A body wrap is a cosmetic way to tighten loose skin, draw out excess water and remove toxins from the skin. A simple clay-based wrap can be done at home with the same results you get at a day spa. The ingredients used in a body wrap are what makes them work.
Sea Salts and Water
Sea salts have a high mineral content, with Dead Sea salts reputedly having the highest concentration of minerals. The magnesium in the sea salts reduces water retention and calms the nervous system. Bring 2 cups of distilled water to a boil. Add the sea salts and allow them to dissolve before adding the clay and olive oil.
Clay
Bentonite or montmorillonite clay has been used for centuries for internal and external body cleanses. It has a high mineral content as well as detoxifying properties. When put in a wrap or taken internally, it absorbs toxic substances in the body. Bentonite, when mixed with water, covers a large area of skin. Add 1 cup of bentonite clay to the boiling sea salt mixture.
Olive & Essential Oils
According to the American Society for Microbiology, the polyphenols in olive oil "have been demonstrated to inhibit or delay the rate of growth of a range of bacteria and fungi..." Olive oil also contains vitamin E, which helps the skin with the natural production of collagen, and vitamin K. Vitamin K is commonly used to treat spider veins and dark patches of skin. Add 2 tbsp. of olive oil to the clay and salt water mixture.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can provide an aromatic experience to the body wrap. Essential oils are available in herbal, spice, floral and fruit scents. Aromatherapy with essential oils can help reduce stress and provide other benefits. For example, tea tree oil has antibacterial properties, and lavender promotes relaxation. Add 2 tsp. of essential oils to the clay, salt water and olive oil mixture. The mixture should form a wet, thick paste. If it does not, add a tablespoon of clay at a time until it does.
Wraps
The wrap works best when applied after a hot shower, sauna or steam when the pores are open. Open pores allow the toxins to be excreted without difficulty. Once the clay paste is applied to your body, wrap yourself in large towels or bath sheets. Cotton sheets can be used as well. The tighter the towels or sheets are wrapped, the more toxins and excess moisture can be drawn out of the body. It is easiest to lay in a bathtub while wrapped. After 45 minutes to an hour, unwrap and rinse off the clay.
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