Phytomer Detox Body WrapTested by: Linda Buttle
Details: Treatment lasts around 1hour and costs from £40
Contact: For details of your nearest Phytomer salon call 0808 1002204
What's It All About: A body wrap is the ideal addition to any detox or slimming programme. Applying seaweed to the skin accelerates the elimination of toxins for increased radiance and wellbeing. However, to get the best results a series of five or six treatments is recommended.
The Treatment: On arrival at the salon I was presented with a pair of disposable knickers and a shower cap, a clear indication that this wasn't going to be the most glamorous of treatments! Body wraps are definitely geared towards those who don't blush easily. When you're being covered top-to-toe in seaweed there's no room for modesty, but the sign of a good therapist is that you'll never feel ill at ease.
The treatment begins with a gentle exfoliation using a body brush. This has the combined effect of removing dead skin cells to give smoother skin and aid the absorption of minerals from the seaweed. It also boosts the lymphatic system which helps clear the body of impurities.
Next comes the really messy bit as powdered seaweed is mixed with warm water to make the mask. You can tell it's pure seaweed by the unmistakable aroma! Once the mask is rubbed onto the skin you're snuggly wrapped in plastic sheeting and covered in blankets before being left to relax for around fifteen minutes.
Just when you're about to start snoozing, it's time to venture out of your cocoon and into the shower. After rinsing off the seaweed - no soap at this stage - you're wrapped up again, this time Christmas turkey style in thin foil sheet for a further ten minutes. During this time I was treated to a heavenly foot massage, although some busy clients choose to squeeze in another treatment like getting their eyebrows shaped during this time.
Once the ten minutes was up I was back in the shower with Phytomer's Exfoliating Shower Gel to thoroughly cleanse the skin. The treatment ends with a body massage using a moisturizing lotion to re-hydrate your skin.
The Verdict: The treatment left me feeling extremely chilled out, which was something I hadn't expected with all the chaos of jumping in and out of the shower. My skin felt really clean and soft and as my therapist predicted, I slept very soundly that night.
Favourite Products: To keep up the good work at home try using Phytomer's Exfoliating Shower Gel (£12.60) followed by their Hydrating Body Lotion (£14.75).
The Place To Go: This treatment was tested out at Balance, 250 King's Road, London, SW3 5UE (020 7565 0333).
