A body wrap is a day spa treatment that promises you therapeutic and cosmetic benefits by cleansing your body of toxins. Traditionally, body wraps are also believed to tone and tighten the look of your skin, and even to take inches off of your waistline.
Body wraps can be a bit messy, so if you want to try one at home, you need to do a bit of preparation. Warm your bathroom so that you can lay in your tub comfortably for an hour while your wrap works. Place several blankets in your tub so that you have a comfortable surface to lie on, and cover these blankets with a plastic sheet. Have several linen sheets or thin towels ready for the wrap, keeping in mind that these items may later be difficult to clean. You may also want to have a book or music to enjoy so that you do not get bored during your wrap.
Simple Clay Wrap
Mineral clays are the basic ingredient for most body wrap recipes, and can be ordered online. To make a mineral body wrap, choose the clay type that is most suitable for your skin type. If you have oily, blemished skin, you should choose bentonite clay. Bentonite is highly absorbent and will extract impurities from your skin. If your skin is very dry or sensitive, you should use pink kaolin clay. This clay is so mild that it is often used in facial wraps. For normal skin, use yellow kaolin clay. Yellow kaolin is more absorbent than pink kaolin.
Boil one cup of clay in two cups of water with one quarter cup of Epsom salt and two tablespoons of olive oil until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Allow the mixture to cool until it is still warm but comfortable to your touch and slather your body with it. Wrap yourself tightly in damp linens or towels and relax in your bathtub for 45 minutes to an hour before rinsing in a warm shower.
Herbal Wraps
You can purchase natural powdered herbs produced specifically for cosmetic purposes online, or you can try to make your own at home with raw herbs and a food processor. Natural herbs can add a number of benefits to your wrap. Calendula, chamomile and lavender are all known to soothe irritable skin. Lemongrass and peppermint both have aromatherapeutic properties and can stimulate you. Ginger is known to have warming properties and may help to increase your circulation.
In order to make an herbal wrap, boil two cups of water with one cup of the clay that is best suited to your skin type. Add half a cup of Epsom salts and half a cup of your powdered herb mixture, and boil until all ingredients are thoroughly blended. Allow to cool to a comfortable temperature prior to application.
Sea Vegetable Wraps
Sea vegetables have the added benefit of nourishing your body with nutrients when absorbed through your skin through a body wrap. Powdered sea vegetables are available for sale online, and promise to tone your skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. You can choose from powdered kelp, dulse, or aloe vera.
For a sea vegetable mask, boil two cups of water with one cup of the best clay for your skin. Add half a cup of Epsom salts and half a cup of your powdered sea vegetable mix and thoroughly incorporate all ingredients. Cool to a warm but comfortable temperature, and apply as directed above.
Enjoy Your Day Spa Treatment
No matter which wrap you choose for yourself at home, take the time to relax and enjoy yourself. Regular, bi-monthly use of body wraps could lead you to lose weight and clarify your skin.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
