Buzz
Body wraps have become incredibly popular at spas recently, but do they actually provide the promised results?
Digital Vision/ThinkstockBody wraps are widely advertised at spas, with some even featuring billboards and TV ads promising incredible slimming effects. Women arrive in the morning, undergo the treatment, and leave an hour later, visibly slimmer and free from cellulite as if by magic.
The so-called "slimming" wrap is just one example of what body wraps can offer. These treatments also aim to alleviate arthritis, skin issues, and cellulite. "Detox" wraps claim to purge toxins from the body, while during a "power wrap," you engage in an elliptical workout while wrapped in ACE bandages soaked in an electrolyte solution (and yes, this is a real treatment).
For a typical body wrap, you start by lying on a massage table where an exfoliating scrub, chosen from a range of options, is applied to your skin. After rinsing off in the shower, the therapist applies a wrap mixture (such as seaweed, mud, clay, or an herbal or fruit-based product) to your body, then covers you with plastic wrap. Once you're fully wrapped, additional layers like sheets, towels, and thermal blankets may be added. Then, you'll be left to relax and sweat for about 30 minutes.
So, that's the procedure -- but the real difference happens when you remove the wrap. The advertisements want you to believe that you'll emerge from the wrap like a butterfly from a cocoon — relaxed, moisturized, detoxified, free of cellulite, and slimmer. However, if you've heard the phrase "too good to be true," you might already suspect that the results won't be as dramatic as promised. Experts especially caution against expecting medical benefits for conditions like arthritis.
As long as you're not expecting to shed 10 pounds and lose 3 inches from your waist permanently, body wraps do offer some perks. It's undeniable that it feels nice to be wrapped up and left to unwind in a dimly lit room for half an hour. Your skin will likely feel soft and nourished after the moisturizers are applied. While you may lose some water weight and notice slight improvements in cellulite, just keep in mind that these effects are usually temporary and will fade after a couple of days.
And now, without further delay, here are five benefits of body wraps. Just remember to approach any spa claims with a healthy dose of (sea) salt.
5: Quick Cellulite and Weight Fix
Many individuals who opt for weight-loss or cellulite-reduction body wraps are usually preparing for a special event like a wedding or a beach getaway. These treatments may be ideal for such occasions, as they can temporarily tighten your skin or help you shed a bit of water weight. However, once the event is over, you’ll likely return to your usual self. Those hoping for a permanent solution to cellulite or lasting weight loss may be disappointed, as there's no substitute for consistent diet and exercise.
In 2008, 90 percent of spas offered some form of body wrap treatment, making it the third most popular spa service, following facials and massages, according to the president of SpaFinder Inc.
4: Exfoliation
If you choose a body wrap that involves a pre-wrap scrub, your skin will definitely undergo exfoliation. Whether it’s sea salt, pumice, sugar, or another natural exfoliant, it will remove dead skin cells, preparing your skin for the moisturizing phase of the wrap.
3: Moisturization
No matter what the specific ingredients in the wrap are, the treatment is always moisturizing.
Steve Mason/Getty ImagesRegardless of the type of body wrap you choose, your skin will always feel well-moisturized. The wrap solutions, no matter what they are made from, are inherently moisturizing. When applied to your body and combined with heat, these effects are enhanced. Additionally, after the wrap solution is removed, the therapist typically applies lotion, leaving your skin soft, even if you don’t shed 20 pounds.
2: Skin Detoxification
This topic is somewhat debated. Some aestheticians believe that certain materials, such as clay, mud, seaweed, and algae, used in body wraps can "extract" toxins from the body. While there’s no scientific evidence to prove full-body detoxification, these wraps might help purify the skin and improve conditions like acne.
If you have delicate skin or suffer from allergies, it's important to carefully examine the ingredients of a body wrap before committing. A wrap that includes strong fragrances or common allergens could lead to discomfort during the treatment.
1: Relaxation
Relaxation is likely the most universally agreed-upon benefit of body wraps. No matter what effects, or lack thereof, you may experience on your skin or cellulite, the time spent alone, listening to soothing music in a fragrant, dimly-lit environment is undeniably peaceful. However, if you struggle with claustrophobia, being wrapped tightly and left in a dark room for half an hour might not be the most pleasant experience for you.
