Black soap
Black soap, like argan oil and rassoul, is part of the oriental cosmetic tradition in hammam rituals. Black soap is an extraordinary cleansing, softening and purifying treatment. The traditional black soap, also known as ” savon beldi ”, is an entirely natural substance in the form of a vegetable and oily scrubbing paste, obtained from a mixture of olive oil, crushed black olives and macerated in salt and potash.
Properties and benefits of black soap
Long used in the hammams, for the ritual of exfoliating the skin. Natural black soap has purifying virtues. Rich in vitamin E, it is moisturising, exfoliating and has the power to nourish the skin in depth. Due to its virtues, black soap prepares the skin for the exfoliation of dead cells, leaving it soft and satiny. It offers an exceptional cleansing, softening and purifying treatment. It is non-irritating and is known for its calming and softening properties. Black soap does not lather. It is natural and can be delicately scented. It is suitable for all skin types.
Using black soap for a good scrubbing experience
The black soap scrub is practiced with a “kassa” glove granular cloth glove to get rid of the deepest impurities.
Moisten then emulsify the black soap over the whole body and leave it to work for about ten minutes.
Rinse thoroughly and then proceed to exfoliate with the “kassa” glove, previously rinsed with warm water and wrung out. Use wide, gentle movements to remove impurities.
- Rinse again with warm water. The skin will be rid of toxins and dead cells. It will remain exceptionally soft.
Finish the treatment with an application of natural argan oil all over the body, the skin will be even more satiny.
You can also use black soap daily to replace your usual soap or shower gel, for body and face.
Treatments with black soap :
In the evening, instead of a make-up remover or before a mask, you wash with black soap. This ritual prepares the skin to receive the active ingredients of the masks.
Spray a hydrolat or an infusion on the face. (most common: rose, lavender, mint, rosemary, camomile…)
Spread black soap on the face and neck.
After 10 minutes, roll the soap from the bottom to the top, it comes off like an eraser.
Finish rinsing with the glove (kassa) with very gentle movements so as not to irritate the skin.
Finish with a small spritz of hydrolate. The skin is ready for the mask
Variations with black soap :
Black soap can be used as a basis for adding all kinds of skin care products for therapeutic purposes. For example, the following can be added to the paste at the time of use
- dried flower or plant powder (roses, camomile, calendula, rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender, wormwood…),
- alum stone powder, baker’s yeast, lemon juice, or plant hydrolate.
Combined with henna powder, black soap becomes an excellent skin exfoliant, it purifies the body and gives the skin a velvety feel.
Here are two recipes :
Black soap with henna and baker’s yeast
2 tablespoons of black soap 2 tablespoons of natural henna powder 1 tablespoon fresh baker’s yeast 1 tablespoon of flower hydrosol or water
In a bowl mix the black soap with the henna powder, add the yeast, mix well and finish with the hydrolat. The yeast will give a creamy appearance to your soap in addition to its benefits on the skin.
Black soap with henna and alum stone
2 tablespoons of black soap 1 tablespoon powdered alum stone 1 tablespoon lemon or warm water 1 tablespoon fresh baker’s yeast
Mix the soap with the alum stone, add the yeast and lemon or water. Put on the skin for 10 minutes and rub delicately with the “kassa” glove. Lemon will be effective against black spots. It is softening and whitening. The alum stone is a remarkable astringent. It is used in direct application on the skin for care, or as a deodorant (underarms, feet, …) and as a healing (razor burn, pimples, cuts …). The alum stone, in this recipe, will facilitate the exfoliation of dead skin and will act against small skin wounds.
