Paraffin Wax Treatments

You may have experienced a paraffin treatment when you’ve received a manicure or pedicure at a nail salon. Perhaps you were a little trepidatious before you submerged your hands or feet into the hot wax fearing that it would burn. You soon realized that although a bit warm, the wax felt surprisingly good. And after the nail technician peeled off the layers of wax, didn’t your skin feel amazingly soft? Behold the power of the paraffin wax treatment. It is a simple, non-costly procedure that you can perform at your salon for your customers, or simply treat yourself to in the privacy of your own home. You will soon see that offering a paraffin treatment as part of your professional services will be a way to gather new customers and keep others coming back.

Paraffin is a mineral wax that is derived from petroleum. It has a low melting point, becoming liquid at 125°F. This is important because if paraffin wax had a higher melting point, it would be painful and unsafe to submerge someone’s body parts into it. Paraffin wax is naturally odorless, but there are several types available that contain therapeutic, pleasant-smelling essential oils. You can also add your own blend of essential oils to paraffin wax to create a unique aromatic experience.

Generally, hardened paraffin wax is made liquid by heating it in a paraffin bath tank that can easily fit a hand, foot, or elbow.  After cleaning it thoroughly, a customer will briefly submerge her chosen body part, let’s say her foot, into the wax-filled tank so that a thin layer of wax surrounds her skin. This procedure is repeated one or two more times creating a thick coat around her foot and ankle. From here, a technician will cover her customer’s foot with a plastic liner and may even cover that with an insulated bootie. The liner and the bootie help retain the heat generated from the wax and keep it close to the customer’s skin. After the wax cools and hardens, the technician removes the bootie and liner and then carefully peels off the paraffin wax to reveal beautiful, soft, silky-feeling skin.

So what are the benefits of paraffin wax? Well, softer skin for starters. When the paraffin wax is first placed on the skin, its heat opens up pores and increases blood circulation to the site. The wax’s natural emollients are then allowed to penetrate the skin, softening it. When the cooled, hardened wax is removed, it acts as an exfoliator to the skin, taking away dead skin cells and revealing fresh skin. Paraffin wax also leaves behind a moisturizing protective layer that keeps the skin hydrated and soft for hours after the treatment. Paraffin can be used to treat minor cases of dry skin as well as more severe skin disorders like the hardening and thickening of the skin from the autoimmune disease scleroderma.

Making skin softer is not the only use of paraffin wax. It is also very beneficial for arthritis and rheumatic disease relief. The heat generated by paraffin treatments effectively increases blood flow to the affected sites, relaxes muscles, builds up pain tolerance, and improves flexibility of the joints.

Paraffin treatments can be used to heal sports-related injuries as well. Bursitis, tendonitis, sprains and pulled muscles all benefit from heat therapy because heat reduces inflammation and alleviates chronic pain. And paraffin treatment are an easy, pleasant, and relaxing way to perform heat therapy.

Paraffin treatments are generally safe for most people. Those with varicose veins, diabetes, or high blood pressure, however, should avoid paraffin treatments. Consult with your doctor if you are pregnant before using heat therapy.

Paraffin wax is a non-expensive therapy that is easy to administer and has many health benefits including hydrating and softening the skin, relieving joint and muscle pain, and increasing joint flexibility. Consider including paraffin in your massage therapy services or reserve it for a treat for you or your loved ones at home.

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