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How to use a Korean Italy Towel

Korean Italy towels are a staple in every Korean household, but those unfamiliar might wonder “How do you use a Korean Italy towel?”.

Is there a difference between the red, green or yellow Korean Italy towels and are these reusable?

Can you use Korean Italy towels on your face?

Green, red and yellow Korean Italy towels in packaging

Well, these are all important questions to ask before using this unique skincare product from Korea so let’s start with the basics.

What is a Korean Italy Towel?

For generations, Koreans have been using this simple cloth during sauna visits to keep their skin clean and vibrant.

At a glance, these Korean Italy towels might look just like an ordinary washcloth.

However, these two skincare products are completely different from one another and these differences are immediately noticeable when you actually pick up and feel the rough and scratchy texture of a Korean Italy towel.

Korean Italy Towel Over Hand
The “Glove” version of a Korean Italy towel.

Washcloths and loofahs have a soft and silky texture, which makes these perfect for lathering body soap and cleaning dirt and oil from the skin.

By contrast, the rugged texture of a Korean Italy towel makes it an excellent choice for:

physically exfoliating loose and dead skin cells.

Simply, this exfoliation process removes the dry, flakey outer layer of skin and reveals the younger layer of skin underneath, resulting in an improvement in the overall appearance and texture of the skin!

Exfoliated Skin on a Korean Italy Towel
Loose and dead skin exfoliated using a Korean Italy towel.

So, how exactly do you use a Korean Italy towel?


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How to use a Korean Italy Towel

Using a Korean Italy towel in your skincare routine can help smooth the skin and there’s only 3 simple steps in this exfoliation process:

Prepare the skin

Traditionally, Koreans go to saunas and spas and soak in hot tubs for 10 minutes to an hour before using a Korean Italy towel to exfoliate their skin.

Bathing in hot water helps loosen the outer layer of dead skin but what if I only have a shower?

Closeup of Korean Italy towels

Not a problem!

Just cleanse as usual but use the Korean Italy Towel near the end of the shower.

Keep in mind though, the skin needs time to soak in water so do not use a Korean Italy towel on dry skin!


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Exfoliate using Korean Italy Towel

After a nice long soak, it’s time to start scrubbing.

Push your Korean Italy towel lightly against the skin in one direction a few times and any loose or dead skin will start to clump together and form long gray strands.

Dead Skin Exfoliated Using Korean Italy Towel
Strands of exfoliated skin forming while using a Korean Italy towel.

A few quick pass is all it really takes so avoid over-exfoliation by not scrubbing the same area continuously as this can cause inflammation and tear the skin.

And that’s it!

Use the Korean Italy towel to scrub all over but give some extra attention to your elbows, ankles and if you have someone to help, your back.

You might be surprised by what comes off your skin.

Note, the strands of exfoliated skin doesn’t always form so if you don’t see any, try another spot.


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    Skincare & sun care

    After using the Korean Italy towel, the skin is going to be sensitive and slightly red so now is the perfect time to use your favorite skincare products to soothe the skin and help it recover faster.

    We recommend using moisturizers such as CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or Drunk Elephant Sili Body Lotion because they contain ceramides, an important skincare ingredient that improves the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

    Drunk Elephant Sili Body Lotion Bottle
    Drunk Elephant Sili Body Lotion

    Also, lightweight oils like The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil is an excellent choice for those with dry skin as this oil is rich in Vitamin-A and keeps the skin hydrated by locking in the moisture.

    Finally, the skin will be a bit more sensitive to UV light so use sunscreen and try to avoid exposing the skin to direct sunlight.


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    Korean Italy Towel skincare product review

    If you start slow and listen to your skin, using a Korean Italy towel will become completely natural and an enjoyable part of your very own skincare routine.

    However, there’s a few important things to keep in mind when using this skincare product:

    Can you use Korean Italy Towels on your face?

    The fabric is way too rough so please do not use the Korean Italy exfoliating towel on your face or neck!

    For facial exfoliation, we recommend using Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant because it’s an extremely gentle exfoliant powder that uses relatively soft cellulose fibers and BHA’s as the exfoliants.

    Are Korean Italy Towels reusable and how often do you need to change these towels?

    Yes, it’s reusable!
    Just wash with soap and water and air dry.

    The towel slightly shrinks after use but it’s still stretchy and once the fabric starts to have a noticeably smoother texture, it’s best to replace the towel.

    Is there a difference between the red, green or yellow Korean Italy Towels?

    No, they are mostly made from the same 100% viscose fabric and the color is for personal preference.

    However, green is the “classic” color, used most often in Korean spas and homes.

    How hard do I need to scrub when using a Korean Italy Towel and can I exfoliate daily?

    It doesn’t take much pressure to start seeing results, especially when the towel is new.

    Remember, every skin is different so start slow to avoid over-exfoliating!

    Also, do not exfoliate daily as this will irritate your skin.
    Instead, use the scrubbing towel once a week to once a month, depending on your skin and environment.

    Does using a Korean Italy Towel improve skin with Keratosis Pilaris?

    To see if using a Korean Italy Towel improves skin with dark Keratosis Pilaris bumps, please read our full review.
    Korean Italy Towel Label Closeup

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      Disclaimers

      • This post is not sponsored and the featured products were purchased using our own funds.
      • Skincare Weeklies is an Amazon Associate and earn commissions from qualifying purchases when you use the Amazon links.
      • Your results might vary as skincare products affects every skin differently.
      • This is not medical advice so always consult with your dermatologist for issues relating to the skin or before using a new skincare product.

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