The 3-Step Ritual

The Korean Bath Ritual, Explained

The traditional jjimjilbang routine follows a simple sequence. Skipping a step, or doing them out of order, is the most common reason people find at-home exfoliation harsh or ineffective. Here's how it's traditionally done, and why the order matters.

Step 1 — Exfoliate

After soaking in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes (a hot shower works if you don't have a bath), skin softens and is ready for exfoliation. This is where the Italy towel, our viscose exfoliating mitt, comes in. Wet the mitt, wring it out slightly, and use firm, even strokes along arms, legs, and torso, always working toward the heart. No soap needed at this stage, the mitt does the work on its own. Rinse the mitt and hang it to dry fully between uses.

Step 2 — Cleanse

Once exfoliation is done, a fermented soap bar cleanses without stripping the skin of the moisture it just needs. Traditional Korean fermented soaps, often built on rice water or mugwort, are chosen specifically because they lather gently and rinse clean, rather than for a strong fragrance or foam.

Step 3 — Hydrate

The final step, and the one most people skip. While skin is still slightly damp, a few drops of camellia seed oil, traditionally used after bathing in Korea, are worked in to help seal in moisture. This step is what keeps freshly exfoliated skin from feeling tight or dry afterward.

How often?

Traditionally, this full sequence is done once or twice a week, daily exfoliation isn't the Korean approach and can be harsh on skin. Cleansing alone (step 2) can be a daily habit, exfoliation is the occasional, intensive part of the ritual.

A note on sensitive skin

Firm exfoliation isn't for every skin type every week. If your skin is reactive or you're trying this for the first time, start with lighter pressure and a shorter session, see our FAQ & Safety page for more detail.