Body wraps are designed to improve the texture and appearance of skin by removing excess fluid and toxins from the body. This method also firms loose skin and treats the unsightly appearance of cellulite. In addition, body wraps offer a variety of benefits that include detoxification, contouring, skin softening, and giving a boost to the lymphatic system and metabolism. People who have enjoyed a body wrap treatment may have also noticed another benefit: losing a few inches around the waistline.

How are body wraps performed?

For those who are new to body wraps, it's a straightforward, as well as an indulgent treatment. Typically, the person receiving the body wrap has her torso, legs, arms, and neck wrapped with special cloths which have been soaked in a special mixture of ingredients. Oils, sea salts, and other mineral essential, natural ingredients are used during the wrap to provide the body with an overall exfoliating scrub. These ingredients help to improve the texture and appearance of the skin, while also cleansing the body through the process of detoxification. Body wraps are safe as they use only natural ingredients.

In preparation for the treatment, the cloths are wrapped snugly around the body, creating a kind of thermal blanket that promotes sweating and aids in the emptying of unnecessary interstitial fluid, or the fluid located between the small spaces of body tissues. Results sometimes may be realized immediately.

While bundled snuggly, the client lies peacefully as the body wrap begins to do its work. A warm sensation may be felt as the body begins to sweat out excess fluids and toxins. It's believed that this process is what actually allows a few inches to be melted off. Toxins and interstitial fluids eventually re-accumulate, so regular body wraps may provide better long-term benefits.

Once the cloths are removed, a soak in a mud bath or other body treatment may follow. Most spas offer a variety of body wraps to cater to skin type and the body's needs so body wraps may be customized as the client desires. Body wraps will vary depending on the spa where the treatment is performed and what services are included with the body wrap.

Benefits of a body wrap:

- Body scrubs use salts and other natural ingredients to exfoliate and detoxify the skin.

- Body wraps use detoxifying organic materials such as mud or aloe vera to draw toxins from the body and soften skin.

- Most body scrubs use a blend of oils with fine and coarse grains, and are followed with the application of emollient lotions to further soften skin.

- Skin will feel soft and fine lines will lessen after just one treatment.

- Such deeply relaxing treatments are shown to decrease stress, thereby lowering blood pressure.

- Since the skin is our largest organ, detoxification can have profound effects on our health and sense of well-being.

- Body wraps help to tone skin and rid the body of unwanted inches.

Body wraps typically cost between $100 and $300 (depending on your location) at most day spas. Body wraps are often performed as part of a larger body treatment that may include aromatherapy, mud baths, hot tubs, and saunas. Day spa body wraps can be less expensive when performed in conjunction with other body treatments or day spa therapies that may include facials, massages, or waxing. With the success of body wraps being used as a method for weight loss, there are body wraps treatments which are for sale for use at home.