Exfoliation
To begin the body wrap process, a spa clinician will typically begin with a vigorous exfoliation of the body. This is usually done in one of two ways. The first way is to use a dry body brush that gently scratches the surface of the skin. The movement of the brush helps remove dead skin cells, as well as helps to improve blood circulation, pulling blood closer to the skin. The second way to exfoliate is by using a salt scrub. Salt scrubs have the same benefit as a dry brush, but the exfoliation is achieved by rubbing a mixture of sea salts and botanical or moisturizing ingredients all over the body, and then rinsing them off. The coarseness of the sea salts help to remove any dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth and prepared for the body wrap.
Product
Once the body has been exfoliated, the spa clinician will apply the active product for the body wrap. The type of product being used depends on the desired result of the body wrap. For example, if the body wrap is for weight or inches loss, the clinician will apply a product such as seaweed, aminophylline or ginger root powder. For a detoxification wrap, the clinician may choose a product such as dead sea clay to help pull toxins out of the skin. For moisturizing and skin cleansing body wraps, the clinician may use ingredients such as wild orchid extract or shea butter. Body wrap products may also employ aromatherapy ingredients such as mint or jasmine. Other common ingredients in body wrap products include yellow dock root powder, chocolate, aloe vera, capsicum powder and blue green algae.
Wrapping
Once the product has been generously applied to the body and massaged into the skin, the wrapping process begins. Depending on the wrap, the clinician may use plastic or elastic bandage style materials. In some cases, especially with weight loss wraps, the wrapping material may also be soaked in product ingredients. Once the wrapping has been applied, the person may be placed in a vinyl sauna suit to keep the body warm and will remain wrapped for up to 30 to 45 minutes.
Rinse
Next, the body wrap is removed, and any residual product from the skin should be rinsed off. In some spas or offices, rinsing may just involve taking a shower. Other options for rinsing may include a vichy shower, which allows the person to stay relaxed and lying down as the clinician passes the massaging shower device over the body.
Member Comments