Beauty: Do Body Wraps Really Help?

Body wraps are the new “it” treatment at the spas. The celebrities are boasting about it and your friend down the street is probably talking about how it is her new go to for weight loss. Apparently, they are the new “cure for everything” treatment, or at least that is how they are being advertised

They promise to treat everything from loose skin, toxicity and even excess weight! So I’m sure you’re wondering how does this work and where can I get one?

Body wrapping historically was simply a method of losing weight in certain areas of the body through vasodilation (dilation of the blood vessels). Ace bandages would be wrapped around your body parts and would cause a quick, and temporary weight loss. Contemporarily, this treatment is a bit more of a complex procedure.

It often involves serums, lotions, mud, and/or seaweed that are supposed to assist in the weight loss and toxin release process. Steam and other environmental factors are also used for an added relaxation or harmonizing effects. And instead of wrapping just certain portions of the body, the spas do more of a cocoon/mummy-type wrap, where your entire body is completely concealed.

The ideology of body wrapping is based upon two principles: absorption and compacting. The body is wrapped tight, and therefore, the heat will open your pores and release moisture and toxins. The clay and other substances that your body is wrapped in absorb the matter being released. This wrapping process compacts the body and in essence, slims it down.

So, what is the issue?

Well, there really isn’t one. Body wrapping can be great, but lets be clear: this is a very temporary option. If you need to fit into a tight little dress for a special occasion, a body wrap before the event would be perfect. If you are trying to lose some weight and keep it off, you’re better off picking up a gym membership.

While these wraps may moisturize, tighten and firm you skin, it cannot be used as a replacement for good old exercise. Not to mention, a gym membership can run you about $50-100 bucks per month and body wraps at a spa cost about $75-500 per session. I don’t know about you, but I’ll stick to the treadmill!