8 Steps for a Korean Spa Experience at Home

Your step-by-step guide to recreating the Korean spa experience at home.

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Steeped in time-honored traditions, Korean spas (jjimjiibang in Korean) offer the ultimate in relaxation. We’re talking about pampering face masks that make your complexion glow, invigorating scrubs that leave your skin baby smooth, steam rooms that detoxify your pores along with saunas, cold pools and hot stone floors. There’s no end to the list of relaxing and beautifying experiences you may encounter.

Benefits of Korean Spa

Korean spa is all about exfoliation and hydration, which results in glowing, even-toned skin. Removing all that dead skin also reduces acne, ingrown hairs and flakiness. The end result is youthful, dewy skin and a peaceful mind that comes from taking time out for self care.

The beauty benefits of Korean spa are undeniable, but how can it benefit your health? Well, studies show that visiting a sauna regularly is beneficial for the immune system, cardiovascular health and circulation. 

Whether you visit a Korean spa in person or recreate the experience at home, it could help keep illness away. In fact, time spent in a hot, steamy environment can even lower your blood pressure and improve cognitive function by dilating the blood vessels and calming the nervous system. From aches and pains to flu and headaches, a trip to the Korean spa will contribute to your well-being.

And, it’s a great way to detox—not just your body, you’ll get a digital detox, too. Take a break from all things technology and let your cares melt away. There’s nothing more therapeutic and healing for the mind than that!

So, How Can You Recreate a Korean Spa at Home?

In times like these, many of us are staying close to home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy this style of luxurious self-care. You can replicate the experience at home fairly easily, which means you can reap the benefits of a Korean spa anytime you like.

You’ll need to focus on these things: hot, cold, skincare, and peace and quiet! 

Here’s your step-by-step guide to creating a Korean spa experience in your own space.

1. A Korean spa routine starts with a double cleanse to remove oil, dirt and makeup, just like any other K-beauty routine. Starting with fresh skin and hair is essential, so you’ll also want to take a quick shower and wash your hair and body, too.

2. Now, prepare a nice, steamy bath. Add four cups of organic whole  and one cup of Epsom salts to soften the skin and relax your muscles.

3. Apply your favorite Korean facial mask or sheet mask (check out Mantra Masks!) and a hair mask. Then get into the tub and soak for at least 15 minutes. Remove your mask and drain the tub.

4. Next, break out your scrubbing mitts and your favorite DIY body scrub. Stand in the shower and exfoliate your entire body with enough pressure to remove the dead skin but be careful not to overdo it. Let your mitts and body scrub do most of the work for you. Pay extra attention to rough areas on your elbows, knees and feet. A scrub towel will help you get those hard-to-reach areas on your back.

5. Now, turn on the shower and use your favorite body wash on a nubby washcloth to rinse clean. Rinse off your hair mask, too. While you’re in the shower, alternate between hot and cold water to mimic the contrast hydrotherapy experience of a Korean bathhouse. This step is essential for promoting relaxation, boosting circulation and reducing inflammation.

6. While your skin is still damp, apply body oil and massage it into your skin. Wrap your body in a very warm, damp sheet or towel to help the body oil soak in for several minutes. Wipe off any excess oil and pat dry.

7. Now that your body is glowing and ultra-hydrated, it’s time to finish pampering your face. Apply a hydrating Korean toner using the 7 Skin Method. Simply pat seven layers of toner into your skin, allowing each layer a moment to soak into the skin before applying the next. The result is ultra-hydrated, plump, youthful-looking skin.

8. Finally, apply your serum, moisturizer and facial oil to seal in moisture. If you have dry skin, place a warm, damp towel over your face to help everything soak in, just like you did for your body.

Wrapping up Your Experience

For the authentic Korean spa at home, be sure to finish up your session with a pot of roasted barley tea. Called “boricha” Korea, it’s said to hydrate and detoxify the skin even further. Following this routine regularly will give you amazing results without ever leaving home, and it won’t break the bank either!

Learn more about Korean beauty in Jude Chao’s beautiful new book, “Skin Care for Your Soul: Achieving Outer Beauty and Inner Peace with Korean Skincare” or read our review here.