Body wraps promise to tighten your skin, eliminate toxins, treat eczema, and even lose you six inches after a single session. Ronita Dutta puts one to the test

I wasn't sure what to expect from a Universal Body Contour Wrap™, but I'm willing to give any non-surgical treatment that promises to perk up your droopy bits and guarantees a minimum loss of six inches a whirl. So here I was, naked but for a pair of one-size-fits-all G-string paper knickers and a shower cap, in London's Emporium beauty salon.

Anne Marie, who was carrying out the treatment, started out by taking 18 different measurements from various areas around my body: jawline, neckline, upper chest, under bust, waist, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knee, calf, thigh, forearm and wrist. She then covered me in a mineral salt and clay paste before wrapping me tightly from ankle to neck in warm cotton bandages pre-soaked in a mineral salt and clay solution.

'The salt and clay mix exfoliates the old dead skin and draws out tissue waste,' explained Anne Marie. This detoxification process is what actually causes the inches to be lost as it tightens and firms the skin. The wrap helps to compact the soft body tissues and sculpt the body's contours. That's why you lose inches but don't actually lose any weight.

Sweating it out
Anne Marie helped me onto the bed - the bandages don't allow much room for movement - and left me there enveloped in a thermal blanket to sweat out all my impurities. I promptly fell asleep - the most relaxing part of the treatment. She woke me after an hour or so and removed the blanket. This was quite a rude awakening, as you go from cosy warm cocoon straight to standing freezing cold and covered in tight, soggy bandages.

The bandages were swiftly removed and the remaining mud wiped roughly off my body. I was advised not to shower that night and to leave the residual clay on for as long as possible after the treatment. Apparently the clay solution remains in your skin for three to four days after the wrap continuing the dual detox and tightening process.

Measuring up
I was then measured all over again. I didn't lose inches all over, but I lost just over an inch from my waist and thighs and a couple off my calves and upper knee. In total I lost 7.6 inches and was relieved to find I hadn't lost anything off my bust. I must admit it wasn't that noticeable to me at the time, but in the days that followed I found that my clothes felt a little loose and the skin on my body looked toned and felt soft and healthy.

Lasting results?
It's only been a few days, so I can't say whether the inch loss will stay put, but I feel altogether healthier and revitalised. The results are terrific motivation to stick to a healthier diet and to maintain a regular exercise programme in a bid to keep those extra inches at bay. Wish me luck!

For more information or for the location of your nearest salon offering Universal Contour Wrap™, visit www.universalcontourwrap.co.uk or call 01784 251177.