Detoxifying Wraps: Beneficial Sweat

Learn what to expect from being swaddled in a detoxifying wrap with Groupon’s introduction.

Mineral-rich clay. Seaweed. Algae. Fragrant herbs. All are substances that spa specialists believe are rich with detoxifying properties, and, when made into thick pastes, these form the basis of detox body wraps. The process typically begins with full-body exfoliation so that vitamins, minerals, and moisture encounter no barriers on their way into the pores. Next, the spa therapist applies the detox salve and wraps the client with bandages, plastic, or thermal blankets. Some treatments focus on specific areas, such as the abdomen, legs, or the shoulder where you usually carry your bag of toxins, whereas others cover the body from neck to toe.

The wraps themselves encourage sweat, which releases retained water and anything else that’s been hanging out in the pores—such as toxins, which the mineral or herbal ingredients smoothed on the skin are designed to pull away. Scientific studies haven’t yet been carried out to demonstrate or explain the detoxifying effects spas promote—the treatments are relatively new, and vary widely between practitioners. But since the wraps definitely cause water loss via sweat, many clients notice a temporary loss of inches and a tightening of the skin after emerging like hummingbirds from their cocoons. They’re also likely to notice softer skin from the moisturizing ingredients, and possibly clearer pores—clay-based masks are a common treatment for acne as well.