WHAT IS A HAMMAM?

If you haven’t yet heard of hammam, you are bound to soon. This treatment makes itself known around the world for being a relaxing and cleansing Moroccan ritual that is centuries old.

Hammam differs slightly from the traditional thermal spa. While both are profoundly relaxing and good for the skin, rather than using thermal waters, hammam treatments use hot steam to encourage a deep and invigorating cleanse.

Many hammam treatments also use vitamin-E rich, olive-based soap known for its skin-nourishing and exfoliating properties. Additionally, some treatments may include rhassoul clay, an antibacterial mineral that effectively and safely removes toxins and impurities from the body, reduces sebum and tightens pores.

THE ART OF BATHING

The tradition of bathing is an integral part of Middle Eastern and North African culture, often taking place in beautiful old bath-houses. Bathing is as much a place to gather and talk, as it is a place to relax and clean yourself.

Two of the most common types of baths are the Moroccan hammam and the Turkish bath. While both are popular, the Moroccan hammam is often favoured because of its use of steam over water. Steam does wonders for softening skin, relaxing the mind, and opening the pores for a deep cleansing experience.

THE HISTORY OF THE HAMMAM

The first public bath was created by the Roman Empire more than 2000 years ago. As with traditional hammam baths, Roman baths featured rooms of varying temperatures. This way, it was possible to stimulate the circulation as well as detoxify the body by sweating out impurities, ensuring a deep cleanse.

The concept of the public bath caught on with the rest of the world shortly after, with Morocco as one of the first countries to embrace this way of bathing. Citizens approved of the way they were able to keep themselves clean and their skin nourished, all while being able to sit and chat with their neighbours.

Today the hammam bath is still highly prevalent in Moroccan culture, with many Moroccans attending baths weekly.

WHAT A HAMMAM TREATMENT CAN DO FOR YOU

As well as the skin-softening and nourishing effects and the naturally exfoliating and antibacterial benefits, hammam also does the following:

• Boosts the immune system. The hot steam used during hammam boosts the immune system by dilating the blood vessels and increasing circulation in the body, opening pores so toxins can be released.
• Rejuvenates the body. There is something genuinely transformative about the power of hot steam to restore tired, aching muscles.
• Intensely invigorates. The intense scrubbing and massage you experience during hammam lead to your body experiencing a considerable increase in blood flow, in turn, stimulating and awakening the senses.
• Relaxes the mind and body. Thanks to its use of intense heat and steam, as well as the relaxing massage element, you’ll find it hard to find a treatment more pampering and relaxing than hammam.

WHAT TO BRING TO A HAMMAM

Previously, genders in hammam baths were separated. However, it’s now more common for unisex treatments, so you may want to bring a bathrobe, bikini/swimsuit, and flip-flops to your hammam treatment to protect your privacy.

iFLOURISH ESTHETIQUE HAMMAM TREATMENTS

iFlourish Esthetique offers a variety of hammam treatments, all of which are a treat for the mind, body, and skin. You can mix and match the procedures as you wish to get the full hammam experience, with each treatment ranging in time from 15-50 minutes.

Now is the perfect time to try these pampering treatments. With the harmattan months being notorious for wreaking havoc on the body and mind, any of these treatments would be a perfect post-Christmas detoxing treat for you and a friend.

Each treatment is guaranteed to leave you with skin that is noticeably radiant and wonderfully soft, as well as thoroughly purified, just in time for the new year! Check out all the exfoliating and nourishing treatments you can experience. Once you’ve chosen which treatments you would like, you can easily book online.