Venues offering Body Mask

A body mask (body wrap, mud mask) is a treatment in which clay, seaweed, thermal mud or a herbal mixture is applied to the body, which is then wrapped in a heat-retaining cover and left for 20-30 minutes. Wrapping extends the time the product stays in contact with the skin and creates a warm environment. The aim of a body mask is to moisturise and soften the skin; slimming or weight loss are not among the results of this treatment.

A body mask session step by step

A body mask is applied in a treatment room, on foil or a sheet spread over the table. Disposable underwear is commonly provided; practice on this varies by venue. A typical sequence is as follows:

1. Preparation: The skin is first prepared with a body scrub; the effect of the mask is more noticeable on cleansed skin. In hammam rituals this step is usually done with kese (exfoliating scrub).
2. Application: The mask is spread in a thin layer, with a brush or by hand, over the legs, hips, abdomen, arms and back. The face is either treated with a separate product or left uncovered.
3. Wrapping and resting: The body is wrapped in foil or a heat-retaining cover, with a blanket on top. During the waiting time a face or scalp massage is usually given.
4. Removal: The wrap is opened, the mask is rinsed off in a warm shower and moisturiser is applied.

Mixtures used and how they are chosen

The mixture used in a body mask is chosen according to what the skin needs and what you expect. Green clay and thermal mud are chosen for purifying, seaweed (algae) for its mineral content, and shea and plant-oil-based mixtures for intensive moisturising. Mixtures containing coffee and seaweed are often marketed as 'firming'. Dry and sensitive skin tolerates gentle, oil-based mixtures more comfortably; because clay and mud can dry the skin, on dry skin they are followed by moisturiser. If you have a known allergy or are sensitive to essential oils, ask about the product's ingredients in advance.

Duration and frequency

A body mask session, scrub included, takes 60-90 minutes, of which 20-30 minutes is spent wrapped and resting. It does not require a regular course: it is common to have one now and then, during periods of dry skin, before a special occasion or as part of a spa programme. Because its effect is limited to moisturising, regular use of moisturiser at home matters more than how often you have sessions in keeping the result.

What to expect and what not to expect

A body mask moisturises and softens the skin and makes it look temporarily firmer. Resting wrapped up in a warm environment can also help many people relax. On the other hand, a body mask does not make you lose weight and does not slim you permanently; temporary differences measured after wrapping are due to fluid loss and soon reverse. Be cautious about programmes sold with promises such as 'removes toxins' or 'slims specific areas'.

Who it suits and who should not have one

A body mask suits people looking for extra moisture for skin that is dry, prone to flaking or dried out by sun and sea water, and those who want a treatment based more on resting than on massage. Being wrapped can feel confining; if you are claustrophobic, say so, and your arms can be left free. Care is needed in the following cases:

• Because of the heat, consult your doctor if you have cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled blood pressure or diabetes.
• It is not recommended during pregnancy.
• It is not applied over active eczema, psoriasis, open wounds or sunburn, or after recent hair removal.
• Because seaweed masks contain iodine, people with thyroid conditions should consult their doctor.

How it differs from a scrub, a body treatment and cellulite treatment

A body mask is confused with three treatments that it is often offered alongside or that go by similar names. The key difference lies in what the treatment does to the skin:

Where it is offered and what affects the price

Most of the venues on the site offering a body mask are hotel spas in Ankara and Istanbul; at these spas the body mask appears on the same menu as the hammam, kese, scrubs and massage. A historic hammam in Istanbul, meanwhile, offers the mask together with traditional hammam rituals. The main factors that determine the price of a body mask are whether a scrub and massage are included, the product used (thermal mud, seaweed or a branded product line), the total length, whether use of areas such as the pool, sauna and hammam is included in the price, and weekend or seasonal differences. For details, see the guide to what determines spa prices.

Questions to ask when booking

When booking a body mask, it helps to clarify the following:

• Is a scrub or kese included in the session, and which product is the mask made with?
• Does the mask contain seaweed, coffee or essential oils?
• Is a face or scalp massage given during the waiting time?
• Can the hammam, sauna and pool be used before or after the session?
• Are disposable underwear and a shower provided?