MUD WRAPS & SALT SCRUBS - ES 172 Basic Body Treatments

A comprehensive set of practice flashcards covering body scrubs, carrier oils, ingredients, wraps, clays, muds, herbs, and aftercare from the ES 172 Basic Body Treatments notes.

What are body scrubs and what do they involve in terms of materials and steps?

Body scrubs are spa treatments that use a granular exfoliant (e.g., sugar, salt, coffee, oatmeal) with a carrier oil; the body is manually scrubbed, rinsed, and moisturized.

What are the four purposes of friction in body scrubs?

Exfoliate, hydrate, nourish the skin, and increase circulation (blood and lymph).

What other terms are commonly used for body scrubs?

Salt scrubs, sugar scrubs, polishes, and glows.

Name three typical carrier oils used in body scrubs.

Sweet almond oil, argan oil, jojoba oil (also grapeseed, sunflower seed, or olive oil).

Which carrier oil is non-comedogenic with a zero comedogenic rating?

Argan oil.

What is Epsom salt and how is it used in body scrubs?

Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate; it can be used as a scrub or added to a bath to hydrate the skin, remove scales, soothe itchiness, soften skin, and reduce roughness.

Describe the three types of sugar used in body scrubs and a key use for each.

White sugar for tougher spots; Brown sugar for dry or sensitive skin; Raw sugar is the coarsest option best for scrubs but not for very dry or sensitive skin.

What are some typical granules used in body scrubs?

Sea salt, sugar, coffee grounds, oatmeal.

What are sea salts useful for in scrubs?

Exfoliation; removing dirt; natural antibacterial properties; help maintain the skin’s natural barrier and hydration.

Name the major minerals listed for sea salt.

Calcium, chlorine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.

Give three examples of sea salt types mentioned.

Dead Sea salt, Himalayan sea salt, Celtic sea salt.

List some trace minerals found in sea salts.

Bromine, chromium, cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, selenium, silicon, sulfur, zinc.

What benefits do coffee grounds provide in body scrubs?

Antimicrobial properties; exfoliation (grounds don’t dissolve in water); antioxidants (caffeic acid) that may boost collagen and reduce inflammation; caffeine can tighten vessels and improve skin appearance.

What are oatmeal’s key skin benefits in scrubs?

Antioxidants, vitamins and minerals; anti-inflammatory with avenanthramides; lipids help moisturize and maintain the skin barrier.

Name several carrier oils used for scrubs and one notable property of each.

Sweet almond oil (gentle, anti-inflammatory), argan oil (non-comedogenic, moisturizing, anti-aging), jojoba oil (non-greasy, resembles skin oils, soothing).

What comedogenic rating is given to grapeseed oil, and what is it known for?

Grapeseed oil is rated 1 and is naturally antimicrobial; lightweight and easily absorbed.

What comedogenic rating is assigned to olive oil?

Olive oil has a comedogenic rating of 2 and can be mildly comedogenic for some skin types.

Which carrier oil is highlighted as high in vitamin E and helpful for repairing the skin barrier?

Sunflower oil.

What is the process and purpose of body wraps?

Apply a mixture to the skin, cover with plastic/mylar/cloth wrap, secure, and relax for about 20 minutes to an hour; wraps are also called mud wraps, algae/seaweed wraps, cellulite wraps, herbal wraps, or slimming wraps.

What are the physiological effects of heat during wraps?

Increased body temperature causes vasodilation, lowered blood pressure, increased heart rate, improved blood and lymph circulation, increased gland activity, and enhanced absorption of conditioning ingredients.

What is the general benefit of body wraps on the skin and toxin elimination?

Increased perspiration and waste elimination; ingredients like clay draw out toxins; lymphatic circulation is stimulated to aid elimination.

How long are body wraps typically left on the client?

About 20 minutes to an hour.

What are macroalgae and microalgae?

Macroalgae are larger seaweeds visible to the naked eye; microalgae are unicellular and microscopic.

What are the two main categories of algae used in wraps?

Macroalgae and microalgae.

Name a brown macroalgae commonly used in skincare.

Oarweed (Laminaria digitata) or bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) or kelp (Laminaria saccharina/Macrocystis pyrifera).

What is seaweed macroalgae Green algae (Ulva lactuca) known for in skincare?

Soothing and antioxidant properties; rich in magnesium and vitamin C; helps moisturize and calm skin.

What are Spirulina and Chlorella?

Microalgae that are anti-inflammatory and brightening, with strong antioxidant capability.

What skin benefits does Aloe Vera provide in wrap products?

Hydrates; promotes wound healing; reduces inflammation; anti-aging; fights acne; soothes irritation.

List key skin benefits of turmeric in wraps.

Anti-inflammatory properties; strong antioxidant activity; supports wound healing; can brighten and even skin tone; aids in acne treatment.

Name three herbs used in wraps and one benefit for each.

Chamomile (anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, wound healing, antimicrobial, soothing); Green Tea (anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, UV protection, anti-acne, hydration); Gotu Kola (collagen production, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, moisturizing).

What benefits does rosemary provide in wraps?

Antioxidant protection; anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects; improves circulation; astringent and skin-toning properties.

What are thyme and peppermint used for in wraps?

Thyme: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, skin toning, wound healing, antifungal; Peppermint: antimicrobial, soothing/cooling, anti-inflammatory, oil control, antioxidants, exfoliating, aromatherapy.

What are ginseng and neem noted for in wraps?

Ginseng: anti-aging, promotes collagen production, improves circulation, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, reduces stress; Neem: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound healing, moisturizing, anti-acne, sebum balancing.

What is special about Holy Basil (Tulsi) in wraps?

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial/antifungal, detoxification, stress reduction, promotes skin radiance.

Name two anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing herbs used in wraps.

Chamomile and Gotu Kola (and rosemary as well).

What are the major clays used in body wraps and one key property of each?

Bentonite: swelling, absorbs excess oil, anti-inflammatory; French Green Clay: absorbs oil, purifies, nourishes, exfoliates, antibacterial; Fuller’s Earth: oil absorption, toning, deep cleansing; Rhassoul Clay: gentle for sensitive skin, deep cleansing, exfoliation, mineral-rich.

What is Bentonite clay especially good for in wraps?

Absorbs excess oil and helps reduce the appearance of pores; anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.

What is Kaolin White clay best used for?

Universal clay good for most skin types; exfoliates, unclogs pores, draws out oil; not as absorbent, better for drier or sensitive skin.

How does Kaolin Green and Yellow differ from the white variety?

Green is a gentle cleaner that purifies sensitive skin and absorbs oil while preserving moisture; Yellow is slightly stronger but still safe for most skin types with cleansing and exfoliating properties.

What are the general aftercare recommendations after a body wrap?

Increase water intake for 24–48 hours; avoid sun exposure for 24–48 hours; no hot tubs, hot baths, or saunas for 24–48 hours; no exfoliation for 24–48 hours.

Name two major contraindications for body wrap treatments.

Acute skin conditions (e.g., acute eczema or psoriasis flare-ups) and pregnancy; other examples include uncontrolled BP, recent waxing/electrolysis, infections, liver/kidney conditions, migraines, diabetes, and epilepsy.

Why is patch testing recommended before introducing a new herb in wraps?

Skin sensitivity varies; patch test on a small area (wrist or behind the ear) and wait 24 hours to check for adverse reactions.