The Kessa Glove: What It Is and How to Use It Right

What the kessa glove is

The kessa is the glove used for exfoliation in the Moroccan hammam. In Morocco it's called kiss, and the woman who does the exfoliation in the hammam is called a kessala. It's a simple glove made of a rough weave, with no grains and no added substances. All the work comes from rubbing it on softened skin.

What sets it apart from a sponge or a rough towel is the texture: the kessa "grabs" the layer of dead skin and lifts it, instead of sliding over it.

Why it works better than a scrub

A scrub has particles (sugar, salt, kernels) mixed with oil. The oil makes the particles slide, and most of the dead skin stays where it is. The kessa works the other way around: on clean, softened skin, with no oil, the rubbing lifts the surface layer.

How to use the kessa glove, step by step

1. Soften your skin for 10–15 minutes. A shower as hot as you like, or a bath, with the bathroom door closed. No shower gel or bubble bath.
2. Apply Beldi black soap. A little, on damp skin. Massage it in gently, then rinse it off completely. Learn more about Moroccan black soap.
3. Step out of the water. Your skin should be damp, not dripping wet. Wet only the glove.
4. Rub firmly, from top to bottom. One area at a time: arms, legs, back, belly. Don't go over the same spot many times.
5. Rinse and moisturize. A few drops of argan oil on still-damp skin.

Common mistakes

• You exfoliate dry or under-softened skin. Nothing comes off and your skin gets irritated.
• You use shower gel first. It leaves a film that makes the glove slide.
• You exfoliate under the running water. The water washes everything away and the glove can't grip.
• You use it too often. Once a week is enough.
• You exfoliate right before hair removal. Your skin gets irritated. Use the glove a few days after.

No dead skin came off? What to change

It happened to us too the first few times. It's almost always one of the things below:

1. Your skin didn't spend enough time in the heat. A hot shower with the door closed, so steam builds up, or a bath, for at least 10–15 minutes. Lukewarm water isn't enough.
2. You had something on your skin. Shower gel, cream or oil applied beforehand leaves a film the glove slides on.
3. The glove was too wet. Wring it out well before you start.
4. You rubbed too lightly or too fast. Short, firm strokes, in the same direction, one area at a time.
5. You exfoliated recently. After a scrub, an acid product or another exfoliation, there's less skin to remove. Wait a few more days.

The amount of dead skin varies from person to person and from week to week. If your skin feels fine and smooth to the touch after rinsing, the exfoliation worked, even if you didn't see any rolls.

Does it feel too rough?

The glove is rough on purpose, otherwise it wouldn't grab the dead skin. On dry skin it scratches. On well-softened skin it feels firm, but it shouldn't hurt.

• If it stings, soften your skin longer and press more lightly.
• Don't go over the same spot many times.
• Avoid irritated areas, areas with cuts, or freshly waxed or shaved areas.

Slight redness that fades within half an hour is normal. If your skin stays irritated, exfoliate less often and with less pressure.

How to care for it and when to replace it

After each use, rinse the glove with warm water, wring it out and let it air-dry. Don't put it in the washing machine with fabric softener. We recommend replacing it every 3 months: the fibers wear down, and the glove is a personal hygiene item.

Frequently asked questions