Korean Italy Towel: The Exfoliation Secret Behind Korean Skin

Last Updated on June 3, 2026

After years of living in Korea, more than 15 in fact, I can say without a doubt one of the biggest lessons I have learned while living here is skincare and exfoliation is a major part of the Korean skincare regime and should be apart of everyone’s skincare regime. I didn’t know adults could have baby soft skin until I moved to Korea and was shown the err of my showering ways. Get ready to find out how to amp up your shower routine and why you really really need to.

The tool responsible: the Korean Italy towel (이태리타월). Step into any Korean jjimjilbang, spa, or most household bathrooms and you’ll spot one, a vibrantly colored cloth mitt or strip. It looks simple. It is simple. And it genuinely works in a way that nothing else I’ve tried does.

Get ready to learn about the skincare gem I can no longer live without, exploring its benefits, how and when to use it, and so much more. 

• What Is the Korean Italy Towel?
• Why Is It Called an Italy towel?
• Do Korean Exfoliating Towels Actually Work?
• The Color System
• Benefits of Regular Exfoliation
• How To Use the Italy Towel at Home
• How Often Should You Use It?
• Using the Italy Towel at a Korean Spa
• Care Instructions
• Can Men Use the Italy Towel?

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

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What Is the Korean Italy Towel?

The Korea Italy towel is known in Korean as seshin towel (세신타올), literally “dead skin cell removal towel.” My husband calls it the ddae towel (때타올), which refers to the dead skin that gets removed. Both names tell you exactly what it does.

It’s a rough-textured cloth, usually made from viscose, that removes dead skin through friction. Unlike chemical exfoliants that dissolve surface cells, the Italy towel physically lifts and rolls them away. You can see the results.

I always thought I had dry skin. Then I started using the Italy towel and realized I had never properly exfoliated. I wasn’t dry, I was carrying around layers of dead skin cells that no amount of moisturizer was going to fix.

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Why Is It Called an Italy Towel?

Now, the intriguing part: why is it called Italy towel? The name is a bit of a linguistic mystery, but it’s thought to have originated from a time when these towels were sold in Korean markets, often in bags labeled “Italy.”

Perhaps it was meant to imply that this beauty secret was imported from Italy. However, don’t be fooled, Italy towels are purely a Korean invention.

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Do Korean Exfoliating Towels Actually Work?

Absolutely! These little wonders are no gimmick. The Italy towel is designed to exfoliate your skin like no other. Its unique texture is abrasive enough to remove dead skin cells, but gentle enough not to harm your healthy skin.

That’s not to say that the exfoliation process is gentle though. Don’t get me wrong. You will have red skin after use. But don’t worry, that subsides quickly.

Not to get gross, but, it’s like magic; after using it, your skin feels incredibly soft, smooth, and rejuvenated. You will literally see the dead skin when you use the Italy towel… as shown above.

I still remember my very first scrub like it was yesterday. My parents-in-law owned saunas before they retired and I was always a bit nervous to go in and get nude with family members, but once talked into it… well now they can’t keep me out. My favorite part is the scrub because it’s sooooo good.

Also, you can and should do it at home! Even if you’re not in Korea, or maybe before you come to Korea, get an Italy towel and give it a go yourself. This skincare gem is actually super wallet-friendly and an all-natural solution for glowing skin. Not all Korean skincare goods will break the bank.

A lot of tourists head to Seoul and ask where to get a facial because they know Korean beauty and skincare is amazing. And though I know heading to a Korean bath house may be a bit daunting at first, getting nude with a bunch of strangers may not be everyone’s jam, I highly recommend at least one trip. You can learn and feel how Koreans get down and clean on top of shopping for skincare products and getting facials. It’ll be worth it! Trust me.

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The Color System

Italy towels come in different levels of coarseness, signaled by color:

• Pink: The softest option. Good for beginners, sensitive skin, or face exfoliation.
• Green: The middle ground and the most commonly used. This is what most Koreans reach for, and what my mother-in-law tucks into every bag she hands me.
• Blue: The most coarse. For those who want maximum exfoliation on tough skin areas like elbows, heels, and knees.

Start with green if you’re new to it. You can always go rougher, you can’t un-irritate skin you’ve already over-exfoliated.

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Benefits of Regular Exfoliation

Removes dead skin cells that clog pores and contribute to breakouts. After years of thinking I had dry skin, I realized I was simply not exfoliating, moisturizer can’t penetrate properly through layers of dead skin.

Reduces ingrown hairs by keeping follicles clear, useful for anyone who shaves or waxes.

Improves circulation, giving skin a brighter, more radiant appearance.

Helps minimize the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite with consistent use over time.

Allows skincare products like serums, moisturizers, and body lotions to absorb more effectively into freshly exfoliated skin.

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How To Use the Italy Towel at Home

Soak in warm water first. A shower or bath works, the warm water softens the skin and opens pores. Aim for at least 5-10 minutes before you start scrubbing. This step is essential.

Wet the Italy towel. It should be damp, not dripping.

Scrub in long, firm strokes. Work in sections from arms, legs, to torso, using steady pressure and smooth strokes rather than small circular motions. You’ll see the dead skin rolling off almost immediately. In our family, we usually exfoliate together. I can’t reach my back, so my husband comes in as I’m finishing and then I can help get his back before he goes on to the other spots.

Rinse thoroughly. Warm water works best.

Apply body wash or moisturizer after. Not before. Koreans are clear on this: do not put anything on your skin before scrubbing. Soap, product, body wash, all of it goes on after the exfoliation, not before.

That’s it. The first time is the most dramatic. After that, maintenance sessions are gentler.

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How Often Should You Use It?

The frequency of use depends on your skin type and personal preferences. I tend to do it every other week myself but that can change seasonally. Generally, it’s recommended to exfoliate with an Italy towel once or twice a week.

However, be mindful not to overdo it, as excessive exfoliation can irritate your skin. Remember to always follow up with a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

Once you feel how soft your skin can be though, you’ll definitely want to keep up the routine. I can definitely tell when my skin is ready for a good scrub now too and I’m sure yours will let you know as well.

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Using the Italy Towel at a Korean Spa

Korean spas and jjimjilbangs offer professional scrub services, you lie on a table while a trained attendant uses the Italy towel on your entire body. It’s an experience.

If you’ve never been: getting nude in a communal bathhouse isn’t everyone’s first instinct, but most visitors come around quickly. The professional scrub is the highlight, they’re thorough in a way that’s very difficult to replicate at home, especially for the back.

Be vocal about pressure and sensitivity. The attendants will ask about your preferences, and they’re experienced, they’re not trying to hurt you. But if it’s too rough or you have sensitive areas, say so.

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Care Instructions

After each use, rinse the towel thoroughly with warm water. Hang to dry. Regular washing keeps it clean and effective. Avoid fabric softener and bleach, both reduce the towel’s abrasive texture over time.

Italy towels don’t last forever. Replace when the texture starts to feel smoother than expected.

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Can Men Use the Italy Towel?

The Italy towel is suitable for both men and women. Anyone looking to improve the texture and appearance of their skin can benefit from its exfoliating properties. It’s a unisex skincare tool widely used in South Korea.

If you’re headed to a Korean bath house, both men and women can get scrubbed. In my house, my husband and I scrub each other because you gotta get that back good and scrubbed. If your skin is feeling dry, ashy, or tight, it’s time to scrub whether you’re a woman or a man. 

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FAQ

What is the Korean Italy towel?

The Korean Italy towel (이태리타월) is a rough-textured cloth used for physical exfoliation. It removes dead skin cells through friction when used on damp skin. It’s a staple of Korean bath culture and is used both at home and in professional spa settings.

Why is it called an Italy towel?

The name appears to have originated from packaging in Korean markets that labeled these towels as Italian imports, presumably to signal quality. The towels are entirely Korean in origin. The name has stuck despite having nothing to do with Italy.

Does the Korean Italy towel work?

Yes, visibly and immediately. Dead skin rolls off in clumps during use. After the initial redness subsides (usually within minutes), the skin feels significantly softer and smoother. With regular use, the difference in skin texture is noticeable.

What color Italy towel should I use?

Pink for beginners or sensitive skin. Green for most people, it’s the most common. Blue for tough skin areas that need heavy exfoliation. When in doubt, start with green.

How often should I use the Italy towel?

Once or twice a week is standard. Every other week works well for maintenance. More than twice a week risks over-exfoliation and skin irritation.

Can I use the Italy towel on my face?

Yes, but use the pink (softest) towel with very gentle pressure. The face is more sensitive than the body. Many people stick to body use and use a separate, gentler method for facial exfoliation.

Where can I buy a Korean Italy towel?

In Korea at Olive Young, Daiso, or any supermarket for approximately ₩1,000-₩3,000. Internationally on Amazon, search “Korean Italy towel” or “Korean exfoliating mitt.”

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The Italy towel is one of the best-kept secrets of Korean skincare. It may not have anything to do with Italy, but its ability to reveal radiant, soft, and healthy skin is something you’ll definitely want to explore. While everyone is out there shopping for all of the hot Korean beauty goods, I’m telling you to focus on the basics first. It’s worth it.

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