Moroccan Beauty Products & Skin Care Practices to Try in Marrakech
Beauty practices rooted deep in Moroccan culture have inspired countless skincare brands in recent years. Internationally recognized brands such as Herbal Essences have launched Moroccan beauty products (Moroccan My Shine Nourishing Shampoo) as part of their product lines. Also, boutique brands such as Kahina Giving Beauty feature entire product lines that are inspired by Moroccan beauty treatments.
It’s one thing to buy these products on the shelf of a local department store, but it’s a different experience to try them straight from the source. With that said, we recommend visitors of Marrakech to try Moroccan beauty products upon their arrival.
Using them while you’re in Marrakech will help you maintain your beauty and skincare routine despite the city’s climate.
The Effects of Travel on Your Skin & How Moroccan Beauty Products Can Help
Despite its protective power, your skin is a sensitive organ, especially when there are changes in temperature, humidity, and UV exposure.
Travelling amplifies these effects due to the conditions in airplanes and the vastly different climates of new travel destinations. For that reason, adequate skincare is important when travelling abroad.
How Travel Affects the Skin
- Plane Cabins Dry Out Your Skin – The pressurized environment of a plane sucks moisture out of your skin, leaving it dull and dehydrated. Also, travel anxiety increases stress hormones which lead to skin redness, inflammation, and acne. As one expert put it, being on a plane is like “being in the desert in 95-degree heat” for your skin.
- New Environment, New Problems – As was mentioned earlier, visiting a destination with a significantly different climate is a stressor for skin. Many visitors of Marrakech come from cooler climates. The sudden influx of heat may lead to heavier perspiration which can lead to skin rashes, oiliness (leading to breakouts), and excess salt buildup which increases the risk of sunburns.
It is important to remember that the weather and climate of Marrakech can be a bit harsh on the skin if a traveller is unaware. Understandably, it can be a hassle to bring skincare products on the trip due to travel restrictions and a lack of luggage space. That’s why it’s advantageous to try healing skincare practices in Marrakech once you arrive.
Visit a Hammam to Rejuvenate Your Mind, Body & Skin
The Hammam is a hot bath that originates from Turkey, and is one of the oldest surviving bath traditions in the world. The Hammam is very much a place for socializing, but it is also renowned for its healing properties.
In modern times, there are Hammam procedures and practitioners who combine the traditional bath experience with a professional healing modality. At our Riad Farnatchi Spa, visitors will receive an exfoliating scrub, as well as Moroccan black soap and Argan oil. This treatment helps the body release toxins, resulting in cleaner and clearer skin.
Exfoliate With a Kessa Glove
Not every procedure will make use of the Kessa glove. However, it is beneficial for individuals who are prone to certain skin ailments. The Kessa is an exfoliating glove made with rugged fabric. The texture makes it easy to peel off dead skin cells, which, if it continues to buildup, will lead to acne, blemishes, and more troubling issues such as hair loss and even psoriasis.
Scrubbing with a Kessa removes those skin cells, keeping the skin smooth and radiant. You can experience the scrub with a Hammam treatment, which will leave you feeling energized and fresh throughout the rest of your trip. More importantly, it unclogs the pores, helping the skin to breathe and cleanse itself when dust and sweat become problematic.
The Benefits of Moroccan Oils
You can buy and use Argan oil (and other Moroccan-based essential oils) virtually anywhere these days, but there are advantages to buying the oil from the source.
In Marrakech, you can apply Argan oil in a couple of ways. A convenient and relaxing method of application is by means of a massage. For example, Farnatchi Spa offers Nectarome massage treatments where practitioners use Argan oil during their procedure. This is a quick and easy way to enjoy the oil’s benefits without having to look far and wide for a bottle.
Argan oil carries a host of benefits for one’s skin and hair:
- Natural hair conditioner
- Hair styling product
- Moisturizes dry skin
- Reduces signs of aging
- Removes stretch marks
- Treats acne and blemishes
- Heals cuts and wounds
There are many other essential oils that contribute to healthier skin, which are incorporated into our spa treatments. Of course, many of these oils can be purchased in local Marrakech markets.
Whether you decide to come in for a full spa treatment, or prefer to do it on your own, here are a few basics you should keep in mind while in Marrakech.
Marrakech Skin Care Basics
Wear Sunscreen
The skies of Marrakech are often bright and cloudless, with intense sunrays striking the city, especially during the summer. Sunscreen belongs in every visitor’s travel bag, especially for those who are more prone to sunburn.
Stay Hydrated
Marrakech is an oasis in an otherwise harsh desert region. Nevertheless, it’s important to stay properly hydrated because walking through the city on a hot day in Marrakech can be exhausting. Make sure to drink plenty of water so as to avoid excessive thirst and fatigue.
Take Sun Breaks
If travellers decide to visit Marrakech in the hotter months, it is vital to stop for an occasional “sun break”. That means sitting in a cool and shaded area whether it is a cafe, bar, or any other sheltered space.
There’s a limit to how many layers you can remove, how much sunscreen you can reasonably apply, and how much water you can drink.
Moroccan Beauty Products for Healthy Skin While in Marrakech
Marrakech is a beautiful city filled with wondrous sights and adventures, but care should be given to the skin due to the weather and climate of the city. Bringing skincare products on a trip to Marrakech can be a hassle, but travellers can make use of spa facilities to maintain healthy skin.
The beauty of using these Moroccan beauty products and treatments in Marrakech is that you don’t need to look in far corners to benefit from them. They are all available at our Farnatchi Spa, meaning you can receive world-class beauty and skincare in a heartbeat!