How to Use a Kessa Glove: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Use a Kessa Glove: Step-by-Step Guide
To use a Kessa glove, soften your skin in warm water, apply Beldi black soap, rinse, then scrub with the wet glove in long, firm strokes. Done once a week, it lifts away the built-up dead skin that ordinary scrubs leave behind.
In Moroccan homes, this is how skin has been cared for in the hammam for generations. Here's exactly how to do it at home, the mistakes to avoid, and how to look after your glove.
What is a Kessa glove?
A Kessa glove is a traditional Moroccan exfoliating mitt with a slightly rough, textured surface. It's the tool at the heart of every Moroccan hammam, used after the skin has been softened with steam and Beldi soap.
It contains no grains, beads or chemicals. The texture of the glove does the work, gently buffing away the layer of dead skin cells on the surface.
Why it works better than a normal scrub
The secret is the preparation, not just the glove. Warm water and Beldi soap soften the outer layer of skin first, so the glove can lift it away easily instead of scratching dry skin.
- It reaches built-up dead skin. Most scrubs only polish the surface. Softened skin rolls away under the glove, which is why you can actually see it come off.
- No grains to rinse away. No beads or crystals washing down the drain, and nothing left on your skin.
- Reusable. One glove lasts for months with the right care.
- Helps with common concerns. Regular exfoliation helps smooth the look of strawberry legs, rough elbows and knees, and dry, dull skin, and can help prevent ingrown hairs.
How to use a Kessa glove, step by step
- Soften your skin. start with a warm shower or bath. Steam and warm water loosen the outer layer of skin, and this step makes the biggest difference.
- Apply Beldi soap. Smooth a thin layer of Beldi Black Soap over damp skin. Leave it on for 5 minutes while the steam keeps working.
- Rinse. Rinse the soap off completely with warm water.
- Wet the glove. Slip the Kessa glove onto your hand and make sure it's fully wet.
- Scrub in long, firm strokes. Work along each area: legs, arms, back and stomach. Use firm but comfortable pressure. You'll see grey rolls of dead skin start to appear.
- Rinse again. Rinse your skin and the glove thoroughly.
- Moisturise. Finish with a few drops of Organic Argan Oil on damp skin to lock in moisture.
Those grey rolls are dead skin cells, not dirt. Seeing them simply means the dead layer has softened enough to lift away.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using it on dry skin. Without softening first, the glove scratches instead of lifting dead skin.
- Scrubbing too hard. Firm pressure is good, but skin should never sting or turn red and sore.
- Using it on your face. The Kessa glove is for the body only. Facial skin is thinner and more delicate.
- Using it too often. Once a week is plenty. More can leave skin irritated.
- Scrubbing freshly shaved or waxed skin. Wait 2 to 3 days after hair removal.
- Skipping moisturiser. Freshly exfoliated skin needs moisture to stay soft.
How often should you use it?
Once a week suits most people. If your skin is sensitive, start every 10 to 14 days and use lighter pressure.
The Kessa glove suits most skin types, for women and men alike. Avoid using it on broken, sunburnt or irritated skin, and patch test on a small area first if your skin reacts easily. If you have a skin condition, check with a GP or dermatologist before exfoliating.
Aftercare and looking after your glove
For your skin: apply argan oil or your usual body moisturiser straight after rinsing, while skin is still damp. Skin can feel more sensitive for a day, so go easy on fragranced products.
For the glove:
- Rinse it thoroughly after every use.
- Squeeze out the water and hang it to dry somewhere airy, not balled up in the shower.
- Wash it every few weeks with mild soap, or in a laundry bag on a gentle cycle.
- Keep it for your own use only.
- Replace it when the texture feels smooth and stops lifting dead skin.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a Kessa glove on my face?
No. It's designed for the body. For the face, try a gentler option like a Nila powder or ghassoul clay mask.
Do I need Beldi soap, or can I use normal shower gel?
You can use the glove after a long warm shower alone, but Beldi soap softens the skin far more, so the glove lifts dead skin much more easily.
Is the grey stuff dirt?
No. It's dead skin cells that have softened and rolled away. Everyone has them, however clean they are.
Does it help with strawberry legs?
Regular, gentle exfoliation helps smooth the look of strawberry legs by clearing the dead skin that can clog pores and hair follicles. Results vary from person to person.
Can I use it after shaving or waxing?
Wait 2 to 3 days, then use it gently. Used regularly, it can help prevent ingrown hairs.
How long does a Kessa glove last?
With regular rinsing and drying, usually several months.
Start your weekly hammam
The Kessa glove works best with Beldi soap, which is why we pair them in The Hammam Starter: everything you need for your first Moroccan hammam at home, made in Morocco.