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