Venues offering Body Treatment

Body treatment is the general name for spa treatments that target the skin other than the face and usually combine exfoliation, a mask or wrap, and moisturising in a single session. The aim is to remove dead skin, soften the skin and leave it feeling smooth. Because the content varies from venue to venue, two treatments offered under the same name may involve different steps.

How is a body treatment done?

A body treatment usually starts with a short consultation: you are asked about your skin type, allergies and any recent waxing, hair removal or sunbathing. The typical sequence then is as follows:

1. Warming up: a shower, steam room or hammam softens the skin. In Turkey, body treatments are often offered at hotel spas with a Turkish bath, so this step is often done in the hammam.
2. Exfoliation: salt, sugar or a fine-grained product is applied to the whole body in circular movements and rinsed off.
3. Mask or wrap: a clay, seaweed or cream-based product is applied; if needed, you are wrapped in a thin sheet and rest for 15-30 minutes.
4. Moisturising: once the product has been showered off, lotion or oil is worked into the body with light massage movements.

The treatment is usually done wearing disposable underwear, and the therapist uncovers only the area being worked on.

Duration and frequency

A body treatment usually lasts 45-90 minutes, depending on the steps it includes; treatments with a mask or wrap take longer. Because exfoliation thins the top layer of the skin, repeating the treatment at short intervals is not recommended, and for sensitive skin the interval should be even longer.

Realistic expectations

After a body treatment the skin feels softer, smoother and more hydrated; this effect is temporary. A body treatment does not make you lose weight, does not get rid of cellulite and does not flush toxins out of the body. The slimming felt after a wrap is mostly due to fluid loss and is soon reversed; package names that promise slimming or detox should be viewed in this light.

Who should not have it, or should ask first?

• Areas with open wounds, sunburn, active eczema, psoriasis or a skin infection
• Areas waxed, epilated or shaved in the last 24-48 hours: exfoliation causes irritation
• Allergy to product ingredients (fragrances, clay, seaweed, plant oils)
• Pregnancy: heated wraps and some essential oils are not suitable; consult your doctor
• Cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled blood pressure, advanced varicose veins and a history of thrombosis: avoid heated wraps
• Thyroid disease: get your doctor's approval for products containing seaweed and iodine
• Fear of enclosed spaces or of being wrapped: ask for the wrap step to be skipped

How it differs from similar treatments

What to ask before booking

• What steps the treatment consists of, and how long it lasts in total
• The products used and their ingredients; whether the product can be changed if you have an allergy
• Whether a heated wrap or sheet is used
• Whether wet areas such as the hammam and sauna are included in the price
• Whether there is a shower and relaxation area after the treatment

The main factors that determine the price are the length, the number of steps, the products used and whether use of the facilities is included; for details, see what determines spa prices.