Celebrity trend report: Body wraps
Celebs are buzzing about full-body wraps. But does getting swaddled like a infant really shrink inches and leave skin glowing? FIRST wellness columnist Jorge Cruise weighs in
When you think of going to the spa, you probably imagine tranquil music, plush towels and total relaxation…not being wrapped up like a mummy while jumping on a trampoline. But that’s what you get with the latest full-body compression wraps lauded by stars like Ellen DeGeneres and Tyra Banks.
Though it sounds a bit intense, the therapy is said to be relaxing—and slimming. During a session, the body is tightly swathed in elastic bandages that have been soaked in a solution of minerals, essential oils and herbal extracts. This works in two ways: The wrap compresses body tissue to improve circulation and break up cellulitecausing fat deposits, and the liquid tincture soaks into skin to draw out fat-trapping toxins and stimulate the production of skin-firming collagen.
To maximize the benefits, many treatments also call for lounging under a heated blanket while others recommend light exercise (like walking or jumping on a mini trampoline) while the body is wrapped. Proponents claim this opens pores to allow the slimming tincture to penetrate more deeply. Plus, the additional heat promotes sweating to optimally purge excess toxins and fluids. This immediately reduces puffiness and trims an impressive number of inches. After Tyra Banks tried the treatment, she told her audience that she lost 9 inches overall in her arms, midsection, butt and legs. And experts add that the benefits go beyond instant slimming. Purging toxins also lightens the liver’s load so the organ can fire up fat burn to promote weight loss even after the session is over.
Fans of the treatment note that the heat also relaxes muscles and soothes sore joints while the mineral solution hydrates and moisturizes the skin, leaving it glowing, radiant and babysmooth. Other purported benefits include deeper, more restorative sleep and renewed energy.
For all the potential benefits, though, doctors caution that tightly wrapping the skin is inadvisable for women with diabetes or circulationrelated conditions because it can constrict blood vessels and capillaries that are already narrowed or damaged. And some salons use ingredients in their propriety mineral blends that can irritate sensitive skin. Some health-care professionals also say the wraps promote profuse sweating but don’t allow the sweat to evaporate, which can heat the body to unsafe levels and result in weakness, dizziness and confusion. What’s more, the treatments come with a sizable price tag: A 45- to 60-minute session can range from $35 to $120 at day spas, tanning salons and specialty salons.