Doctors who wanted to alleviate their patients’ arthritis pain first used paraffin wax in the 1950s. Three decades later, during the 1980s, it became widely used as beauty treatment. You’ll find paraffin wax treatments on the list of our services*, although this hydrating wax has benefits that go beyond skin-deep.
(* After a market research performed on behalf of Nails and the City, we noticed that we are the only salon in Birmingham offering Paraffin Baths)
What is paraffin wax?
Paraffin wax is a white or colorless soft, solid wax. It’s made from saturated hydrocarbons.
It’s often used in skin-softening salon and spa treatments on the hands, cuticles, and feet because it’s colorless, tasteless, and odorless. It can also be used to provide pain relief to sore joints and muscles.
Paraffin wax has many other uses, too. It’s often used as lubrication, electrical insulation, and to make candles and crayons.
Read on to learn more about the uses, benefits, and side effects of paraffin wax.
What are the benefits of paraffin wax?
Paraffin has cosmetic and therapeutic benefits.
Cosmetic benefits
Whether you are looking to maintain your healthy skin or heal dry and cracked hands and feet, the cosmetic and healing benefits of a paraffin treatment are numerous. The opening of pores and removal of dead skin cells will rejuvenate the appearance of your skin and make your hands and feet feel silky and smooth.
Paraffin is a natural emollient so it adds moisture to the sink while the wax is applied, but it also helps create moisture in your skin long after the treatment is complete. A paraffin treatment creates a sort of barrier on your skin that helps retain the oils that your body naturally produces.
A wax bath can also aid in healing problems with the skin. Paraffin wax can be effective in soothing and softening calluses on hands and feet and healing dry cracked skin, especially on heels.
Therapeutic benefits
Paraffin wax may be used to help relieve pain in the hands of people with:
(all the above references are from peer reviewed international scientific journals)
It acts like a form of heat therapy and can help increase blood flow, relax muscles, and decrease joint stiffness. Paraffin wax can also minimize muscle spasms and inflammation as well as treat sprains.
Regular paraffin hand treatments can help relax joints and relieve pain in hands before physical therapy and exercise. They can also help with lowering fluid retention and flushing toxins, which can reduce swelling.
How paraffin treatment works
Paraffin treatments for hands and feet are usually offered at spas and nail salons. Your hands or feet will be dipped several times quickly into a small tub of heated paraffin wax. The paraffin is often scented with soothing essential oils.
After several layers are added, the wax will be covered in a plastic bag, wrapped in hot towels and you can relax as the benefits kick in. The wax will trap the heat against your skin as it hardens, opening the pores. Once the wax is completely cooled it will be pulled away, taking dead skin cells along with it.
Is paraffin wax safe?
Paraffin wax is entirely natural, which makes it a great option if you want to treat skin ailments or physical injuries without more invasive procedures. Paraffin wax has a low melting point, which means it generally safe to come in contact with your skin. You should avoid using paraffin wax if you have poor blood circulation, if you have numbness in your hands or feet, if you're diabetic or if you have any rashes or open sores.
Make sure to book an appointment to see how paraffin wax treatments can benefit you.