If you thought that paraffin was only used for candles, think again. Did you know that paraffin is a derivative from hydrocarbons? To be more exact, it is distilled from petroleum. This substance is pretty versatile, and it has a relevant use for polishing and waterproofing purposes, as well therapeutic and cosmetic purposes – the ones we are concerned with.
If you've been looking for complementary therapies to offer at your wax bar, paraffin and fangos should be at the top of your list. Get ready to beautify your clients' skin with this amazing treatment. We'll walk you through the most important characteristics of paraffin wax.
What Makes Paraffin Special
If you're wondering why paraffin is so valuable as a beauty product, the answer lies in its chemical properties: ability to retain heat, large molecules that stay on the surface of the skin, and an elastic and soft texture. These characteristics make paraffin perfect to cling to the skin surface, trap moisture, enhance blood circulation, and help skin in the absorption of moisturizing and nourishing ingredients.
Before being used in cosmetic treatments, paraffin wax was used as a therapeutic treatment for arthritis. Because of its ability to absorb and retain heat, paraffin can transmit temperature to deeper layers of skin and muscle to soothe pain and increase the range of motion.
Later on, the cosmetic use of paraffin started. The main purpose of this use of paraffin is deep hydration. Paraffin wax can lend the skin amazing benefits.
Skin Benefits of Paraffin Wax
- Enhances circulation on the skin, prompting skin detoxification and relaxation.
- Allows pores to open and get unclogged, facilitating moisturizing ingredients to penetrate into the skin.
- Makes the skin glowy and smooth.
- Rejuvenates the appearance of the skin.
- Offers intensive hydration for severely dry skin. People with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can get relief from paraffin wax, because it provides extreme moisturization and improves the skin barrier while also preventing water loss.
- Paraffin wax for hydration is most common for very dry, rough areas such as elbows, knees, feet, and hands, but even facial application is possible most of the body is really ok for paraffin wax application.
How Paraffin Wax Is AppliedParaffin wax is applied in layers. The more layers, the more that paraffin conducts heat deeper into the skin and creates more hydration and better results
The skin has to be prepared with an antiseptic lotion and then dried thoroughly. It is usual to apply a layer of non-oily hydrating lotion. The paraffin must be prepared in a special paraffin bath, which is a kind of tub where you can dip the clients's hand or foot.
Make sure the temperature is optimal and dip the client's hand or foot. Wait a few seconds and dip again to create another layer. Repeat this procedure until you have enough layers depending on how dry the skin is. Usually, it takes four to six dips to deeply moisturize the skin in a regular treatment.
Then, it's necessary to cover the area with plastic liners or a warm towel to enhance the effect of the warm temperature. Instruct the patient not to flex fingers or toes so that the "glove" does not get ruined.
When the skin area to be treated can't be dipped, you will have to apply the paraffin with a brush, then layer paraffin-dipped paper strips or in the case of the face, dip a mask in the paraffin and then apply it to the face.
Paraffin wax is left to act for around fifteen minutes and then peeled off. It cannot be reused, so conduct the treatment and discard it. To wrap up the treatment, a layer of deeply hydrating and moisturizing lotion can be applied.
When Paraffin Wax Isn't Advisable
Some people should confirm with a doctor or a beauty professional before getting a paraffin wax treatment. Double check if paraffin wax is a good idea for you if you have these problems:
Skin conditions: some conditions involve extreme dryness and can be relieved with paraffin wax, but in any case, the issue must me going through a lull or remission phase.
Skin trauma or injury: if open wounds, irritation, trauma, bruises, nicks and cuts are present, you shouldn't have a paraffin wax treatment until the skin is fully healed.
Skin growths: make sure it's safe to get this treatment on an area with skin growths or lots of moles.
Vascular problems: circulation problems can be worsened by heat, so talk to your doctor before trying paraffin wax, especially if you already have visible varicose veins.
Hypertension: serious hypertension might worsen with high temperatures, so use paraffin wax carefully on this patients.
Diabetes: diabetic patients might have a weaker skin barrier, so a physician should approve of their use of paraffin wax.
Equipment and Products for Paraffin Wax TreatmentsYou are going to need a special paraffin bath. This device melts and keeps the paraffin wax warm and it has the perfect size to dip hands or feet.
The paraffin bath works similarly to a wax heater and it also requires similar care. If you want to keep your treatments completely hygienic, clean it periodically; after 20 treatments is a good mark. To keep it in perfect shape, never re-use paraffin since this can get unwanted sediments to form at the bottom of the device. For optimal hygiene, it's also a good idea to keep separate paraffin baths for hand treatments and feet treatments.
When it comes to the products, you should always use only professional grade paraffin wax or paraffin cream, liners, and masks.
Here are some wonderful options:
Aloe vera paraffin wax: aloe vera is well-known for its many properties. This paraffin wax combines the moisturizing and detoxifying power of aloe with the antiseptic properties of green tea and the refreshing aroma of mint oil. Expect deep skin repair and nourishment if you use this wonderful paraffin!
Peach paraffin wax: this is the perfect wax to pamper your skin with the smoothing properties of peach. The formula also contains chamomile, sweet almond oil, and coconut oil. The skin will feel nourished and deeply hydrated.
Lavender paraffin wax: lavender soothes skin, and in combination with vitamins A and E, also moisturizes and rejuvenates it.
Paraffin cream: this product is very similar to Vaseline, and it works best for people who are sensitive to heat. The effects are the same as paraffin wax: supple, hydrated, and nourished skin.
Liners and masks help in achieving an easier and cleaner application of paraffin wax, so they're essential for your salon.
Paraffin Wax Is a Wonderful Complementary Service for Your Salon
We have gathered the essential information about paraffin wax, but if you want more, read "What Is a Paraffin Wax Treatment and What Is It Used for?" and "Soften Your Clients' Skin with the Hydrating Properties of Paraffin" to learn about this service in even more detail.
If you don't yet offer paraffin wax baths in your salon, what are you waiting for? Your clients will love the benefits of this therapy on their skin. Beauty Image has not only professional waxes and accessories but also a variety of paraffin wax types. Call TOLL FREE 888-513-8815 or fill out the contact form on this website and get in touch with us. Also, subscribe to our newsletter to get the best info right in your inbox.
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