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Body Wraps

Here's the low-down on seaweed and algae body wraps; what really happens when you rub goo all over your legs and bottom?

They don't call it the mysteries of the deep for nothing. If you've ever wondered why (on earth) women consider it a delicious beauty treat to smother themselves in questionable looking gunk and pay heavily for the privilege, it's time to wise up.

Body wraps have long been used as a cellulite treatment. The process goes something like this; you go to a salon and undress, then a therapist applies some kind of blue, green or browny marine-based mud, then wraps your waist and bottom up in foil, or cling film or some kind of gauze. Thus trussed, you're left gazing at the ceiling or floor, depending, for about an hour, after which you're cleaned, moisturised and sent out into the world, inches smaller and with smoother, firmer skin.

Seawater and sea products have been used therapeutically for aeons; sea water is rich in important minerals - such as calcium, iodine, aluminium, magnesium, potassium, sulphur, zinc, potassium and selenium, which is a natural antioxidant.

These all have positive effects on the body - from rebalancing your metabolism and circulation, to relaxing your muscles, and also healing the skin, thanks to seawater's antiseptic properties. Seaweed and sea clay are also rich in iodine, which can help balance the thyroid function which helps regulate hormone levels in the body.

Little wonder that people still flock to the Dead Sea with their aches and pains and for a beauty boost, and why you feel so fantastic after a dip in the sea.

Marine products, then, are thought to help with cellulite by boosting circulation and encouraging fluid loss from the skin; so if you think your own cellulite is caused by water retention, it's worth investing in some of the green stuff.

The heated blanket/cling film part of the process is thought to encourage the skin to sweat further, and you tend to lose water, which is why you often emerge having lost a few pounds and inches during the treatment. Sometimes the therapist will measure you before and after - any inch loss does make you feel you've had your money's worth. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids post-treatment, though, as you could feel dehydrated.

It's not a miracle solution, as the pounds will return as you drink to replenish the lost fluids. But if you're beach-bound, look upon it as a temporary cellulite-minimiser or tummy flattener. Plus it's actually fairly pleasant - deeply relaxing, and wonderfully pampering. And, appearance aside, the products usually smell delectable.

If your budget can't stretch to a salon treatment, you can diy at home, bearing in mind that your bathroom will be mud-strewn and look like it's hosted the England Rugby team post-match clean up (without any of the eye candy benefits for you!)

An altogether less messy route is to soak in a sea mineral bath - it's invigorating and leaves you with ultra-soft skin. Just lie back, relax and imagine you're a cellulite-free nymph swimming in the Indian Ocean. Great brands include thalgo (www.thalgo.com) or Guam Sea Products or elemis (www.elemis.com)


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