The Moroccan hammam at home, in the right order

The hammam is not a set of products, it is a sequence. Every step prepares the skin for the one after it, which is why doing them out of order — or skipping one — gives you a disappointing result and the impression that the products are overrated.

You do not need a steam room. A hot shower and a closed bathroom door will do.

Step one — soften, with black soap

Beldi black soap is a thick olive-green paste made from crushed olives and olive oil. It does not foam. Spread a thin layer over damp skin, avoiding the face, then sit in the steam for ten minutes and leave it alone.

This is the step people rush, and it is the one that matters most. The soap is loosening the top layer of skin so the glove has something to take off.

Step two — scrub, with the kessa

Rinse the soap off, then work over the skin with a kessa glove in long firm strokes, always in the same direction. Not circles.

If you did step one properly you will see grey rolls lifting off. That is the point, and it is faintly alarming the first time.

Step three — draw out, with ghassoul

Ghassoul is a mineral clay dug in the Middle Atlas. Mix a few spoonfuls with warm water into a smooth paste, put it over skin and through the hair, and leave it ten minutes — no longer, or it dries and pulls.

It also works as a shampoo. Moroccan women have used it as one for centuries.

Step four — seal, with argan

Rinse, pat dry, and while the skin is still warm put two or three drops of pure argan oil into your palms and press it in. Warm skin absorbs it; cold skin leaves it sitting on top feeling greasy.

That is the whole ritual. Once a week is plenty — twice is too much for most people.