Paraffin is often applied to hands and feet. The wax is a natural emollient that makes the skin supple and soft. When applied to the skin, it moisturizes and increases the skin's moisture levels even after treatment. It can also help open pores and remove dead skin cells. You can find out how you can do a paraffin bath for your hands and feet at home here.
Paraffin is a soft, solid wax. It is made from saturated hydrocarbons. It is often used for skin care treatments in salons and spas on the hands, cuticles and feet because it is colorless, tasteless and odorless. You can also use it for pain relief from aching joints and muscles.
The paraffin also has many other uses. It is commonly used as a lubricant, for electrical insulation, and in making candles and crayons. Read on to learn more about the uses, benefits, and side effects of paraffin wax.
What are the benefits of a paraffin bath
Paraffin has cosmetic and therapeutic benefits. Cosmetically, it immediately revitalizes the rough, dry skin on the hands, elbows and heels. Therapeutically it can be used to relieve pain in the hands of people suffering from:
- Osteoarthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- other joint mobility problems
Are there any side effects?
Paraffin wax is tested in a laboratory to ensure that it is safe and hygienic for use on the body. It is completely natural and has a low melting point, meaning it can be easily applied to the skin with a temperature low enough not to cause burns or blisters.
However, if you have very sensitive skin, paraffin wax can cause a heat rash. Heat rash causes small red bumps on the skin that can be itchy and uncomfortable.
You should not use paraffin wax if you:
- poor blood circulation
- Numbness in your hands or feet
- Diabetes
- Rashes or open sores
If you are chemically sensitive, you may experience mild swelling or breakouts after your wax treatment. This is because paraffin is derived from petroleum products.
Important!When making a paraffin bath for hands or feet at home, be careful not to heat the wax too much as it could ignite. The temperature should not be higher than 52°C when you start treatment.
Paraffin bath for hands and feet – How you can do it yourself at home
You can have a paraffin hand or foot bath done at a nail salon or spa, but you can also do it at home. It is important that you follow the correct steps to get the maximum benefit from treatment.
For home treatment you will need the following materials:
- 2kg food grade paraffin wax
- Double boiler
- Measuring cup
- mineral oil
- greased plastic container
- Thermometer
- olive oil
- Sealable plastic bag
- Towel or oven mitt
- timer
- Paper towel
- Moisturizer
Tipp: You can also purchase a portable paraffin wax bath to use for home treatments. These devices help you reduce the number of utensils you need, and many of them come with paraffin wax. If you use a paraffin bath, follow the instructions included with your device.
Step 1: Melt the wax
The easiest way to melt paraffin wax at home is in a kettle. If you wear nail polish, remove it before starting the process. Wash your hands well and dry them with a lint-free towel.
How to melt the wax:
- Add 2kg of paraffin wax to the top of a double boiler. Fill the bottom of the cauldron with water and place it on the stove over low heat.
- Add a cup of mineral oil to the wax.
- When the wax has completely melted, remove the cauldron from the heat. Carefully pour the wax into a greased plastic container.
- Wait for a thin skin to form on the top of the wax.
- Check the temperature of the wax with a thermometer. The wax is ready for use when it reaches 52°C.
Step 2: Paraffin bath for hands and feet - applying the wax
- Massage a few drops of olive oil into your hands or feet.
- Dip your entire hand or foot into the wax and let it sit for a few seconds until a layer forms on the area.
- Wait for the wax to dry. You know it's dry when the shine has faded.
- Once it's dry, dip your hand or foot into the wax again, but slightly less deeply than before. This prevents warm wax from getting under the previous layers of wax, which prevents burns.
Repeat this process until you have at least 10 layers of wax on your hand or foot.
Step 3: Bag your hand & foot
Once you have applied at least 10 coats of wax to your hand or foot, place a large plastic bag over it. Then place them in an oven mitt or wrap them in a towel for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 4: Paraffin Bath for Hands and Feet – Remove the wax
After 15 to 20 minutes, remove your hand from the oven mitt/towel/plastic bag. Use a soft cloth to remove the remaining wax from your skin. Apply a moisturizer to your hand. When you have completed your treatment, cover the paraffin and store it in a safe place for your next treatment.
