What is Paraffin Wax? What are its Benefits?

Paraffin wax is a colorless, soft wax that can provide therapeutic heat therapy for the hands and feet. It also has softening and moisturizing effects on the skin.

As with other waxes, paraffin wax melts when it is heated. It has a low melting point, so it is safe to touch in its liquid form. This means that people can submerge their hands or feet in the wax for potential therapeutic benefits.

What is Paraffin Wax?

Paraffin wax is a by-product of heating or distilling petroleum, also known as crude oil. It is a solid waxy substance that companies often use to make candles. Paraffin wax also has other uses, such as a stiffening agent in ointments or an anti-inflammatory cream for the skin. People often use it to relieve the symptoms of arthritis, and some spas use it as a therapeutic treatment. Paraffin wax is also a mineral oil and an ingredient in many skin creams, lotions, and gels.

Benefits of using paraffin wax 

Paraffin wax has some potential therapeutic uses. Some salons and spas use it as a skin-softening treatment or pain relief for sore joints and muscles. There are Therapeutic, Cosmetic, Moisturizing & Heat Therapy benefits.

Therapeutic Benefits 

The paraffin wax treatment can provide you with numerous therapeutic benefits. Here are some of the benefits you may enjoy:

• Increased blood flow
• Relaxed muscles
• Decreased joint stiffness
• Reduced muscle spasms and inflammation
• Faster recovery from sprains

The Paraffin wax treatment is also recommended for these conditions:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• And other joint mobility problems

Cosmetic Benefits 

In addition to pain relief, you can also enjoy paraffin wax’s cosmetic benefits, such as:

• Increasing your skin’s elasticity
• Softening your skin and treating hard calluses due to wear and tear and
• Pore cleansing

Moisturizing

Spas and salons often use paraffin wax in skin-softening treatments to moisturize the hands, feet, and cuticles. Paraffin is an occlusive moisturizerTrusted Source, which means it forms a physical barrier on the skin to prevent water loss. This can make a person’s skin feel supple and soft.

Occlusive agents such as paraffin wax can also help relieveTrusted Source symptoms of dry skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. However, occlusive moisturizers may cause the skin to feel greasy. The thick barrier on the skin could also lead to clogged pores and acne.

Heat therapy

A person can use paraffin wax as a form of heat therapy for their hands or feet.

To use it for heat therapy, a person can melt the wax, test the temperature, and dip their hands or feet in it. This may help relieve stiff muscles and joints by improving circulation and increasing blood flow to the area. People with different forms of arthritis may find that this form of heat therapy helps alleviate pain, stiffness, and swelling, as well as helping to improve mobility and flexibility.

How to use paraffin wax

Salons and spas may offer paraffin wax treatments, but people can also use the treatment at home.

The treatments at home and in a spa are likely very similar. When using wax at home, a person should use caution when heating the wax and follow all instructions on the kit.

To perform a paraffin wax treatment at home, a person should follow these steps:

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Apply a lotion or moisturizer to the hands.
3. Test the temperature of the wax by dipping a fingertip in gently.
4. Spread the fingers and dip the hand into the wax. Remove when coated.
5. Repeat this, dipping and drying the hand about 6–8 times.
6. Cover the hand with a towel or plastic bag immediately. Keep it covered for 15–20 minutes.
7. Remove the towel.
8. Carefully peel the cooled wax from the hand.
9. Repeat steps with the other hand.

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Call UpKept today for any questions regarding paraffin wax treatments! We offer this as an add on to our manicure and pedicure services.

5 Reasons Why You Keep Getting Callus on Your Feet

 How to Prevent Calluses on Feet

Why do calluses happen, and what can we do to prevent it? Here are five reasons they can happen, along with foot care instructions on how to prevent calluses from forming in the first place.

1. Your Feet Are Too Dry, And They Need Moisture

Let’s start off by describing what a callus actually is in order to better understand how they form. 

Harvard Health states that “a callus is a yellowish, flat, hard layer of dead skin,” which can cause “pain, difficulty grasping an object,” or discomfort while walking.

Calluses form naturally from dead layers of skin that have been subjected to lots of friction or pressure. 

Under normal circumstances, outer layers of skin shed naturally. Our bodies shed between 0.03 grams and 0.09 grams of skin every hour, according to one study. 

With a callus, the body’s normal mechanisms for shedding skin are interfered with. This is because the cells formed under a callus adapt to friction and grow in a more compact formation. The small size and compactness of the cells make them tougher, to the point where normal friction and air exposure won’t rub them away. The resulting buildup of dead skin cells can feel hard, like dried leather or plastic. 

Providing feet with moisture — meaning lotion, oil, or some other type of water entrapped within a barrier lipid — allows your body to shed skin cells like normally. With extra moisture, the small skin cells within a callus loosen up. Then, the friction that helped build the callus can actually allow it to be gradually stripped away — but exfoliating and soaking definitely helps!

2. You Wear Sandals All the Time

When it comes to why calluses form, “the number one culprit is sandals,” writes Atlanta area provider Piedmont Healthcare. “Open-toed shoes and flip flops allow the feet to slide around, creating friction that leads to dead skin buildup.”

Another issue with sandals is that they expose your feet to the open air, which dries them out. While having sweaty feet can result in problems of its own, wearing shoes and socks can, in most circumstances, allow the body enough moisture to prevent calluses caused by normal walking. There are, of course, exceptions since shoes that move around too much or that constrict too much can also cause calluses.

While there’s nothing wrong with letting your feet get some sunshine in your favorite pair of sandals, remember to treat them kindly at the end of the day. Moisturize them, and give them a good scrubbing with a clean loofah, pumice stone, or another exfoliant. 

Also, give your feet a break from sandals occasionally and put them in a good pair of cotton socks, especially if you’re going to be walking or hiking a lot that day.

3. Your Shoes Don’t Fit Right

Tight shoes constrict your feet, causing pressure and friction that can lead them to develop calluses. Loose shoes can do the same thing, provided they move around enough to generate friction.

Make sure your shoes are sized correctly and take a break from heels if the pressure causes your toes to pinch. Have a pair of nice, comfortable, and supportive tennis shoes or ankled boots ready to give your feet the ample support they need to avoid developing skin conditions.

4. You Aren’t Regularly Exfoliating

Some skin needs a little help to shed naturally, especially in areas of our body like our feet that see lots of wear-and-tear. A simple way to help the body out is to have a gently abrasive scrubber, loofah, or stone available in the shower. However, lots of people have trouble keeping these things clean, so make sure to let yours dry out and to regularly sanitize them. You should also replace them every 1 – 2 months.

If you’ve got a serious case of calluses, a good soak may be in order. You can fill a basin with warm water mixed with Epsom salts, ¼ cup of vinegar, and a teaspoon of any hydrating oil of your choice, such as coconut or avocado oil. It also doesn’t hurt to add a few drops of essential oil!

5. You Have a Routine That’s Rough on Your Feet

There are lots of situations that can lead to calluses, from being forced to walk at your job too much to sitting too much in a way that puts pressure on your feet. Other people have to make repetitive foot motions, such as if you drive for miles on end every day.

If your regular routine seems destined to give your feet a layer of calluses, they may need special attention beyond the above care recommendations. Consult with a podiatrist to see if there’s special footwear, socks, inserts, or lotions for your unique situation. These can help you keep your feet hydrated while avoiding conditions that allow calluses to form. Article Source

UpKept can help assist you with your foot callus...

Book a pedicure with us today to try out our special callus solution add on

Why Upkept?

My name is Megan Tallerico. I’m the owner of your next favorite nail spa, UpKept. 

UpKept does not stand for “dressing to the nines” all day, every day. Instead, UpKept is a way of life to be determined by each and every individual. Focusing on the importance of self-care, relaxation, and having a positive mindset. Life can be challenging all by itself and sometimes we just need a moment of peace and relaxation. Find your confidence with UpKept!

Caring for the natural nail bed through relaxing manicures and pedicures. Also offering brow laminations and tinting services, and waxing.

Book your appointment with us today!!! 

Call us with any questions or concerns regarding our services.

Gold Nails for Fall with OPI

 

The stars have aligned–to bring you the perfect gold nails for fall! With earthy shimmers, a pearl, and embellishments, this gold on gold layered look is #Virgoals 

 Show off your skills when you DIY this mani with shades from Big Zodiac Energy, our fall 2023 collection. 

The Perfect Nude for Every Skin Type

For years, there has been a debate on how to choose the right nude for your skin tone. Some say it’s going a shade darker or lighter than your skin, while others say it should mirror your fingertips.

While we don’t believe there are rules when it comes to wearing color, we do believe in helping you find your most flattering personal shade of nude. To help you, we created a guide with light, medium, and deeper skin tones in mind so you can find the best nude polish to compliment you all year round.

Before you begin, you’ll need to know if you have warm, cool, or neutral undertones.

To find out, take a look at your veins. If they’re green to olive, you have warm undertones, which often look best with gold accessories. If they’re blue-green, you are neutral which pairs well with rose gold, and if they air on the side of blue-purple, you’re cool, which looks great with silver. Read on to see our picks for your skin tone, as well as what types of accessories flatter you best.

Nude Nail Colors for Light Skin Tones

If you have light skin with blue or purple undertones, you’ll want to reach for soft pinks like Mod About You or Put it in Neutral. For blueish-greenish undertones, a peachy shade like Mimosas for Mr. & Mrs. or a warmer pink like You’ve Got That Glas-glow will stand out – pair these shades with rose gold accessories, a metal that’s always flattering for this undertone. Olive undertones can opt for warmer hues like Tiramisu for Two.

Nude Nail Colors for Light Medium Skin Tones

Medium-toned skin with cool undertones not only looks great in silver jewelry but shades like Taupe-less Beach, a soft gray with subtle hints of lavender. Blue-green undertones can go cool with Don’t Bossa Nova Me Around or warm with Somewhere over the Rainbow Mountains, while shades like Coconuts Over OPI will look flawless on olive-green undertones.

Nude Nail Colors for Medium Skin Tones

Put it in Neutral and Passion are favorites of ours for tan skin with cool undertones –pinky beiges will always flatter you. Blue-green undertones will look best with warm shades like Krona-logical Order and Somewhere over the Rainbow Mountains, while opaque creme polish like Be There In A Prosecco will perfectly flatter warmer-toned skin– this undertone and shade also looks great with gold accessories.

Nude Nail Colors for Medium Deep Skin Tones

Baby pink shades like It’s a Girl! or a gentle wash of buff like Coconuts Over OPI looks great on medium-deep tones with blue and purple undertones. Neutral undertones will look great with a dove beige color like Icelanded a Bottle of OPI and rose gold rings, while Samoan Sand is a stunning warm nude nail color for skin with olive-green undertones.

Nude Nail Colors for Deep Skin Tones

Deeper-toned skin with cool blue-purple undertones are always flattered by rich shades of rosy pink, like Tickle My Francey or Passion – complete the look with silver stacking rings or bracelets. If you have blue-green undertones, opt for bright, pinky nudes like Tagus in that Selfie, but if you’ve got olive undertones, rich chestnuts like My Italian is a Little Rusty is always a good look.

Book an appointment today for your perfectly matched nude nail look!

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6 Fall Skincare Tips

 Fall is finally here!  That means cozy sweaters, cooler weather, and unfortunately, drier skin.

Learn how you can maintain your summer glow all year long with these doctor-approved fall skincare tips!

1. STAY MOISTURIZED

Does your skin start to feel dry and tight in the fall and winter? You may not be moisturizing often enough, or you may be using the wrong type of moisturizer for your skin type

2. BEWARE DRY AIR

While it's a good idea to keep your skin out of the cold, artificial indoor heat can have similarly damaging effects on your complexion.

Most modern homes and office buildings rely on central heating systems that suck moisture out of the air. Skincare experts recommend investing in a small bedroom humidifier to keep the air in your home from becoming too dry.

3. AVOID HOT WATER

When the weather outside is chilly, there's nothing better than coming home and soaking in a hot tub or taking a steamy shower. But while these activities are relaxing, they're not necessarily great for your skin.

The hotter the water, the more it will dry you out. How can water be drying? Much like a sunburn, hot water causes the skin to become inflamed and disrupts the natural production of oils.

4. TRY ILLUMINATING & EXFOLIATING TREATMENTS

If your skin is already looking dull and feeling rough, it's not too late to do something about it. 

Here are some tips to ask your beauty expert about;

Illuminizing peel: The Illuminize Peel is a fast-acting, non-invasive chemical peel that reduces pore size and helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation. With little to no downtime, you can quickly get back to your regular activities. This peel is so gentle that you can even have it done the day before a big event!

Microdermabrasion: By using tiny crystals to exfoliate the skin, microdermabrasion gently removes dead skin cells to reveal the soft and bright skin underneath. If you have any unwanted summer sun damage, microdermabrasion is a quick and simple way to restore your skin's tone and texture.

Having these treatments done close together (typically one week apart) is a great way to brighten up your skin for fall - and by removing dead skin and minimizing pore size, these treatments will make your fall skincare routine more effective and your skin less acne-prone.

5. DON'T FORGET YOUR SPF

Just because you're not hitting the beach anymore doesn't mean you should stop wearing sunscreen. A broad-spectrum 30 SPF sunblock should be part of your skincare routine year-round, not just during the summer.

6. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

Don't forget to keep drinking water, too! While there are many different opinions on exactly how much water you should drink each day, four to six cups is a good rule for generally healthy people.If you're taking certain medications or working out often, your doctor may recommend that you drink more.

If you have trouble remembering to drink water, you can still stay hydrated by incorporating hydrating foods into your diet. Cucumbers, lettuce, watermelon, and strawberries are all high in water content and low in sugar.

Cooler weather doesn't have to mean dull, dry skin - there's still plenty of time to protect and refresh your skin using the tips listed above!

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Remembering 9/11

 

 "Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11."

—President Obama

How to Treat and Prevent Bumps After Waxing

 You may be able to relieve bumps after waxing by methods including exfoliating and applying a cold compress, among others. Some over-the-counter products may help.

When hair is forcefully removed, like with waxing, it causes stress to the surrounding skin. Many people develop mild bumps and inflammation afterward. Although this usually clears up in a few days, treatment can speed healing and prevent future bumps.

What causes bumps to form? Many people develop folliculitis — a bumpy, pimple-like rash — after hair removal. It’s usually caused by inflammation. Inflammation typically goes away on its own without treatment.

If you have white or fluid-bumps that last more than a few days, your folliculitis may be the result of a mild infection. This can usually be treated at home.

If you develop bumps after the initial inflammation subsides — a week at most after waxing — they may be a result of ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs are a specific type of folliculitis. They form when hair grows back into the skin instead of up out of the skin’s surface. Ingrown hairs cause small, round bumps or pustules that resemble acne. Hair may or may not be visible inside the bump.

You’re more likely to develop ingrown hairs if your hair is naturally curly or coarse.

Although ingrown hairs may eventually break through the surface on their own, there are things you can do to help bring them to the surface and relieve your symptoms.

Quick tips to reduce swelling and inflammation

While it’s usually best to leave bumps alone so they can heal on their own, there are a few things you can try to reduce swelling and inflammation.

You should:

• Wear loose-fitting clothes. Tight fabrics can increase irritation on already sensitive skin.
• Apply a cool compress to help soothe the affected area. You can use an ice pack or make a compress of your own by running a clean washcloth under cold water. Apply the compress to the affected area for up to 20 minutes.
• Use a warm compress to help draw out ingrown hairs. You can use a heating pad or make a compress of your own by running a clean washcloth under hot water. Apply the compress to the affected area for up to 5 minutes at a time.
• Avoid picking or popping bumps. Not only can this damage your skin, poking and prodding can introduce bacteria and increase your risk of infection.

What to do immediately after and between waxes

How you manage and prevent bumps after waxing depends on a few factors:

• where you waxed
• when you waxed
• skin sensitivity

If you get professional waxes, your specialist should provide you with detailed aftercare information specific to the area. Here are some general recommendations.

Immediately after waxing:

• Apply a cool compress or take a cool shower to reduce irritation and sensitivity. Avoid hot baths or showers.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid friction and irritation.
• Avoid perfumed products, lotions, and creams, which can irritate sensitized skin.
• Apply an over-the-counter cortisone cream on the waxed area to reduce inflammation.
• Avoid excessive activity for 24 hours after waxing. Perspiration can irritate freshly waxed skin.

One to two days after waxing:

• Continue to wear loose-fitting clothing to reduce friction.
• Continue to avoid perfumed oils and creams. You can apply mild gels, such as aloe vera, to help soothe the skin as needed.

Between waxes:

Cleanse and exfoliate regularly. Removing dead skin and other debris can help release embedded hair and prevent additional ingrown hairs.

How to prevent future irritation

Routine cleansing and exfoliating is the easiest and most effective way to prevent bumps from forming after you wax. Make sure you use a mild scrub or exfoliating cloth every other day, at a minimum, to prevent the buildup of dead skin cells and other debris. Once you start waxing, it’s important to maintain your appointments. They’re typically spaced four to six weeks apart to align with your hair’s natural growth cycle. 

If you schedule an appointment outside of this timeline — or use other hair removal techniques between appointments — it disrupts your growth pattern. This increases your risk of irritation and ingrown hairs.

If your skin is still irritated as your appointment nears, call your waxing specialist. They can determine whether you should reschedule.

You should also check in if you’re on or close to beginning your menstrual cycle. Although your waxing specialist can still perform the service, your skin may be more sensitive than usual during this time.

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Happy Labor Day

 

Hope everyone had a safe Labor Day weekend! -Megan Tallerico

795 Alamo Drive

Vacaville, CA 95688

Tel: 707.208.7646

How To Care For Your Eyelash Extensions

 What can you not do with eyelash extensions?

These days, this largely depends on the type of products your lash tech uses. Getting your eyelashes wet used to be a huge no-no, but Phillips explains that some glue formulas of today do allow exposure to water within 24 hours. Always clarify with your lash tech what the best aftercare protocol is for your specific set, but it's a good idea to refrain from tugging, pulling, rubbing, or applying any type of oily formula. “Oil will break down the adhesive,” Phillips explains. “If you're putting on serums, avoid that on your lash line.” As long as your keep your lash line protected, eye creams are okay. For those with oily skin and oily eyelids, Phillips recommends eyeshadow primers to absorb excess oil and stop it from seeping down into the lash line.

How do you shower with eyelash extensions?

You can, but confirm with your lash stylist if you need to wait until 24 hours after your appointment. “Eyelash adhesives vary in the time they take to cure, from either 12 to 24 hours depending on what glue your stylist uses,” says Marin. It’s super important that you’re gentle with your lashes and make sure that no water touches them during this time, says Richardson. You can shower after getting eyelash extensions, and you def should. But! Be! Careful! Phillips says to let your lashes lightly graze the water, and when you dry off, use the towel to carefully dab underneath your eyes to absorb the water.

Can you put mascara on eyelash extensions?

Marin doesn’t recommend using mascara with lash extensions. Why? Because when you attempt to take it off at the end of the day, you can actually cause your extensions to break from the friction and makeup remover. Not only that, but mascara can clump your lashes together and make them hard to clean. As for eyeliner, Richardson says to avoid using cream-based formulas, which often contain oils and waxes that interfere with adhesives.

How do you wash your face with eyelash extensions?

You might think that washing your lashes will make them fall off faster, but Phillips debunks that myth and stresses the importance of washing away any buildup that can cause breakage. Richardson recommends only use cleansers specifically formulated to be safe for eyelash extensions. Other products may contain ingredients that can weaken the bond of your lash extensions and cause them to shed prematurely. And if you’re wearing eye makeup, use oil-free pads and gently swipe downward, rather than back and forth, to get your lids and lashes clean. And whatever you do, avoid rubbing or tugging at your eyes.

How often should I brush my lash extensions?

Lashes can get tangled when you’re sleeping or showering, so gently brush your lashes with a clean spoolie brush when you wake up, after you shower, and at the end of the day. As your lashes grow out above the lash line where they started, the spoolie might get caught and tug your lashes, so at that point, Phillips suggests only using the tip the spoolie to separate the lash hairs to avoid pulling any out. If you need to remove gunk or sleep from your eyes, Phillip says a soft eyeshadow brush dipped in water is the perfect tool for cleaning and fluffing out your lashes again. To prevent unnecessary tangling, try to sleep on your back or side (not your stomach) and use a silk pillowcase, which tends to be gentler on extensions, says Richardson.

How do you take lash extensions off?

Carefully. Again, no tugging, pulling, or rubbing. Remember how you're supposed to avoid oils because they can break down the glue? Use that to your advantage! Phillips says if you can't get to a lash tech and you need to remove your lashes, gently press a little oil, like vitamin E or castor oil, onto your eyelashes and leave it overnight to soak through the adhesive. When you wash your face in the morning, the extensions should easily slide off.

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