Originally a body wrap was a treatment where Ace bandages or plastic wrap was tightly wrapped around the body to cause quick weight loss through vasodilation. Now a body wrap is more likely to be treatment where you’re slathered with a body mask made of algae, seaweed, mud, clay, lotion or cream, depending on the treatment, then wrapped for 20 minutes to keep you warm. Later the product is rinsed off. The body wrap usually ends with application of lotion. This treatment is sometimes called a body cocoon or body mask.

Body wraps that use algae, seaweed, mud or clay are detox treatments that help rid the body of toxins through metabolic stimulation. Body wraps using shea butter and rich lotions are hydrating treatments geared towards softening the skin.

Often a body wrap begins with exfoliation through dry brushing or a salt scrub. You down on whatever you will eventually be wrapped in – often plastic or mylar, but sometimes towels or sheets. I think it’s best when a massage therapist does the body wrap, because they naturally incorporate massage techniques as they apply the product. (An esthetician, on the other hand, is simply rubbing product on the skin.) Once the product is on, you’re wrapped to stay warm, usually for 20 minutes. Oftentimes the therapist leaves the room, but sometimes they stay and give you a scalp massage (much better, in my opinion!).

When the time is up, you’re unwrapped and the body mask has to come off. This is why they often take place in wet rooms, equipped with a shower, wet table, or Vichy shower. You might either jump in a shower or the therapist will rinse you off with a handheld shower or a special Vichy shower that feels absolutely fabulous. It’s like taking a shower lying down. Then you dry off, and there’s usually an application of lotion to moisturize your skin.