Korean Body Care Routine: How to Use an Italy Towel for Smooth Skin

A Korean body care routine is all about smooth, soft, hydrated skin from the neck down, built on a few simple habits: a warm soak or shower to soften skin, a periodic deep exfoliation with an Italy towel (the famous Korean scrub mitt), a gentle body wash, and generous body lotion or oil applied while skin is still damp. Daily sunscreen on exposed areas completes the routine. This guide explains the Korean scrub tradition known as seshin, how to use an Italy towel safely at home, how often to exfoliate, which body products to look for, and how to target rough spots like elbows, knees and the backs of the arms.

This article is general skincare information, not medical advice. If you have eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, very sensitive skin or any skin condition, ask a healthcare professional before using physical exfoliation tools.

What Is Korean Body Care?

In Korea, caring for body skin is closely tied to bathhouse culture. At a jjimjilbang (public bathhouse and spa), people soak in hot pools, relax in saunas, and often get or give themselves a full-body scrub. This scrub, called seshin or ttaemiri, uses a textured mitt to remove dead skin cells, leaving the body noticeably smoother.

The idea has spread worldwide, and you can now buy Italy towels, Korean body washes, body serums and body lotions online. The appeal is simple: soft, even body skin without complicated products.

Why is it called an “Italy towel”?

The name is commonly explained by the fact that the original fabric was imported from Italy. The mitt itself is made from a slightly rough viscose or rayon fabric, usually in bright green, red or yellow. Different colours sometimes indicate different levels of roughness.

The Core Korean Body Care Routine

Step 1: Soak or take a warm shower

Korean body exfoliation works best on well-softened skin. Soak in a warm bath for about 15 to 20 minutes, or take a long warm shower. Avoid very hot water if your skin tends to be dry, as heat can strip natural oils.

Step 2: Exfoliate with an Italy towel (once a week or less)

Wet the mitt, wring it out, and use firm but comfortable strokes on damp (not soapy) skin. Dead skin will roll off in small grey strands, which is what makes the Korean scrub so famous. More on technique below.

Step 3: Cleanse with a gentle body wash

After exfoliating, rinse thoroughly and wash with a mild, moisturising body cleanser. On non-exfoliation days, this is your main step.

Step 4: Moisturise immediately

Pat skin gently with a towel, leaving it slightly damp, and apply body lotion, cream or oil within a few minutes. This locks in water while skin is most receptive.

Step 5: Protect exposed areas

Use sunscreen on arms, neck, chest and legs when they are exposed to the sun. Freshly exfoliated skin can be more sensitive to UV.

How to Use an Italy Towel at Home

1. Soften the skin first. At least 10 to 15 minutes of warm water exposure. Skipping this step makes scrubbing harsher.
2. Use no soap during the scrub. Traditionally, the scrub is done on wet skin without cleanser, so the mitt grips dead cells better.
3. Work in sections. Start with arms and legs, use long strokes in one direction or small back-and-forth movements, and keep pressure moderate.
4. Rinse the mitt often. Rinse away the removed skin so you are not dragging it around.
5. Be gentle on delicate zones. Use very light pressure, or skip entirely, on the chest, inner arms, neck and any area with thin skin. Never use an Italy towel on the face.
6. Rinse and cleanse. Rinse your body, then use a gentle body wash.
7. Moisturise right away. Apply a hydrating lotion or body oil to damp skin.
8. Clean and dry the mitt. Wash it with soap, rinse well, and hang it to dry completely to prevent bacteria growth. Replace it regularly.

Signs you are scrubbing too hard

• Skin stays red long after the shower.
• You feel stinging, burning or rawness.
• Small scratches or broken skin appear.
• Skin feels tight and itchy the next day.

If any of these happen, reduce pressure and frequency, and focus on moisturising until skin recovers.

How Often Should You Do a Korean Body Scrub?

For most people, a full Italy towel scrub once every one to two weeks is plenty. Very dry or sensitive skin may prefer once a month. Oily or very rough skin might tolerate once a week. Daily scrubbing is not recommended, because it can damage the skin barrier and lead to irritation and dryness.

In winter, when skin is drier, you may want to scrub less often and moisturise more. Our Korean winter skincare routine shares cold-weather tips that apply to body skin too.

Chemical Exfoliation for the Body

If physical scrubbing is not for you, body products with chemical exfoliants offer a gentler, more gradual alternative:

• Lactic acid or glycolic acid (AHAs) in body lotions help smooth dry, rough skin.
• Salicylic acid (BHA) body washes can help with body breakouts on the back and chest.
• Urea in body creams both softens rough skin and hydrates.

Do not combine a strong chemical exfoliant with an Italy towel scrub on the same day. Choose one approach at a time. For more on how acids differ, read our AHA vs BHA vs PHA guide.

Choosing Korean Body Products

Body wash

Look for gentle, low-pH or moisturising formulas. Many Korean body washes contain soothing ingredients like centella, oat or ceramides, and some offer mild fragrance. If your skin is sensitive, choose fragrance-free.

Body lotion and cream

Korean body lotions often feel lighter than Western equivalents while still hydrating well. Ingredients to look for include ceramides, glycerin, shea butter, panthenol, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Richer creams are best for very dry legs and elbows.

Body oil

Body oils applied to damp skin seal in moisture and leave a subtle glow. They suit dry skin and colder months.

Body sunscreen

Korean sun lotions and sticks for the body make daily protection easier. Look for broad-spectrum protection and reapply as directed when outdoors.

Targeting Common Body Concerns

Rough elbows, knees and heels

These areas have thicker skin. Use gentle Italy towel strokes when skin is soft, then apply a rich cream with urea or shea butter. Heels benefit from a thick balm at night, covered with cotton socks. For targeted treatments on feet and knees, you can also look at our article on using Peel Shot on the body.

Bumpy skin on the backs of the arms

Small rough bumps on the upper arms are common. Gentle, regular chemical exfoliation with lactic acid or urea lotions often works better than aggressive scrubbing, which can make the area more irritated. If bumps are persistent or inflamed, ask a doctor.

Body breakouts

Shower soon after sweating, wear breathable fabrics, and consider a salicylic acid body wash. Avoid scrubbing inflamed spots with an Italy towel.

Dull, uneven body skin

Regular exfoliation, consistent moisturising and sun protection all help body skin look brighter and more even over time.

Ingrown hairs

Gentle exfoliation a day or two before shaving or waxing can help reduce ingrown hairs. Do not scrub right after hair removal, when skin is more sensitive.

A Weekly Korean Body Care Schedule

• Daily: gentle body wash, body lotion on damp skin, sunscreen on exposed areas.
• Once every 1 to 2 weeks: warm soak, Italy towel scrub, then rich moisturiser or body oil.
• 2 or 3 times a week (optional, on non-scrub days): an AHA or urea body lotion for rough patches.
• Nightly as needed: thick balm on heels, elbows and knees.

Who Should Avoid Italy Towel Scrubs?

• People with active eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis flare-ups.
• Anyone with sunburn, open cuts, rashes or infections on the skin.
• People with very thin or fragile skin.
• Anyone advised by a doctor to avoid physical exfoliation, including some people with diabetes or circulation issues.
• Those using prescription topical retinoids or other strong treatments on the body, unless their doctor approves.

Trying a Professional Scrub at a Korean Spa

If you live near a Korean spa or bathhouse, a professional body scrub is a memorable way to experience the tradition. A few practical points help first-timers feel comfortable:

• Expect to soak first. Most spas ask you to spend time in the hot pools before the scrub so your skin is soft.
• Speak up about pressure. Scrub technicians are used to adjusting their technique. Ask for lighter pressure if anything feels uncomfortable.
• Mention skin conditions. Tell the technician about sensitive areas, recent sunburn, tattoos that are still healing or any skin condition.
• Hydrate afterwards. Drink water and apply moisturiser after the treatment, as heat and scrubbing can leave skin feeling dry.
• Skip sun exposure. Avoid tanning or long periods in the sun for a day or two after a deep scrub.

Bottom Line

Korean body care is refreshingly simple: soften, occasionally scrub, gently cleanse, moisturise and protect. The Italy towel delivers the famous smooth-skin result, but the secret is moderation. Scrub no more than every week or two, avoid delicate areas and never use it on the face. Combine it with a good body lotion and you will notice softer, smoother skin. For face routines that complement your body care, visit our Korean skincare routines page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the grey stuff from an Italy towel dirt?

Mostly no. The grey rolls are largely dead skin cells mixed with water and residue. Seeing them does not mean you were dirty; it is simply the outer layer of skin being lifted.

Can I use an Italy towel on my face?

No. Facial skin is thinner and more delicate. Use gentle facial exfoliants designed for the face instead.

How often should I replace my Italy towel?

Replace it when it becomes worn, loses texture or starts to smell, and always keep it clean and fully dry between uses. Many people replace theirs every couple of months with regular use.

Should I use soap with an Italy towel?

Traditionally no. The scrub is done on wet, softened skin without soap, then you wash with body cleanser afterwards.

Can Korean body scrubbing help with keratosis pilaris?

Aggressive scrubbing can irritate the bumps. Gentle chemical exfoliants such as lactic acid or urea and regular moisturising are usually a kinder approach. Ask a doctor if the condition is inflamed or bothersome.

Can I shave after a Korean body scrub?

It is better to wait. Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive, so scrubbing a day or two before shaving is generally more comfortable than doing both on the same day.