Why it works… Foxhills Luxury Rassoul

The ultimate in sociable spa treatments, Foxhills has put its own twist on the traditional rassoul making it a firm favourite amongst Spabreakers…

What exactly is the treatment?

The rassoul chamber at Foxhills has two heated thrones, which means couples or friends can experience the treatment together. After a consultation you choose a fragrance which is used throughout the treatment and the therapist explains how to apply the products before leaving you to relax. You then exfoliate with the body scrub and shower off in the rassoul before applying the clay to the body, face and scalp. Then you relax in the steam chamber for 15 minutes to allow the product to work. When the steam subsides there is a gentle overhead monsoon-style shower to wash away the majority of the products, and any remaining clay is removed in the main shower afterwards. The treatment finished when you apply a chosen body lotion or oil and the recommended face oil for your skin type. After that, head to the relaxation room for herbal tea and a selection of dried fruit and nuts.

Where does it come from?

We use La Sultane de Saba’s nutrient rich Rassoul Lava Clay from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. It is rich in iron oxide and magnesium with exceptional absorbing properties to help remove impurities from the skin. There are many companies throughout the UK offering clays and muds for use in rassoul treatments but I don’t know of any others that use authentic clay from Morocco.

What is it supposed to do?

The Rassoul is a deeply purifying treatment which leaves you and your skin feeling completely cleansed and as smooth as silk. The exfoliating salts remove dry dead skin cells, the steam stimulates the skin’s sweat glands, secreting toxins from the body and unclogging pores, while the rassoul clay provides the body with nourishing minerals and the lotions and oils thoroughly moisturise and rehydrate the skin.

However the treatment works on other levels as well, the combination of heat, steam and correct products, can benefit the respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, endocrine, nervous, and muscular systems as well for a full-body effect.

Is there anything you do to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment?

Exfoliating the skin beforehand prepares the skin fully by removing the dead skin cells and making the skin more receptive to the rassoul clay. The hot environment of the steam chamber is crucial in order to increase the body’s temperature, circulation and stimulate the sweat glands, enabling the rassoul clay to draw out the toxins and detoxify the body. The final application of personal blend of shea butters, oils and lotions will suit all skin types for your own level of moisturising.

Is there anything you recommend clients to do pre or post-treatment to get the most out of it?

You can have a rassoul at anytime of day. Some find it extremely invigorating and stimulating therefore should have the treatment earlier on in the day, while others find it very relaxing and helps them to wind down towards the end of the day. You should always have a rassoul prior to any other treatment, as they prepare the skin in order to receive the products from other treatments, such as massage oils or body wraps. Also the heat from the rassoul relaxes the muscles enabling you to get the best from your massage. Always have it after exercise rather than before and it is important that you fully rehydrate following the rassoul as the treatment removes toxins but it also fluids which need to be replaced.

Is there anyone you particularly recommend the treatment for?

It is Ideal for those with sedentary lifestyles, or for those who are feeling run down, anyone who smokes, carries excess fluid or those who travel or work/live in polluted environments.

It’s beneficial if you’re asthmatic or feeling congested. It’s great for people who do a lot of sport or those with strains and tension. It’s also great for people who generally have very busy and stressful lifestyles. Above all the rassoul is fantastic for anyone with dry, dull, dehydrated or congested skin.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t have this treatment and why?

You shouldn’t have this treatment if you are pregnant, have heart or circulatory conditions, skin infections or open sores or wounds. Caution should be taken if you have high or low blood pressure. If you’re taking prescribed medication, particularly anticoagulants, steroids, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators or tranquilisers always consult your doctor. It’s also not ideal following a big meal, the consumption of alcohol or strenuous exercise and if you suffer from claustrophobia.