Paraffin therapy, paraffin bath, wax therapy is one of the forms of deep thermal therapy, which, oddly enough, uses paraffin. It is most often the basis for manicure and pedicure procedures, as it is primarily aimed at moisturizing and nourishing the skin of the hands and feet. However, this is not the only benefit of paraffin therapy; it is often used to treat various pain conditions, such as arthritis.
When it comes to paraffin therapy, as a rule, we mean the effect of warm paraffin. During the session, paraffin wax is heated in a special bath, hands or feet are covered with paraffin, which retains heat inside, as if preserving it, opens pores, saturates the skin with moisture and makes it easier to cleanse.
However, this is not the only option for working with cosmetic paraffin. In some cases, when the skin is damaged or too sensitive to increased temperature, cold paraffin therapy is an option, for which a special paraffin cream at room temperature is used.
What is paraffin and its features
When processing petroleum products, a wide range of substances are released. One of them is paraffin - an oily solid with a slight aroma of oil. After cleaning from organic impurities, paraffin can be used for various purposes. Candles and lubricants are made from technical paraffin; food paraffin is used in the production of packaging and containers. Well-purified paraffin is used in medicine, including in the physical treatment of joints for arthritis.
In cosmetology, cosmetic paraffin with a large number of additives is used. These are vitamins, essential oils, fragrances. Thanks to the additives, paraffin acquires a pleasant smell, becomes plastic, and is easily removed from the skin. Paraffin therapy uses compounds heated to 45-55 degrees. After heating, a liquid oily mass is formed, into which the feet are immersed. After the procedure, a film is formed on the surface of the skin, which has a cosmetic effect on the skin.
Paraffin therapy gives an excellent effect:
- maintains pleasant and comfortable warmth;
- stimulates sweating;
- improves blood circulation in the legs;
- relieves swelling and redness of the skin;
- stimulates effective skin nutrition with active additives that are part of cosmetic paraffin;
- has a powerful lifting effect and smoothes the skin well;
- tones muscles, relieving fatigue syndrome.
To enhance the effect, feet after a paraffin bath are wrapped in plastic wrap, put on warm socks or wrapped in a towel. Paraffin therapy can be used for comprehensive skin healing or to achieve a narrowly targeted effect. In the latter case, formulations with certain additives are used, for example, those that moisturize the skin or have a calming effect.
How does paraffin act on the skin?
Liquid (molten) paraffin is used for cosmetic purposes. First, it is heated to a temperature of 52 - 54 ° C, after which it is applied to the body. At the same time, when paraffin gets on the skin, its temperature quickly drops to body temperature. It hardens and forms a film.
As a result, a thin gas layer appears between the skin and paraffin. Thanks to uniform heating, all metabolic processes in the skin are activated, blood circulation and lymphatic drainage are normalized.
A “greenhouse effect” occurs between the film and the skin, which stimulates the production of moisture and promotes the opening of pores through which toxins and salts are removed from the lymph. At the same time, nutrients (vitamins) added to cosmetic paraffin are absorbed, enrich the skin with useful microelements, improve tissue structure and return the skin to a healthy, beautiful color. The procedure is absolutely safe and very pleasant.
Main types of additives
The following additives are used in the production of cosmetic paraffin:
- oils – provide effective skin hydration, promote rapid regeneration and rejuvenation, and have a pronounced nutritional effect;
- vitamins – stimulate regeneration, healing and protect the skin well from the effects of negative factors;
- extracts – made from medicinal plants, they tone the skin well and relieve fatigue, have a moisturizing effect;
- active ingredients, serums and concentrates;
- aromatic additives.
You can add active ingredients to paraffin yourself. An excellent option is to add aromatic oils. The result is a combination of the benefits of paraffin therapy and aromatherapy. Aromatic oils are added in quantities from 3 to 9 drops, depending on the volume of the bath.
The use of natural ingredients seems more preferable, but with an excessive amount of natural additives, the properties of paraffin change. This must be taken into account when developing proprietary formulations for paraffin therapy.
In case of allergic reactions to active components, paraffin without additives is used.
Results after paraffin therapy
Paraffin film softens the top layer of skin, through which toxins and salts are removed. At the same time, all the nutrients of cosmetic paraffin penetrate into the tissues, where they have a therapeutic effect. The skin is moisturized, small wrinkles are smoothed out . The “greenhouse effect” that occurs during the procedure helps relieve swelling, increases blood circulation and stimulates the production of new cells .
The skin becomes soft, velvety, acquires a beautiful and healthy color.
Paraffin therapy is a true pleasure for your skin!
If you are really looking for your doctor...
Who needs paraffin therapy: recommendations and contraindications
The quick effect and low price have made paraffin therapy popular all over the world, but you should follow the recommendations and carry out the procedure according to indications, and remember the contraindications.
The procedure is indicated in the following cases:
- dry skin in the off-season and summer;
- the final stage of a hardware or trim pedicure;
- preparation for foot massage;
- mild ailments caused by rheumatism of the joints;
- decreased skin elasticity;
- swelling due to severe fatigue.
Spending the whole day on your feet is a good reason to visit a beauty salon and paraffin therapy.
Contraindications:
- phlebeurysm;
- allergic reactions that appear on the skin of the foot;
- skin diseases and fungal infections on the legs;
- inflammatory processes;
- the presence of wounds and burns on the legs that are in the active healing phase;
- diabetes;
- loss of sensation in the limbs;
- rash and ulcers;
- cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.
If there are contraindications, the procedure can not only lead to a deterioration in well-being, but also have an irreversible effect on health.
What effect does paraffin therapy give?
Hot and cold paraffin therapy give approximately the same effect, the skin is saturated with moisture, as a result we see that:
- Small wrinkles are smoothed out,
- Skin color becomes lighter
- Cracks and wounds heal,
- Calluses soften
- Improves nail structure
- The cuticle softens
- Skin elasticity increases,
- Joint pain is reduced,
- Puffiness goes away,
- Skin regeneration processes are activated.
In a beauty salon, hot paraffin therapy is done after a manicure, before applying varnish. In addition to the fact that this procedure gives a therapeutic effect, it is also very pleasant.
You will not only get perfectly smooth hands, but you will feel comfortable warmth, relax and forget about all your worries.
Frequency of the procedure
Paraffin therapy is an effective procedure with a course approach; it requires from 5 to 15 visits to the cosmetology office.
If you need to quickly get your legs in order and relieve severe fatigue, you can perform up to 3 procedures in the first week. Usually, in the first month, 2 procedures are performed per week. Starting from the second month – 1 session.
For well-groomed feet, 1 procedure every two weeks is enough. This mode is also optimal for pedicure, which allows you to develop a rich program when visiting a beauty salon. Between sessions, you need to take care of your feet - apply moisturizing compounds, regularly use nourishing masks.
How often should you perform paraffin therapy on your feet?
The results of paraffin therapy can be fully assessed after a course of use: from 5 to 15 times. They can be done twice a week.
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What is needed for the procedure
The procedure is carried out in salons and independently. Before starting a paraffin therapy session, you need to make sure you have the following supplies on hand:
- disposable gloves;
- antiseptic composition for hand disinfection;
- disinfectant composition for feet;
- a bath in which paraffin is melted and the main procedure is performed;
- bags made of thin plastic film for legs;
- warm terry socks or special felt boots made of this material. If you don’t have socks, you can replace them with a regular terry towel;
- brush for treating hard-to-reach areas on the legs;
- scrub;
- softener with keratolytics or acid-based scrub;
- nutritional formulations, coconut or olive oil.
An experienced nail service specialist individually selects care products.
How to prepare for paraffin therapy on your feet
If you are going to perform paraffin therapy on your feet at home, then prepare everything you need in advance:
• polyethylene gloves; • antiseptic; • rich foot cream; • a paraffin bath (if you don’t have one, you can heat the paraffin in a water bath); • hot paraffin; • plastic bags for feet or socks; • insulation: woolen socks, felt boots, or just a thick towel that can be used to wrap your feet.
The procedure does not require any special preparation; beforehand, you can go about your normal business.
Before performing paraffin therapy, you need to prepare everything you need
Procedure for paraffin therapy
Paraffin therapy provides effective additional care for the skin of the feet. It is better to start the procedure after finishing the pedicure. The session lasts from 30 to 60 minutes - plan your time, enjoy the procedure without rushing.
All materials for paraffin therapy are prepared in advance and placed in separate boxes, which are always at hand by the specialist.
The procedure is performed in the following order:
- Before starting work, the master treats his hands with antiseptic compounds and puts on gloves.
- The required amount of paraffin is placed in the bath and set to heating mode.
- The client's feet are treated with disinfectant compounds.
- In the absence of a pedicure, it is necessary to treat the feet with a keratolytic agent. After the softener is absorbed, the keratinized part of the skin is removed.
- After completion of the procedure, the remaining keratolytic agent is removed and the skin is dried.
- Feet are treated with nourishing cream or coconut oil. This stage is given increased attention - the product should be distributed evenly over the foot to nourish, moisturize and protect the skin.
- A protective mesh is installed at the bottom of the bath.
- The temperature of the molten paraffin is checked - the product should not burn the skin.
- The foot is immersed in a paraffin bath up to the ankle bone for 2-3 seconds and removed for 5-10 seconds. Paraffin hardens and forms a dense film. The procedure is repeated 5-7 times until a paraffin layer of 2-5 mm is achieved. The product is evenly distributed between the fingers using a special brush.
- The legs are covered with plastic wrap.
- Keep your toes motionless for 15-30 minutes.
- Paraffin is removed along with the polyethylene coating.
- Remaining paraffin is removed using wet and then dry wipes.
- Apply nourishing or moisturizing cream. The choice of product depends on the season of the procedure.
After completing the treatment, a light foot massage is recommended to enhance the effect of paraffin therapy.
