How Hammam Massage Fights Skin Problems When Skin Problems Fight You

Acne, dry skin, blemishes – it seems like we are at war with our skin, the very protective organ we should feel comfortable in. Whether it’s allergens in the environment or the hormones in our bodies, there are hundreds of triggers for skin conditions both chronic and acute. At times, there is little we can do to avoid such triggers. 

However, there is much that can be done to keep the skin healthy. For travellers looking to visit Marrakech, they should try hammam massage since it can maintain or restore the skin’s radiance. Improvements can be made in just a session or two, versus the many months, it may take cosmetics to achieve.

One Woman’s Story of Hammam Massage’s Skin Benefits

Corinna Wong, a contributor to StyleCaster retold her experience at a Marrakech Hammam in 2017, and how it transformed her skin’s health. 

“It was pretty much the most culturally different, eye-opening, and skin-softening experience I’ve ever had,” she said. “Seriously—my skin felt like a newborn baby’s after being slathered in vaseline and kissed by a bunch of clouds.”

Wong’s experience is not uncommon. Visitors who undergo a session of hammam treatment often sing praises of how effective the treatment is in rejuvenating their skin and making it feel brand new. They even recount the moments they physically felt the treatment taking effect, as Wong did. 

“As I scrubbed, little grey balls of dirt and dead skin cells started rolling off my body. It was like I was (painlessly) shedding every dry patch and rough bump I’d ever had, which I know sounds totally disgusting, but was actually extremely gratifying.” 

Again, these results are not unique. The process of natural skin restoration begins within minutes of the hammam treatment. “By the time I finished scrubbing my body—and the backs of a few of my friends—my skin was seriously softer and smoother than the world’s finest piece of angelic silk,” Wong added. 

Wong also emphasized that the hammam experience was superior to the typical chemical-based treatments sold in cosmetic departments and stores. She admitted that the harsh soaps she was accustomed to using simply couldn’t replicate the results produced by Moroccan black soap provided in a Marrakech hammam. 

For visitors who have their interest piqued about hammam treatments, they may wonder how this traditional healing art is so effective. It boils down to three components – steam and heat, scrubbing and essential oils.

Hammam Steam Opens Clogged Pores

The first part of a Hammam massage requires visitors to briefly relax in a steam room. This aspect is vital because of steam and heat’s natural cleansing properties. Steam has the ability to dilate the pores and loosen excess sebum, a cause of acne when there’s a buildup of it in the skin. 

Additionally, steam and heat increase perspiration, thus clearing the pores and dislodging dirt and oils. In a sense, the steam and heat activate the skin’s natural “waste-removal” ability. When they can remove more waste, a person will likely suffer less from troubling conditions such as acne and dermatitis. 

A visit to a Marrakech hammam is a good idea for all travellers, not just those with skin conditions. During a flight, dirt and bacteria accumulate in the body, including the skin, and that may contribute to dullness or breakouts even in those not prone to such issues. That’s why a session of hammam massage is beneficial to just about anyone who visits the Red City. 

Scrub Removes Dead Cells 

As Corinna Wong mentioned in her hammam experience, layers of skin cells literally fall off the body during the hammam scrub. To understand this further, keep in mind that the skin is covered with dead cells that don’t readily shed. When they accumulate, they clog the pores and create calluses. A buildup of dead skin cells can lead to hair loss, breakouts, foot grime and uneven skin tone. 

Hammam massage incorporates a “body scrub” that removes these dead cells. Visitors to the hammam experience an exfoliating glove with Moroccan black soap to remove these cells. After the scrub, the skin will look clearer and brighter. 

There is a plant pulp that contains black olives, an abundant source of vitamin E. This powerhouse vitamin contains anti-inflammatory properties and has skin-healing benefits ranging from UV damage-reduction to relief from atopic dermatitis.

Essential Oils 

The third way in which hammam massage heals the skin is by means of the application of essential oils. There has been a surge in the popularity of essential oils over the last few years due to their wide range of holistic bodily benefits. 

With that said, several of the most popular essential oils including juniper berry, geranium, lemongrass and patchouli oil (which we use at our Farnatchi Spa) can restore the skin’s radiance. 

However, eucalyptus oil in particular (which we use for hammam massage), holds unique properties for skin healing and rejuvenation. It is a natural antiseptic with antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it a powerful tool for one’s health and wellness. These properties also make eucalyptus oil a great remedy for various skin ailments including:

• Irritation 
• Slow wound healing
• Psoriasis
• Dermatitis
• Dry skin 
• Cold sores
• Acne
• Insect bites

Eucalyptus oil is an all-encompassing “medicine” that belongs in everyone’s skincare routine, especially for those who want a natural alternative to harsh chemicals. Here at Farnatchi Spa, we add eucalyptus oil to our exfoliating gloves and black soap as a “booster” to fight nagging skin problems. 

Hammam Massage – A Secret Weapon Against Troublesome Skin

The fight for clear skin is an age-old and ongoing battle. However, it doesn’t have to be one that is easily lost. A visit to a hammam in Marrakech can be one of the most effective tools at one’s disposal for maintaining healthy skin. It’s chemical-free and non-invasive – a far cry from traditional skincare products and procedures.

Ultimately, it is a deeply relaxing therapy that feels as good as it will make you look! 

Are you interested in a session of hammam massage here in Marrakech? Get in touch with us for info and bookings!