A body wrap treatment is often a part of 'a day at the spa' package. It consists of covering the body parts with a 'body mask', then wrapping to keep the area warm, followed by a rinse and sometimes a lotion treatment. The result is smoother and softer skin and a loss of inches.
Benefits
Although all body wraps can help you lose inches, it is the ingredients of the body mask that determine the precise benefits offered. Body wrap treatments that use algae, seaweed, mud or clay work as detoxification treatments and actually help to rid the body of toxins. Some body masks contain hydrating ingredients like shea butter and rich lotions. These body wraps result in softer skin.
While body wrap treatments are not a permanent solution for cellulite removal and weight loss, they do provide several benefits and the results are immediate. Body wraps work to detoxify the body inside and out, and some can increase circulation and metabolism.
Function
Depending on where you go to have the body wrap treatment done you may find that the process begins with an exfoliation through the use of a salt scrub or through dry brushing. As the body mask is applied it may either be smoothed on or massaged in. And wrapping can be done in plastic, foil, elastic bandages, or even towels or sheets. You may also be warmed with additional covering or special lighting.
Body wrap treatments are generally left on 20 to 60 minutes and then the unwrapping is completed and the body mask is rinsed off. After your skin is dried there is usually an application of lotion or oils to add extra moisture to the skin.
Considerations
Being wrapped snuggly for up to an hour can cause stress for anyone that suffers with claustrophobia. If this is you then a body wrap may not be the right treatment for you. It is also important to note that you may be left alone during the treatment. If that is a concern you should ask before scheduling the service.
Some spas combine body wraps with massages, but in most cases the two are distinctly different services. Some places offer combination services that include a pre-treatment body scrub, the body wrap, followed by a massage.
Types
According to information found at the Spa Finder website, there are five basic types of body wraps: algae/seaweed, which is designed to boost metabolism and enhance skin health; cellulite, which is used to reduce the appearance of cellulite or dimpled skin; herbal, which is designed to heal and detoxify; mud, which increases circulation and removes toxins from the skin, resulting a tighter, firmer skin texture; and slimming, which promote release of excess fluids
Significance
In general terms body wraps work to remove the interstitial fluid. This fluid builds up in cells and between the cells, which results in excess inches. A body wrap treatment can draw this fluid out from the body, removing toxins and resulting in softer fresher skin. Lines on the skin will be smoother and finer, cellulite will be less visible and circulation and metabolism will be improved.
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