Body wraps have been a spa luxury for years. A variety of ingredients are used in the wraps, which began as a way to moisturize and smooth skin while relaxing. Wraps are also requested by those who want to firm skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Now, temporarily slimming the physique is drawing women to wraps. At-home wraps, available in body wrap kits, or homemade, are also becoming popular as a cheaper alternative. Does this Spark an idea?
What Are Wraps?
Heralded as a temporary alternative to surgery, wraps usually rely on natural ingredients such as herbs and minerals. Oils and sea salt are commonly incorporated into wraps. Mud, aloe vera, caffeine and seaweed are used to help draw fluids and toxins, causing inch loss. Scrubs or other exfoliants may also be used to help smooth skin.
How They Work
Wraps help eliminate excess fluids, such as retained water, and toxins, according to Amy Keller, beauty editor of Allure magazine. There are several benefits that come with wraps, including metabolism and lymphatic system boosts as well as contouring and beautifying skin. The results are temporary, as fluids will gradually build back up. Wraps can also help reduce fine lines. And there's an additional benefit as well: the wraps are relaxing and help relieve stress.
Do They Work?
CBS' "The Early Show" put wraps to the test, measuring four women before and after wraps were applied. All of the women lost between two and four inches in an hour or less. Allure's Keller says to look for ingredients such as caffeine, seaweed and mud, but cautions it could be a case of trial and error.
At-Home Wraps
It's a good idea to try a home wrap if you're willing. That way you can see how you like it without spending big bucks at a spa. Be sure to measure yourself first, particularly the waist, stomach, thighs and hips. Measure any area you intend to wrap.
Spa Stay recommends this recipe: Mix five drops of lemongrass oil, 10 drops of grapefruit essential oil and three drops of orange essential oil in one-fourth cup of jojoba oil. Shower, then spread this recipe over the waist and stomach. Wrap with cling wrap. Leave it on overnight. The grapefruit and orange are designed to cleanse while the lemongrass removes toxins. Jojoba oil softens fats. The wrap keeps the oils on the skin to be absorbed. You will sweat, so drink plenty of water.
You can also try an herbal wrap. Take a large pot and add three handfuls of dried herbs, such as chamomile, lavender or rose petals to hot water. Add two large cotton towels. Submerge the towels. Let this steep for five to 10 minutes. Add 10 drops of your preferred essential oil. Mix. Wring the towels so that there is plenty of water left in the towels but they don't drip. Wrap the towels around you and lie down on plastic for about 10 minutes. Then unwrap the towels slowly. Moisturize skin.
