If you haven’t tried a Kessa glove yet, you’re seriously missing out. This Moroccan exfoliating glove is the secret to silky-smooth, glowing skin, no fancy scrubs needed.
The Kesssa glove removes dead skin, unclogs pores, boosts circulation, and leaves your skin feeling unbelievably smooth.
But to get the best results, you need to use it the right way.
Products used/mentioned in this guide:
What is a Kessa Glove?
A Kessa glove is a Moroccan exfoliating mitt used in traditional hammams (steam baths) to deeply cleanse and smooth the skin.
The glove is made from a textured fabric, it works by gently scrubbing away dead skin cells, dirt, and impurities, leaving your skin incredibly soft and refreshed.
Before using your Kessa Glove
First things first, wash your Kessa glove before using it for the first time.
Like most new products, it may have some chemical residue from the production process, so a good rinse with warm water and mild soap will get rid of that.
How to effectively use the Kessa Glove
The key to effective exfoliation is softened skin, so don’t rush into scrubbing right away. Hop into a warm shower or bath and let the steam work its magic for at least 10 minutes.
This helps open your pores and loosen dead skin, making exfoliation much easier.
When your skin is moist and soft apply Moroccan black soap all over your body and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing.
This olive-based paste is packed with vitamin E and helps further break down dead skin cells.
Once your skin is prepped, it’s time to exfoliate. Wet the Kessa glove, squeeze out any excess water, and start scrubbing in circular or back-and-forth motions.
You don’t need to press too hard. Let the texture of the glove do the work. If you have sensitive skin, go easy to avoid irritation.
Pay extra attention to rough areas like elbows, knees, and heels, and you might even see little rolls of dead skin coming off
Yes, it’s both weird and satisfying.
After exfoliating, rinse off with warm water, and to remove any excess oil from the black soap, use a gentle shower gel or a natural bar soap.
I personally prefer tallow soap since it’s a safe and nourishing option for the skin.
Then, pat your skin dry and apply your natural skin moisturizer.
Avoid using heavily scented shower gels or creams with synthetic ingredients right after exfoliation.
Your pores are open, and your skin doesn’t have its protective barrier yet, so it can absorb toxins more easily.
Instead, go for natural soap and moisturizers like pure Argan oil or shea butter to keep your skin hydrated and glowing.
Kessa glove care tips
Take care of your Kessa glove by rinsing it well after each use, letting it air dry completely, and replacing it every 2 to 3 months to maintain hygiene.
How often should you use a Kessa glove?
In Morocco, we use the Kessa glove once a week, and if you can, I highly recommend doing the same.
If you have sensitive skin, exfoliating once every two to three weeks is enough. Do not use daily, as it can strip your skin’s natural oils and cause irritation.
Can you use a kessa glove on your face?
No, it’s not recommended to use a Kessa glove on your face. The glove is quite rough and can be too harsh for the delicate skin on your face, potentially causing irritation, redness, or micro-tears.
For facial exfoliation, it’s better to use a gentle scrub, a soft facial exfoliating cloth, or natural ingredients like finely ground oats or clay masks like Moroccan Ghassoul.
These options will help remove dead skin without damaging your skin barrier.
That’s it. This is the simplest way to use a Kessa glove with black soap during a Moroccan Hammam ritual.
But there’s so much more to the experience. We also use Moroccan Ghassoul clay, Nila mask, and other skin and hair treatments to make it extra special.
If you want the full Hammam experience, check out my Hammam guide and my best-kept beauty secrets guide.
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