Body Wrap Treatments

What is a body wrap?

A body wrap - also known as a ‘body cocoon’ or ‘body mask’ - is a spa treatment created to enhance the health and appearance of skin, and/or reduce body measurements. 

A nourishing oil or mineral-rich formula is applied to the limbs and torso before they are wrapped in cotton, mylar bandages or a plastic film. This promotes the extraction of dirt, toxins and excess water from the skin.

While most wraps are performed on the entire body (minus the face and genital area), some - such as cellulite and bust wraps - are applied to certain areas alone.

What are the benefits of a body wrap treatment?

The pampering experience of a body wrap can provide multiple health and beauty benefits. The benefits may vary depending on the type of wrap chosen, however, some common benefits include:

Dead skin removal

Wrap treatments comprising an exfoliation stage will see dead skin cells lifted, providing you a smoother complexion top-to-toe and a flattering glow. You can choose to enjoy a body polish before your wrap if exfoliation is not included as part of your treatment. 

Detoxification

Body wraps featuring detoxifying algae, seaweed, mud or clay can help rid the body of toxins through metabolic skin cell stimulation. As skin is your largest organ, detoxification of the epidermis can have a significant effect on your health and overall wellbeing.

Intensive moisturisation

The vast majority of wraps comprise moisturising ingredients to hydrate, nourish and smooth your skin for improved condition. 

Relaxation

Once you’re fully wrapped by your esthetician, you’ll be left to relax for up to 30 minutes. This will provide you with some valuable - and rare - mental and physical downtime.

Temporary inch and/or weight loss

Wraps with detoxifying ingredients teamed with firmly wound bandages will see you sweat out any excess water and toxins, and also tighten your skin. This can temporarily improve the contours of your body and see you lose a dress size or two. 

Types of body wrap treatments

There are a number of different body wrap treatments available across the 500+ venues we represent nationwide. Some of the most popular treatments include:

Algae body wrap

This treatment sees a nourishing, warmed algae applied to your skin to jumpstart cell metabolism and aid detoxification.

Bust wrap

This treatment sees a tightening and firming serum applied to the bust region before wrapping. This treatment is designed to tone and moisturise any loose or sagging skin as a result of rapid weight loss or the natural ageing process.

Cellulite treatment wrap

A cellulite treatment wrap is designed to boost circulation and help flush toxins away from your skin and underlying fat cells. These wraps usually target the bottom, hip and thigh area for a smoother, bump-free appearance.

Chocolate body wrap

This heavenly-scented body wrap consists of a cocoa-rich formula being applied to your skin. Chocolate is known for its anti-ageing, toning and softening qualities. Ideal for chocoholics or anyone looking for silky smooth skin 

Detoxing and mineralising body wrap

The aim of these stimulating wraps is to remove toxins, draw out impurities and replace important minerals. This treatment uses such natural ingredients as algae, seaweed, mud and clay. These are great as a kickstart to a healthy living regime.

Frigi thalgo body wrap

This is a cryotherapy treatment wrap that treats feelings of discomfort and tiredness in the legs, giving them a new lease of life and a more streamlined figure. Ideal for anyone suffering from painful, ‘heavy’ legs or anyone with excess fluid retention in the hip and/or thigh region.

Herbal body wrap

This dead skin cell-eliminating treatment sees a selection of herbs - chosen for their nourishing properties - blended with essential oils and steeped in very hot water. Cloth sheets are then soaked in the solution before they are applied around the body. 

Hydrating body wrap

This kind of wrap is designed to hydrate the body, using top-of-the-range creams and gels, which are left to sink into the skin, rather than being washed off.  A hydrating body wrap is particularly beneficial during winter months when central heating and the inclement weather are taking their toll on your skin.

Slimming body wrap

Slimming body wraps are specially designed to cleanse, tone and tighten the skin, resulting in a better contour. Up to 10 inches can be lost across the body, though results from one-off treatments are usually temporary. The treatment involves being wrapped up tight whilst concentrated minerals work their magic! 

Mud body wraps & clay body wraps

Therapeutic muds and clays have anti-stress properties, making these wrap treatments popular with spa goes the world over. During this treatment, your esthetician will apply a layer of therapeutic mud or clay to the skin. They will then massage this in lightly before wrapping, leaving you feeling cleansed, detoxified and firm from head-to-toe. 

Oil body wrap

An oil body wrap is formulated to moisturize and hydrate the skin, using an essential oil or a mix of essential oils which are warmed and applied to the skin before wrapping. These body wraps can be particularly beneficial for dry, dehydrated skin that is lacking in moisture.

Paraffin body wrap

This unique, skin-softening body wrap consists of warm paraffin wax being brushed over the skin. Bandages or wraps are seldom used in this treatment, as the wax creates its own seal once dry. This particular body wrap can help to reduce muscle pain and soothe arthritic symptoms. 

Parafango wrap

A parafango wrap consists of a mixture of cold therapeutic mud and warm paraffin wax being applied to the skin. This unique mix creates a formula that can stimulate your lymphatic flow, helping your skin rid itself of toxins and excess water more efficiently.

Thalasso body wrap

A thalasso body wrap is much like a mud wrap and is also available at the vast majority of spas. This treatment is where a combination of seaweed, seawater and/or algae is applied to the skin before wrapping, leaving your skin feeling refreshed, hydrated and firm.

What to expect during a body wrap treatment

Treatments may vary depending on the spa you are visiting and the type of treatment you have chosen. To find the exact details of your chosen body wrap, you can contact your selected spa or visit their website for more details. 

Typically, a body wrap treatment consists of the following steps:

Step #1 - Clothing removal

Before your body wrap can begin, you will need to undress. This will depend on the type of body wrap you choose, as some body wraps only concern either the upper or the lower half of the body. For a full body wrap, you will need to need to strip down to your underwear or change into a bikini.

Step #2 - Body exfoliation

Those who have selected a treatment comprising exfoliation will first have their therapist promote dead skin cell removal through dry brushing or by using a gently abrasive scrub. Exfoliation can help to remedy many skin problems and can increase blood circulation, leaving you with silky smooth, healthy and glowing skin!

Step #3 - Rinse 

This step will only be necessary if your chosen treatment includes an exfoliation stage. Following a body exfoliation, you will need to rinse off before proceeding to the next stage. You may be escorted into a separate room to rinse off unless there is a Vichy shower above your treatment table. 

Step #4 - Formula application and body wrapping

Now it’s time for the main event - the body wrap itself! Your esthetician will begin to apply a mineral or oil-rich formula to your body, wrapping each area in a cloth or plastic film before moving onto the next section. When fully wrapped, some heated towels may also be laid upon you to further promote sweating and the opening of pores.

Step #5 - Now it’s time to relax

Once your esthetician has completed the wrapping stage, it’s time to relax! Depending on the spa you are visiting, you may be left alone whilst the treatment works it’s magic or you may choose to have a head massage or similar treatment whilst you wait (additional fees may apply).

Step #6 - Time to unwrap

Once the wrap has been left for the stated length of time, your esthetician will come and remove the wrap and rinse you off, or escort you to a separate shower where you will be able to rinse off yourself. Be sure not to use any cleansing products when rinsing as this could strip your skin of the oils and minerals applied during the treatment. 

Step #7 - Lock in the moisture!

At the end of your treatment, your esthetician will apply a final moisturiser or body oil to protect the skin. This will help to lock in all the goodness of those selected oils and minerals and will leave you with lovely soft skin!

FAQ’s

How long will the results of a body wrap treatment last?

Whether you are undergoing a body wrap to lose inches, reduce cellulite, aid a skin ailment or simply as a pampering treat, you can expect the results to last from a few days to a week. However, undergoing your chosen wrap treatment regularly and adopting a healthier lifestyle can help train your skin and body over time, providing you a much longer-lasting results.

What should you wear when undergoing a body wrap treatment?

In order for your spa therapist to carry out your body wrap, you will need to strip down to your underwear or change into a bikini. Some spas may offer disposable underwear in order to prevent damaging guests clothing.

If you are at all concerned about having your body on display, be sure to speak to the staff at your selected spa ahead of your visit.