften the skin. That’s not to say the smell doesn’t do anything either; roses are also used for aromatherapy and relaxation in the spa. The Damask rose, in particular, is commonly harvested in Morocco for cosmetic purposes.
Where to try Moroccan beauty secrets in Victoria
One of the best places to try these Moroccan beauty tips is at the Peninsula Hot Springs on the Mornington Peninsula. The Moroccan cocoon treatment employs Moroccan Argan oil, Rhassoul clay and Damask roses in a rejuvenating, relaxing 60-minute body treatment. You will also be treated to a salt and sugar exfoliation, a facial and a massage.
At the Peninsula Hot Springs, you can even experience a Turkish Hammam before your Moroccan cocoon – or any of their geothermal baths.