Got an ache, a pain or just really dry hands or feet? Paraffin wax therapy is an effective salon or at home treatment for everything from arthritis to psoriasis.
Paraffin is a mixture of hydrocarbons, the simplest of organic compounds. It can be derived from such natural substances as mineral oil, palm oil, vegetable oil and beeswax. Paraffin wax from oil is made by separating the wax from the crude oils.
Paraffin wax has been used since Roman times for its healing and rejuvenating properties. It reduces pain and joint stiffness by extracting excess tissue fluid and providing lubrication. It also removes dead skin cells and locks in moisture even on the driest skin.
If you've never experienced a paraffin treatment, you'll be surprised by how incredibly soft your skin will feel afterward. Paraffin treatments are common in beauty salons and physical therapy offices.
Expect to pay between $30-$100 for a dip. Do realize that although the heating process sanitizes the wax, you are re-dipping in the same wax as that of the previous clients.
The only way to avoid sharing your wax is to have your own paraffin machine. Luckily, one of the most popular units, the Homedics paraffin spa, can be purchased for less than a single professional treatment.
US $39.95
How to Enjoy a Paraffin Treatment
- Cover your floor or table with a large towel or newspapers.
- Lay out plastic wrap or baggies for use after the dipping process.
- Follow directions for the amount and warming process for your unit.
- Apply lotion to the treatment area (hands, feet, elbows, knees).
- Dip slowly in the wax just above your wrist or ankle.
- Remove slowly allowing the paraffin to drip over the unit for a few seconds.
- Let the wax harden until the shine is gone; about 20 seconds total time is average.
- Repeat the process 3-5 times to form a thick coating.
- Re-dip to the same level so you have a thick removal edge.
- If you allow a coat to harden too long it will re-melt on the repeat dip so adjust your time.
- The layering allows for easy removal so adjust next time if removal was difficult; this is especially true if there is a lot of hair on the treated area.
- Don't worry, the wax will not remove hair!
- Try not to bend your fingers or toes, otherwise the paraffin will crack.
- After the last dip, enclose the treated area with plastic.
- Insulated mitts or booties are great for keeping the wax warm or use a towel, blanket or heating pad on low.
- Relax for 10-30 minutes.
- Removal should be as quick and easy as removing the plastic. The wax may even come off with the plastic, otherwise just peel it off.
- Wash the treated area to remove residual oil
- Reapply moisturizer
- You can apply the paraffin with a brush and this works well for elbows and knees.
- Just apply evenly and follow all other instructions.
- Never reuse the paraffin that was on the treated area; as it contains dead skin cells and bacteria.
- Do your treatments as often as often as desired.