Paraffin wax treatments, both medical and cosmetic, exist today with many people indulging in paraffin wax baths because of its productive properties in handling the said retaining heat along with hydrating one’s skin as it does so. And because of that fact, this is mostly used in spas and medical places; therefore, let’s see how to use it further down below and learn five marvelous benefits it can give you if you include it in your routine.
What is Paraffin Wax?
Paraffin wax is a petroleum product. It is soft, white or colorless waxy solid with extremely high melting point; it’s most commonly used for skin-softening treatments in salons and spas but primarily by people suffering from arthritis and other diseases.
How to Use Paraffin Wax
It can be employed in several applications, but it is widely recognized to be used in cosmetic treatments, medical therapies, and even in home care.
The following are some procedures for a safe and effective application of paraffin wax.
- Preparation of Wax
You can melt it in a paraffin bath, or better yet, use a slow cooker. You will melt the paraffin wax to a temperature of about 125 degrees Fahrenheit, that is, 51.7 degrees Celsius, if you intend to apply it directly to human skin. Never let it reach a high temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit so that you do not have burn marks.
- Prepare the Treatment Area
Before applying wax, clean and dry out the area to be treated of hands, feet, or any other area in the body. This mainly prevents dirt as well as bacteria from getting stuck between your skin and the wax.
- Dip and Layer
Once the wax has attained a temperature of your liking, then you put your target area, such as a hand or foot, into it. Allow only the thinnest layer of the wax to coat the body part, and remove the area from the bath and let the wax harden for a few seconds before putting the area back into the bath. Continue doing this in this manner to build a good number of layers of wax.
- Wrap and Relax
Once there are enough layers built up, typically 5-7, apply the plastic or towel to the waxed area to retain the heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Peel and Moisturize
Peel off the wax once the treatment time is over. Most of it would come off in large pieces. Apply a moisturizing lotion to keep your skin soft and hydrated after removal.
Five Fabulous Benefits of Paraffin Wax
- Thorough Moisturizing of Dry Skin
It is said to retain moisture. Applied, heat opens the pores, and then it penetrates deep into the layers of the skin. It would be perfect for those who have particularly dry and cracked skin, like hands and feet. The protective layer that the wax application creates will help lock the moisture inside, giving the skin a softness and pliability post treatment.
- Improved Blood Flow And Pain Relief
When paraffin wax is harden, it can help activate blood flow to the area that you’re treating in order to reduce tenseness of your muscles and achy joints. Paraffin wax treatment can be used on any condition that would profit from arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or even fibromyalgia, as it enhances blood circulation, which reduces swelling and promotes healing in the body.
- Softens calluses and eases cracked heels
It is a miracle for those individuals with calluses and cracked heels, as it softens the thickened parts of the skin relatively easily, hence making scraping off in problematic areas comparatively painless. It has also restorative qualities that help moisten the dried heels, but most of all, it gives instant relief to the person and makes the appearance of the skin even better.
- Facilitates the Removal of Joint Stiffness and Improves Flexibility
Paraffin wax is helpful in physical and occupational therapy because of its capacity to break through stiffness. To improve their range of motion and flexibility, patients with rheumatoid arthritis or other joint disorders might have frequent paraffin wax treatments. The deeper areas will facilitate heat penetration to reduce pain and improve joint mobility.
- Removes and Cleanses the Skin
The paraffin wax is a gentle purifier that opens pores to deeper cleansing through the removal of toxins and impurities. It gives a surface texture of the skin to have no imperfections whatsoever and glows beautifully. The wax could soak up the surplus oil due to this; hence, it is exceedingly recommended for those with oily or acne-prone skin types.
Safe Usage of Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is generally a safe material but there are some precautions.
- Do not get the contents too hot. It is very common for workers using paraffin wax to get burned reaching into the vat. This, in general, is because the wax has gotten too hot-more than 130°F.
- This can be prevented by placing a thermometer in the vat. If you have circulatory problems or diabetes, you also should discuss this with your physician-this is not good for all patients.
- Do Not Use on Broken Skin: Paraffin wax may be used as a means to provoke direct infections on rashes and cuts, hence it can not be applied on broken skin .
Conclusion
Paraffin wax is an aggressive treatment for moisturizing, healing, and relief from pain. Its benefits go beyond cosmetic; in fact, it is a therapeutic treatment of people who are suffering with chronic pains, dry skin, and conditions related to the joints. Whether it’s a cure for arthritic pain or just mushier skin, application of paraffin wax for wellness’ good is something that you will not regret at all.
