Quick answer
Koreans use different exfoliators for the face and body. That famous bright green Italy towel? It's for scrubbing away dead skin at Korean bathhouses. Facial routines are gentler, with peeling gels, exfoliating toner pads, and mild acids. At home, don't scrub until your skin feels raw. A little goes a long way.
What is an Italy towel?
It's a rough exfoliating mitt used for traditional Korean body scrubs.
You've probably spotted that bright green mitt in Korean bathhouse videos. It's called an Italy towel, or Korean exfoliating mitt, and people use it to rub away loosened dead skin. The name might sound Italian, but the towel is part of Korean bathing culture.
First, you soak in warm water until your skin feels soft. Then the bathhouse scrub focuses on your body, not your face. The towel is pretty rough, so pressing harder won't give you better results. If your skin turns red, feels sore, or starts to feel scraped, stop.
Where is it commonly used?
- After a warm soak.
- The mitt stays on your body, where its rough texture won't scrape the delicate skin around your eyes.
- Too much pressure? Ease off before your skin gets red.
- Rinse away the loosened skin.
What do Koreans use on their face?
Peeling gels, exfoliating toner pads, and mild acid products are popular choices for the face.
Your face needs a much lighter touch than your arms or legs. That bright green Italy towel might look tempting, but it's far too rough for facial skin. Stick with a proper face exfoliator.
Korean peeling gels have a soft, slippery texture. You massage one over clean skin, following the label. Toner pads are popular too. Some have a smooth side for a gentle swipe and a textured side for spots like the sides of your nose. Don't keep rubbing the same patch just because you want that squeaky-clean feeling.
Common facial exfoliators
- Gentle peeling gels.
- Toner pads have smooth or textured sides, so you can keep things gentle around your nose.
- Need help with surface buildup? Mild AHA products are an option.
- BHA products suit oily, congested areas.
How can you exfoliate like Koreans at home?
Start with one gentle exfoliator, follow its directions, and moisturize afterward.
You don't need a Korean bathhouse setup or a bathroom shelf full of exfoliators. Start with one product for the area you're treating. A gentle peeling gel or mild exfoliating toner is plenty for your face. For your body, try a soft washcloth instead of jumping straight to an Italy towel.
Follow the label. Leaving a peeling gel or acid on longer won't give you extra results. With a new exfoliator, start once a week and see how your skin reacts before using it more often. Finish with a plain moisturizer. In the morning, put broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on any exposed skin.
A gentle at-home routine
- A mild cleanser first.
- One exfoliating product is plenty when you're starting out (there's no need to layer several treatments on the same night).
- How long should it stay on? Follow the product's directions.
- Finish with moisturizer and daytime SPF 30.
How often should you exfoliate?
Once a week is a good starting point. Only increase it if your skin stays comfortable.
Korean exfoliation doesn't mean scrubbing your skin every day. Your skin type matters, as does the strength of the product and how easily you get irritated. A gentle peeling gel isn't the same as a strong acid treatment.
Don't put an Italy towel, exfoliating toner pads, and an acid serum into the same session. Already using retinol or another exfoliating treatment? Adding more can leave your skin tight, dry, or irritated. Cut back if you notice stinging, flaking, or redness that won't settle. If irritation persists, you develop an allergic reaction, or you have an existing skin condition, speak with a qualified dermatologist or another healthcare professional.
Signs you've overdone it
- Tight skin after washing.
- Your usual moisturizer suddenly stings when you smooth it over your cheeks.
- Red patches still there after exfoliating?
- Unexpected flaking around your nose or mouth.
Common Korean exfoliation methods and where they fit into your routine.
| Method | Where it's used | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Italy towel | Body | Use gently on softened skin after a warm shower or bath. |
| Peeling gel | Face | Massage gently according to the product directions, then rinse. |
| Exfoliating toner pads | Face | Sweep gently over clean skin without rubbing repeatedly. |
| Mild exfoliating acids | Face and body | Follow the product's frequency and application instructions. |
People also ask
Skincare FAQ
Do Koreans exfoliate their faces every day?
No, daily exfoliation isn't necessary. Many people stick to gentler products based on their skin's tolerance, while stronger exfoliators need more time between uses.
Can you use an Italy towel on your face?
No, it's too rough for facial skin. The mitt is meant for body exfoliation, so reach for a gentle peeling gel or suitable toner pad instead.
Should you moisturize after Korean exfoliation?
Yes, moisturize straight afterward to ease dryness and support your skin barrier. If you're heading outside during the day, finish with SPF 30 or higher.
