A cold wrap, or cryo wrap, is a body treatment in which a cooling product with active ingredients is applied to problem areas, which are then wrapped. The cold tones the blood vessels and triggers the natural drainage of excess fluid, so swelling goes down and the skin tightens.
How a cryo wrap differs from other body treatments
Hot wraps warm the body under a thermal blanket and work through sweating. A cryo wrap works the opposite way: the body doesn’t heat up, and circulation is stimulated by cold. That’s why it’s chosen by people who can’t use a sauna, thermal blanket or hot paraffin. Unlike lymphatic drainage massage, a cryo wrap triggers fluid drainage through temperature rather than the massage therapist’s hands, so the two treatments are often alternated within one course.
Who a cryo wrap is for
The treatment addresses specific everyday situations:
- your legs swell and ache at the end of the day after standing at work or sitting for long periods;
- in hot weather, your body retains fluid and your ankles and calves swell noticeably;
- cellulite has appeared on your thighs and buttocks, and your skin has lost firmness;
- a vacation, wedding or photo shoot is a few days away, and you want to tighten your contours;
- you don’t tolerate heat and sweating well, or hot treatments are contraindicated for you.
If the main concern is pronounced cellulite and dense fat deposits, cryo wraps are alternated with anti-cellulite massage, which works the tissues more deeply.
What the treatment feels like
For the first few minutes after the product is applied, the cold is clearly noticeable; then the skin adapts and warmth builds from within. A slight tingling and freshness are common. The treatment is painless: the client lies on a treatment couch, and only the areas where the product has been applied are cooled.
Results and course of treatments
After the first session, the legs usually feel lighter, and the skin feels firmer and cool to the touch. Volume decreases as excess fluid is drained, so the effect of a single session is temporary. A cryo wrap doesn’t burn fat or replace a healthy diet and physical activity. More noticeable changes in skin texture come from a course, and the specialist determines the number of sessions during the consultation. A session lasts 90 minutes, including skin preparation and finishing care. A course of cryo wraps is often part of a body care program together with massage.
When to avoid the treatment
Cryo wraps are not performed in the following cases:
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- cardiovascular disease;
- increased sensitivity to cold;
- irritation, wounds or skin conditions in the treatment area;
- allergy to cosmetic product ingredients;
- acute inflammatory conditions.
If you have varicose veins or other chronic conditions, discuss whether the treatment is suitable with a specialist first.
