One of the hottest cosmetic treatments right now are
body wraps. Body wraps, long a staple at spas, are considered to be
an effective, all-natural way to enhance and moisten your skin and
make it look softer. These days, they're being touted by many beauty
experts as a way to help women look and feel slimmer.
Body wraps are designed to improve the texture and appearance of
the skin by helping to rid the body of excess fluids and toxins. The benefits of
body wraps may include body contouring, detoxification, temporary inch
loss, skin tightening, and skin softening.
The process involves several steps that can take up to an hour.
- Undress, except for underwear and bra.
- Measurements will be taken in numerous spots on your body.
- The professional will wrap your body in bandages soaked in solution or
oils.
- Your body will be squeezed together by tightly wrapped Ace bandages of
cloths.
- Perform light exercise to release toxins from the body.
- Unwrap and rinse solution.
- Measurements will be retaken to reveal the amount of inches you've lost.
- Drink plenty of water before, during and after the wrap to help rid the
body of toxins.
People undergoing body wrap treatments typically have their
torso, legs, arms, and neck wrapped with elastic cloths (either dry when wrapped
or pre-soaked with body wrap mixture). The elastic cloths absorb and help remove
excess body fluids and toxins. The cloths are wrapped snugly (though not too
tightly), creating a thermal blanket that promotes sweating.
There are several types
of formulas you cmay choose from including: American, European, Herbal, Aloe
Vera, Sea Clay, Sea Weed, Sea Mud, Collagen, or Mineral. The shape, size, and
ingredients used in the body wraps can vary tremendously. Some helpful things to
consider when shopping for a body wrap are:
List of Ingredients -- all natural is always best for skin sensitivity
Topical Inclusion -- always easier if the ointment comes pre-applied and not
separate from the wrap
Application Technique -- convenient if you can apply within privacy of your own
home
The Benefits
Body wraps are all-natural, most often containing a
mixture of herbs and minerals designed to beautify the skin.
Essential oils and sea salts may also be used in daily spa body wrap
treatments, helping to tone and soften the skin while helping to rid
you of unwanted inches. Results sometimes may be realized
immediately. But toxins and interstitial fluids eventually
re-accumulate, so regular body wraps may provide better long-term
benefits.
Practitioners claims that you can expect to lose between 6-20 inches from
your first wrap. Each individual is different and loses at a different
rate.
Womens' magazine editors first look for those wraps that promise
"detoxifying," "firming," "tightening," or "slimming" effects. Then, they check
for ingredients dermatologists and aestheticians have said have some kind of
tightening effect, however temporary. That includes things such as seaweed,
caffeine, and muds.
The bottom line is that body wraps may be best for someone looking to improve
their appearance and look slightly slimmer for an event, such as a wedding or
party. It can also be used in conjunction with a weight loss and exercise
program to "jump start" their motivation and keep them on plan.
The Drawbacks
Consumers should be aware that these wraps are being
advertised by some as a way to accomplish fat loss. This is NOT
true--body wraps will NOT help you lose body fat. They are a
cosmetic treatment that helps you lose inches, not fat, and the
result are temporary, usually just a day or two. Once you return to
drinking normal amounts of liquid, the inches come back.
Spas offering wraps or other providers will tell you to repeat
the process frequently to continue ridding the
body of toxins and achieve the maximum results. That's to be expected. Since the
results only last a few days to perhaps a week, you HAVE to keep going back to
maintain the lost inches. However, doing so too often could be unhealthy since
this is water weight loss. It's not a good idea to get several wraps in a row
without maintaining proper hydration. It could also break your wallet.
If you have claustrophobia, this may not be the right treatment for you. You
might be left alone during the treatment. If that bothers you, ask before you
book the service.
Who Does Them?
Local salons and spas offer this service. Suddenly Slender
is a popular spa that offers body wraps. To find a location near
you, visit their web site. A weight loss chain based in Florida,
Before & After Weight Loss Centers (profiled on
BestDietForMe.com - Top 60 diet plans) provides wraps at its
"belly buster" parties offered via its 1,000+ consultants
nationwide.
Some feel that it’s best when a massage therapist does the body
wrap, because they naturally incorporate massage techniques as they apply the
product. (An esthetician, on the other hand, is simply rubbing product on the
skin.) Once the product is on, you’re wrapped to stay warm, usually for 20
minutes.
Home versions are also available at a more affordable price, usually about
$40. Slim Take from Walgreens is one example.
The Cost
The cost of the body wrap at a typical spa can
range from $110-$150. Check to see if your spa offers a discount on
multiple wraps. They often offer a 10-wrap special. Home-based
products are also available and can offer substantial savings over
spa treatments. A starter kit ranges from $30-$60.