We all use paraffin wax in our day-to-day lives. From candles, crayons, wax paper, polishes, and base of medical ointments to electrical insulators, paraffin wax uses are widespread. But do you know about paraffin wax therapy? When used as a skin-softening ointment, it delivers promising skin results. Let’s learn more about paraffin wax and the amazing paraffin wax benefits.
What is Paraffin Wax?
During the process of petroleum distillation, based on different boiling points, crude oil separates into different components. One of these components is paraffin wax, a colourless and odourless waxy substance. It is made up of saturated hydrocarbons which are responsible for its lubricant-like properties.
Paraffin Wax Uses for Skin
The chemical properties of paraffin wax make it a wonderful treatment for the skin. Paraffin wax uses for skin include both cosmetic and therapeutic benefits. Here’s more about paraffin wax benefits:
1. Cosmetic Benefits
Paraffin wax has skin-softening properties. This makes it an ideal ingredient in skin creams, lotions, and body gels. Studies suggest that paraffin wax forms a protective barrier on the skin, preventing water loss. This makes the skin feel soft and supple. The extra hydration in the skin makes it extremely beneficial for moisturising dry skin.
Secondly, its waxy feel allows it to stay on the skin for a long time. Thus, rough skin areas like elbows, knees, feet, and hands benefit the most from regular use of paraffin wax.
The saturated hydrocarbons penetrate through the skin, aiding in the detoxification and relaxation of the skin cells. The use of paraffin wax therapy in salons and spas involves pouring heated wax on the skin. This causes the skin pores to open up, allowing moisturising ingredients to pass through. The appearance of the skin improves as it gets nourished from within.
2. Therapeutic Benefits
The paraffin wax benefits go beyond external skin improvement. Paraffin wax also enjoys an important place in the medical world. Experts see it as a potent pain reliever in conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and conditions with joint mobility issues.
Paraffin wax is used as a form of heat therapy wherein slightly heated paraffin wax is applied to specific body parts, especially the hands, feet, and bone joints. The use of warm paraffin wax helps relax muscles, increase blood flow, and reduce pain and stiffness associated with medical conditions. People experience immediate relief from pain, stiffness, and swelling, helping improve their mobility and flexibility.
How to Use Paraffin Wax Effectively?
When using paraffin wax for cosmetic purposes, its application is simple. All it requires is a thorough application and gentle massage for the hydration and lubricating compound to penetrate through.
But for paraffin wax therapy, one must take utmost care and precautions to avoid skin burns. For paraffin wax therapy, follow the following steps:
1. Preparation and Pre-Care
To prepare your skin for the paraffin wax therapy, wash and clean your skin. Apply a layer of non-oily hydrating lotion before putting the area into the wax.
2. Wax Application
Apply paraffin wax in layers. Start with applying a thin layer of mildly (51.7°C) heated wax. Let the wax harden before you apply the second wax layer atop. As deeper penetration of heat into the skin is achieved by adding additional layers of paraffin wax, add 4-6 layers of wax, following the same process. Thereafter, wear gloves and put your hands under a warm towel for increased insulation. This increases the absorption of beneficial compounds for better skin results.
3. Wax Removal
The paraffin wax therapy lasts for about 15-20 minutes. Once the wax is hard and completely cooled off, gently peel off the wax from the skin. Apply a moisturiser all over the area as you enjoy the skin-softening paraffin wax benefits.
Conclusion
Paraffin wax puts forth some amazing healthcare benefits. It is a nourishing moisturiser for the skin and a potent pain reliever for swollen joints and painful muscles. While it is safe and best for topical application, one must exercise caution when using it for a paraffin wax therapy. Although it has a low melting point and does not cause burns or blisters, its use in people with sensitive skin can cause heat rash. Also, avoid using paraffin wax on any open cuts, wounds, or skin burns. Follow the steps diligently to enjoy great skincare benefits.
