Weighing the Benefits of Herbal Body Wraps

At spas and some beauty salons, herbal body wraps are billed as a way to cleanse and rejuvenate--and maybe improve the appearance of lumpy skin. For prices ranging from about $50 to $150, you’re wrapped in heated sheets or bandages soaked in herbs and other substances. What can you expect? Here are two views:

Judy Hiney, wrapper, Ojai Body Wrap:

“I heat and soak oversized Ace bandages in sea clay and herbs. The wrap--a European body wrap--presses against the skin and works like a giant poultice. You stay wrapped for about two hours. It draws out toxins that get lodged between the fat cells. You have inch loss, and it helps get rid of cellulite and stretch marks. . . .

“Wraps have gotten a bad rap. Stay away from the ones that only have herbs--they only remove water (not toxins). It’s the combination of herbs and clay that makes a difference.”

Dr. Carl S. Korn, Sherman Oaks dermatologist and USC assistant clinical professor of dermatology:

“It’s unlikely a body wrap can dislodge fat cells through the skin. It can’t. All any of these wraps do is remove water by increasing sweating. You might think you look better temporarily. It might tighten and dehydrate the skin for a time, giving the skin a different tone. And it’s perhaps a good relaxation technique and a good way to meditate. Beware of sensitivities, be they skin irritations or allergic reactions to the herbs.”