spa-ritual
Korean body scrub (seshin)
A bathhouse tradition in which the body is soaked in warm water, then scrubbed thoroughly with an Italy towel mitt by an attendant.
Indicative cost
£30.00–£80.00 per session
Downtime
None, though skin is temporarily more sensitive.
Typical course
Traditionally every few weeks to monthly
Keeping it up
Every four to eight weeks
How it works
Soaking softens the outer layer of skin so that mechanical scrubbing lifts it away. It is thorough physical exfoliation, nothing more complicated than that.
What a session actually involves
You soak in a hot pool or steam for 15–20 minutes, then lie on a table while an attendant scrubs the whole body in sections. It is brisk and not shy. A rinse, sometimes a milk or oil treatment, finishes it. Expect very smooth skin and no modesty.
What people usually consider it for
- Dry or tight body skin
- Bumpy texture
- Keratosis pilaris (rough bumps)
- Dark marks on the body
This reflects what the treatment is commonly used for — not a claim that it will work for you.
When it may not be suitable
- You have eczema, psoriasis or very reactive skin
- You have sunburn, open cuts, recent waxing or laser
- You are pregnant and not comfortable with hot soaking
This list is not exhaustive. A qualified practitioner should assess you before any treatment.
Things to weigh up
- — Not for the same week as waxing, laser or a strong body acid
- — Skin needs moisturiser and SPF afterwards
What the evidence looks like
A long-established bathhouse practice in Korea with clear immediate cosmetic effect. Frequent aggressive scrubbing can irritate; there is no evidence it changes skin lastingly.
Questions worth asking first
Say if the pressure is too much — a good attendant will adjust.
What tends to sit alongside it
- Body oil
- Body moisturiser
Others people compare it with
Treatments and devices are listed for information only. Nothing here is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a promise of a result. Suitability depends on your health, skin and the specific device or practitioner — always check with a qualified professional first.