How does cold wrap differ from hot wrap?
As can be seen from the names, the difference primarily lies in the temperature regime of the procedures.
Hot wrap is also called normothermal, which indicates compliance with the natural body temperature. The composition for it is heated to 37-38 °C before applying to the body. In this case, the effect of heat is created due to the activation of blood circulation. Heating the composition only contributes to this. Manufacturers include components that provide a thermal effect in hot wrap masks: cinnamon, red pepper, mustard. Cold wrap is also called ice wrap. The principle of its operation is significantly different from hot. If the latter contributes to the expansion of pores, vessels and capillaries, then cold, on the contrary, is aimed at narrowing them.
The composition for the cold wrap procedure can be purchased or made independently. It is not heated additionally; it should be at room temperature – 20-22 °C. The cooling effect is created by components that cause a feeling of freshness, such as mint and menthol. The base ingredients are often algae or clay.
During a cold wrap session, an outflow of intercellular fluid occurs in the adipose tissue. It takes away waste and toxins with it. Unlike a hot wrap, with a cold wrap all impurities are removed not through the pores of the skin, but through blood and lymph. They carry them out through the internal organ system. The detoxification process occurs in the body’s main filters – the kidneys and liver. In addition, as a result of cooling, the body is forced to further break down fat reserves, using them as a reserve source of energy for warming up. This does not happen with hot wrapping.
Body wraps: how do they work?
The effectiveness of wraps is based on well-known physical processes:
Wraps increase body temperature.
Getting rid of excess heat, the body begins to burn energy. Even a slight increase in temperature leads to the destruction of enzymes and proteins, and if it is not reduced, the brain and every cell of the body will be damaged. Fortunately, the cooling mechanism in the body of a healthy person is well established. In fact, heat is the primary purpose of wraps, which is what they were originally used for. Dilatation of blood vessels and subsequent sweating lead to loss of volume in the area of the body being wrapped. This is due to the evaporation of intercellular fluid. That's why many people think that this method allows you to lose weight quickly. If you do such procedures constantly, you can avoid the accumulation of liquid in unwanted places, but the water will return as soon as you stop doing the wraps. However, the burned fat will not be restored as quickly. The effect can be prolonged with the help of special lotions, mud, clay and other products, applying them to the skin before the procedure.
Wraps speed up metabolism
As a result, additional calories will be burned from the fat layer. This is a huge reserve of energy in the body, which is used when there is insufficient nutrition. It's simple math: if you eat fewer calories than your body needs, the fat burning process will begin. Some types of wraps are based on this principle: with the help of thermogenic substances, it is not the temperature of certain parts of the body that increases, but the metabolism in them, which leads to the burning of calories.
Wraps break down local fat deposits
Typically, wrap mixtures contain at least one element aimed at burning energy. However, the fact is that even with energy depletion, the body begins to burn glucose and muscle proteins first and only then fat. However, those who want to get rid of excess weight do not want to lose muscle tissue at all, because this will significantly reduce the metabolic rate in the body. Burning local fat deposits is possible by using substances that increase insulin sensitivity and the number of active cortisol receptors on the cell surface.
If you've ever tried to lose weight, you know how difficult it is. Fat deposits in problem areas will disappear only as a last resort, and you will have to do grueling exercises and diet every day. And no matter what the manufacturers of simulators claim, it will not be possible to get rid of local deposits with their help. This is how the body works - fat is burned evenly. However, all is not lost. There is a method that has brought excellent results to many. These are weight loss wraps.
The most common ingredient they contain is caffeine, found in coffee, tea and guarana. Caffeine by itself does not burn fat. It increases metabolism and improves blood circulation - both of these factors contribute to the breakdown of fats. This is especially true for women, since their blood flow is worse than that of men. Caffeine can cause sleep disturbances for some, but this effect does not occur when applied topically. However, if you don't drink coffee or are sensitive to caffeine, it's best to avoid wrapping at night.
Another common ingredient is capsaicin, or its derivatives: dihydrocapsaicin and homocapsaicin. All of them are found in plants of the capsicum family. It is capsaicin that creates the burning sensation in the mouth from chili peppers. It is also often used in products to relieve muscle tension and pain. When applied to the skin, capsaicin heats it and thereby stimulates the process of burning fat cells. However, those with sensitive skin should be careful: capsaicin causes a burning sensation. In addition, body wraps often contain vitamins, although they do not have fat-burning properties. But, for example, vitamin C, a well-known antioxidant, enhances the effect of caffeine. And vitamin E, which, unlike ascorbic acid, does not dissolve in water, but in a lipid environment, has a beneficial effect on the skin and improves circulation. Vitamin D, which is actually a prohormone, is very beneficial for overall health.
However, wraps for a couple of hours will not give any effect. You need at least 8 hours, and preferably 12. Then you can expect results within 2 weeks. And if they are not there, don’t stop turning around. Some take months to be effective, but the results are worth it.
However, no matter how well wraps work, they alone are clearly not enough. Many people never achieve the desired results. The reason lies in the consumption of unhealthy food and a passive lifestyle. Wraps can help to cope with local deposits, but at the same time the whole body must be ready for weight loss. This means that you need to devote 45-60 minutes to physical activity 3-7 times a week and follow a strict diet. Eat more vegetables, meat (chicken, turkey, beef, pork), fish and healthy fats such as flaxseed oil, olive oil or fish oil. Avoid sweets, dairy products and grains. Fat-burning wraps, coupled with exercise and a healthy diet, will help get rid of local deposits and improve body contours.
Source: bodywrapwork.com
Indications
Cold wraps are recommended to be used in combination with other methods of combating cellulite. Reviews prove that the procedure is more effective in combination with proper nutrition and physical activity.
Cold wrap is indicated in the following cases:
- cellulite;
- stretch marks;
- heaviness in the legs;
- excess weight;
- swelling;
- loose skin;
- slagging of the body.
Since cold wrap does not heat the tissues, it is indicated even for varicose veins. In this case, such a procedure is even useful.
Cold wraps are carried out in a course, which includes at least 10-12 sessions with an interval of 2-3 days.
Contraindications to the wrapping procedure
You cannot resort to the wrapping procedure in the following cases:
- high blood pressure;
- phlebeurysm;
- skin prone to irritation;
- painful and cold conditions;
- allergy;
- liver and kidney diseases;
- heart failure;
- dermatological diseases, such as psoriasis.
The figure will quickly acquire the desired shape if you eat properly with a small calorie deficit, include sports activities in your daily routine, and use the body wrap procedure 3-4 times a week. These three components will help you lose up to 300 grams per day. At first glance, the figure is not large, but if you are overweight, you can get rid of several hated kilograms in a month without returning.
The procedure can also be performed in a beauty salon. A man should not be embarrassed to contact a specialist who will not only carry out the procedure competently, but will also allow him to avoid staining the furniture during home wraps.
The benefits of cold wraps
Ice wraps effectively remove excess fluid from the body, so they are especially useful for swelling of the limbs. People who lead a sedentary lifestyle often face a similar problem.
Along with excess fluid, when tissues are cooled, waste products are released, which improves not only the skin, but also the functioning of the entire body. It also helps to reduce body volume. After a course of procedures, it is possible to lose up to 3-5 cm in volume due to the removal of fluid. Weight loss occurs only if you follow the basics of proper nutrition.
Cold wraps reduce the visual manifestations of cellulite. After a course of procedures, unaesthetic bumps are noticeably smoothed out, and the skin gains tone.
The effect of using ice wraps is usually noticeable after the second procedure.
Cold wraps at home: important rules
Cleanse your skin before the cold wrap procedure. An excellent solution would be to use a scrub.
Do not massage before the session and refuse to take a bath. Fabrics should not be heated.
Use the film after applying the composition to problem areas. It allows you to maintain the desired temperature longer. The body will try to restore temperature balance, expending a lot of energy.
Do not use a thermal blanket or warm clothing during the procedure, otherwise you will negate the whole purpose of it.
Rinse off the composition with warm, but not hot water. To consolidate the result, use a moisturizer, preferably with a cooling effect.
Rules for wraps
In order to carry out this procedure correctly, you need to use the following rules:
- To prepare a mixture for wrapping, if you use dry mustard powder or dry clay, you need to dilute these ingredients with warm water in a 1:1 ratio.
- Apply the mixture to problem areas, distribute it evenly over the surface of the skin.
- Wrap areas of skin with cling film, secure the film to the body so that it does not slip.
- Leave the mixture under the film on the skin for 20 minutes to 1 hour.
- During the procedure, it is best to wrap problem areas in a warm towel, terry sheet, blanket or other dense fabric.
- During the procedure, you need to relax and not exhaust yourself with physical activity.
- Immediately after completing the procedure, cleanse the skin, but do not take a hot shower or bath, as this may increase blood pressure.
Beginners most often make a common mistake - they wrap their body in cling film with a wrapping mixture, and begin to run vigorously, jump, put on several woolen sweaters on top and sweat heavily, while believing that fat deposits leave the body along with sweat.
In fact, water leaves the body along with sweat, which will be replenished after the first intake of fluid. The body becomes dehydrated, the person lacks oxygen, he may feel unwell, and the temperature may rise. If the body weight is too large and the waist circumference exceeds 100 cm, then the man may even faint.
Fat will be burned more efficiently if you perform body wraps after a workout. Under no circumstances should you be in a bathhouse or sauna during this auxiliary weight loss procedure. Such procedures are harmful to both the male and female body; they also accelerate the process of skin aging and tissue death.
Before applying the ingredients to the skin and wrapping yourself in cling film, it is best to consult a specialist, because this procedure has contraindications.
