Making sense of body care
Black soap, a kessa glove, a gritty scrub and an exfoliating lotion all remove dead skin. Using all of them in one shower is the fastest way to red, stinging skin. Here is how to choose one.
Black soap softens and cleanses. A kessa and a gritty scrub both work by friction, so using both rubs the same skin twice. An exfoliating lotion with AHA or BHA works chemically and should not be stacked with either on the same day.
Pick one way of exfoliating per shower, and no more than once a week.
Rough elbows, knees and heels: black soap, then a kessa, once a week.
Small rough bumps on the upper arms, often called chicken skin: skip hard rubbing, which can make them redder. Use a gentle exfoliating lotion a few times a week and moisturise well.
Sensitive skin or easily red skin: skip the kessa. Use black soap only as a cleanser, or choose a lotion.
Sweaty back and chest in the heat: black soap as a cleanser is enough. You do not need friction to feel clean.
Shower warm for 5–10 minutes, spread a thin layer of black soap and leave it 3–5 minutes. Wet the kessa and rub in small circles from the feet upward with light pressure. Rinse, pat dry and moisturise within 3 minutes.
Use the kessa only on warm, wet skin: a dry kessa scratches.
Give it a two-week rest and moisturise with something plain.
Then come back once every two weeks, with light pressure, and your skin will thank you.
Five minutes to finish your shower without adding a heavy layer everywhere.
Argan oil1 product listing on Amazon
One clear cleansing sequence, without making intense exfoliation compulsory.
Moroccan black soap1 product listing on Amazon
Common questions
Not in the same shower. Use black soap with a kessa, or a scrub on its own, not both.
Usually not. Skip it, or use it very lightly on feet and elbows only.
Once a week is plenty. Less often if your skin turns red or stings.
Body Notes Journal
Discover Moroccan beauty traditions, learn how to use the ingredients and find products available locally.
By subscribing, you agree to receive these emails. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Make money with Bodywhatever
Create your bwe page for free. Share your routines, add your Amazon links and earn when people buy what you recommend.
Free. Takes 5 minutes. Sign in with an email code, no password.
Turn your wash day, skin night or hammam ritual into simple steps.
Pick the products you really use and add your own affiliate links.
Put one link in your bio and see your page views and product clicks.
