Having seen a couple of commercials with people in seaweed wraps I decided to look it up. Seldom have I seen such a claim of benefits heaped upon one strange treatment. Here are some typical claims:
“A seaweed wrap helps to eliminate toxins from your body…The seaweed itself is chock full of proteins, vitamins, minerals and lipids that easily soak into the skin to add moisture.”
"…seaweed wrap is not just nutritive in nature. It also assists with removal of heavy metals such as mercury and copper via the skin. "
“Although the main purpose of body wrapping is to help get rid of area of cellulite, improve the aspect of sagging skin, reduce the appearance of stretch marks and mainly help with weight loss, there are other benefits too such as helping to stimulate your circulation and increase your metabolic rate which in turn will give you more energy. Seaweed wraps will help detoxify the skin and body and in general give a person a feeling of all over well being.”
Many of the sites claim that heavy metals are removed through osmosis by the wrap. And at the same time, the “good” minerals are absorbed into the skin. Contrary to the scenes in the commercials, it seems when most places refer to a seaweed warp, it is not layers of real kelp draped over your body, it is a mix of seaweed extract and water that is smeared over everything.
What do the Dopers say?
Dennis