​​Body Beautified

There is so much controversy and debate about body wraps… which ones work… do any of them really work… are they safe? At Body Beautified, we believe you should know the truth, and be well-informed before making a decision to have a body wrap of any kind. Below you will see answers to most of the common body wrap questions, but if you see something we missed, please send an email and let us know at bodybeautified@gmail.com

 

The History of Body Wraps

Body wraps have been around for many years, dating all the way back to ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Body Wraps are therapies that can detoxify and heal the body, remove excess fat and fluid from tissues, restore minerals, reduce joint pain, tighten and tone the skin, and nourish and soften the skin. Over the past 30 years, with the increase in science in the cosmetic industry, body wraps now top the list of spa treatments that offer cosmetic and therapeutic benefits for the entire body.

 

The Science Behind Body Wraps

Just below the skin, there are three layers of fat. Within each layer of fat, there are individual fat cells which are surrounded by interstitial fluid. This fluid can accumulate in excess within the cells and between the cells because of a lack of exercise, aging, diets high in salt and sugar, and a build up of toxins. Body wraps contain ingredients designed to draw out these excess fluids and toxins while restoring nutrients to the body.

 

Understanding Toxins

Toxins are chemicals and preservatives that enter the body through the air we breathe,  foods we eat,  liquids we drink, and are absorbed through the pores in our skin from the products we apply daily to our hair and skin. Normally, our bodies are designed to flush these toxins out through the liver and kidneys. But the amount we take in is much greater than what our bodies can safely process, so the excess toxins end up being stored in the interstitial fluid where they are then absorbed by the surrounding fat cells.

 

Three Different Types of Body Wraps

There are essentially three different types of body wraps on the market today. All three types employ a large emphasis on moisturizing, healing and conditioning the skin. However, the primary function of the three types is drastically different

 

• Pampering Wraps: We fondly refer to these as “foo-foo” wraps. They are more along the lines of a glorified massage where some sort of mud, cream or oil is applied to the body. You are then wrapped in a nice, warm blanket and relax in a darkened room while listening to soft music. This type of wrap is wonderful for moisturizing the skin and helping you to de-stress.

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• Dehydration Wraps: This type of wrap creates a minor amount of inch loss and weight loss (1 – 2 pounds) primarily through water elimination. These water elimination wraps are very useful for women who tend to retain fluid and feel bloated much of the time. The results are similar to that which could be obtained through excessive exercise or time spent in a sauna. You will feel better for a short period of time and the inch and weight loss is only temporary (2 or 3 days).  Industry experts will tell you that a large majority of body wraps on the market are the dehydration type wrap, so always ask what type of wrap a spa offers, ask what the after-wrap instructions are regarding fluid intake, and how long the results can be expected to last. An easy way to spot a dehydration wrap is there will be no guarantee regarding inch loss or longevity for the results.​​

 

• Hydration Wraps: (This is the only type of wrap Body Beautified offers).  This body wrap creates inch loss in two ways. The first is by aiding the lymphatic system in the removal of stored toxins. These wraps stimulate a process called lymphatic drainage, where toxins and fatty acids from your cells are released into the capillaries and eliminated along with the body’s waste. Being advised to drink large quantities of water (64 ounces per day) after this type of body wrap is common to help flush the toxins. By following these instructions, you will most likely notice additional inch loss in the days after your wrap.These wraps also help to eliminate the excess fluids and toxins by drawing them out through the pores of the skin. The result is an immediate and noticeable inch loss in the areas of the body where there is a large accumulation of fat; the hips, thighs, stomach and rear. This is where your “inch loss guarantee” comes into play. A more effective body wrap will offer total body inch loss of up to 20 inches, but please note, this type of loss can only be expected in a larger body type.  You will also notice when researching this type of body wrap that there are little or no claims of weight loss. This is because the product being used is actually absorbed into the body to nourish and hydrate the body. Since most of us do not drink enough water and our bodies are constantly dehydrated, this type of body wrap helps us to feel rejuvenated and energized. Although the results of this type of body wrap will vary depending on how effective the ingredients are and on an individual’s toxin level, the inch loss obtained from this wrap is often permanent.

 

Two Stages of a Body Wrap

Body wraps work in two stages: absorption and compaction. In the absorption stage, you apply a substance on your body either directly onto the skin or by wraps soaked in a liquid solution. There are several types of absorbents: sea clay, seaweed, mud, herbal, mineral and aloe vera. The effectiveness of the wrap is determined by the ingredients used.

Compaction is simply squeezing the tissues together after the toxins and interstitial fluid has been extracted. Once the fluids have been extracted, there are empty “pockets” between the fat cells. Without using compression of some sort, after removing the toxins and excess fluids, the fat layer would be very relaxed and limp. Not a pretty picture! In order to prevent this, and to compress the fat cells back together again for a firmer, smaller appearance, a tight wrap is used.

 

Most everyone is familiar with the old body wraps that use plastic wrap to induce sweating, to hold the product on the body and apply moderate pressure. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but by using an ace type bandage as we do at the Body Wrap Spalon, along with our advanced wrapping techniques, we have more control and are able to lift and contour the body during the wrapping process.

 

Body Shapers

Girdles are making a huge come-back these days, but we now call them “body shapers.” You can do your part to increase your inch loss results and maintain your new shape even longer by purchasing a body shaper and wearing that each day for about a week after your wrap. As your body continues to eliminate toxins as natural waste material (you are drinking more water!), you will notice additional inch loss and body toning if you wear a firm body shaper. These do not have to be expensive. For a woman ~ one that goes from mid-calf to just under the breasts is best. For a man ~ a body shaper with firm support through the stomach and upper thighs is best. These are not to be worn at night.

 

How Long Will the Results Last?

This is often what everyone wants to know.  To refresh your memory about toxins… remember, they are chemicals and preservatives that we take in through the air we breathe, the foods and drinks we consume, and the products we use on our bodies. So how many of us are going to stop eating, drinking, breathing and smearing lotions on our bodies? No one we know. So, common sense tells us that the toxins will be back, but it’s up to you to determine how fast they accumulate again. Will you change your eating habits? Go organic? Drink more bottled water, etc.? Even though we know we should do these things, not many of us make these major changes.

 

A safe rule of thumb on how long the inch loss results last is to say that the average person will not show signs of the inches returning for 2 to 3 months. This is why we recommend regular body wraps to not only keep you healthy, but also to maintain your results. You should consider getting a body wrap as part of your routine just as you do with hair cuts, nail appointments, dental check-ups, physicals, etc.

 

What About Cellulite?

Ah, those dreaded “butt dimples”.  The word cellulite is a combination of the French word for “cell” and the suffix “-ite,” meaning disease. The fat cells of our body are surrounded by a liquid called interstitial fluid that both nourishes it and provides it with an effective waste system. When that fluid becomes filled with toxins, it thickens and hardens the connective tissue just below the skin and creates a dimpling effect that can be seen on the outside of the body as cellulite.

 

Cellulite affects only a small percentage of men in the stomach and chest areas, but about 90% of all women are affected and it can be a problem regardless of size, age or weight. It normally occurs after age 30, worsens with age because of poor muscle tone and circulation, and is more evident in heavier women. It can even affect those who exercise regularly, including athletes.

 

There is no “cure” for cellulite, but as you can see from the list of causes above, there are some  steps you can take to fight it. - Remove the toxins through regular body wraps- Drink more water to flush the toxins naturally- Eat a little healthier- Exercise more- Maintain a steady weight.

 

At Body Beautified, we want our clients to be well-informed before having any body wrap. We want you to know what to expect, to have realistic ideals and goals, and to understand what we are trying to do for you. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to answer all of your questions.