Cold paraffin therapy is a very popular procedure that gives the skin of your hands instant hydration and eliminates dryness and flaking. It does not require any special financial or time expenditure; its technique is very clear and simple. Want to learn how to do cold paraffin therapy at home? Then quickly read our article - we’ll teach you everything step by step! But first, let’s figure out who this technique is suitable for and who it is not, as well as what results can be achieved.
Paraffin therapy intensively moisturizes the skin of the hands
Paraffin therapy is an effective procedure that quickly restores dehydrated hand skin. One of its advantages is its simplicity - you can do it yourself at home! Do you want to learn how to do paraffin therapy for your hands at home? Then read our article - it contains step-by-step instructions!
General description of the procedure
Paraffin therapy for hands is a thermal procedure using a product - paraffin.
There is cold paraffin therapy for hands and hot. In terms of the degree of impact on the skin, thermotherapy is more effective than the first. The melting point of the product is 70-80˚С. The salons use professional thermomels. In them, melted paraffin cools down to 55˚C. It has been proven that this temperature has a beneficial effect on the skin of the hands, joints, muscles and nervous system and does not cause tissue burns.
White cosmetic paraffin is used to care for hands. It is a neutral solid, odorless and tasteless. It is well purified and does not contain harmful impurities.
Paraffin is a petrochemical product. It contains nothing - no microelements, no vitamins. Its uniqueness lies in the very principle of its operation. Possessing thermal conductivity, high heat capacity and thermodynamics, paraffin quickly heats up and cools down slowly. Thanks to this, uniform deep heating of the dermis, dilation of blood vessels, and improvement of blood microcirculation are achieved.
Being a pure product, paraffin is well suited for allergy sufferers, for whom, as we know, few cosmetic procedures are indicated.
For cosmetic purposes, it is not candle paraffin that is used, but medical, purified paraffin. Candle paraffin is not suitable for cosmetic purposes.
In beauty salons and professional stores you can find colored paraffin: pink, yellow, purple, green, red. This means that the product contains a dye and is also enriched with essential oils, vitamins, and microelements. If you do not have an allergic reaction to the components, you should not be afraid of this. After all, in addition to warming up, the product has additional properties - nutrition, moisturizing, restoration of the skin.
Paraffin therapy is a simple and quick way to restore a well-groomed appearance to your hands and bring the nervous system into balance. When the tissues are heated, the epidermis is renewed, toxins are removed from the cells, and swelling is eliminated.
For cosmetic purposes, oil, honey, herbal, and classical paraffin therapy are used.
The cold procedure is suitable for self-use at home. You will need paraffin cream, a plastic bag, and a terry towel to wrap your hands.
Healthy Supplements
In many salons, herbal extracts of aloe, lavender, mint, citrus fruits, and tea tree are added to cosmetic paraffin. Vitamins E and A are used, which help restore and nourish the upper layers of the skin.
You can experiment with a number of additives, for example, coconut or shea butter, chocolate, just do a test for an allergic reaction first.
Paraffin for hot and cold paraffin therapy - review of the best
Step-by-step instruction
You need to start the procedure with cleansing and scrubbing.
Then the cream is applied and a paraffin mask is applied. Due to its gel texture, the product can be applied with a brush.
Then plastic gloves or bags are put on, hands are wrapped in a warm blanket and towel.
The longer you stay with the mask, the better the effect will be. From 25 minutes to an hour is enough to feel the result.
After a while, remove the product together with gloves, picking up the remaining product with a spatula.
Finally, apply a nourishing protective cream.
You should not use hand masks too often as this can cause your skin to become addictive.
Cold paraffin therapy for hands is carried out without heating the product, which completely eliminates the possibility of burns. Ready-made paraffin cream is available in a tube or jar with a tight lid. It is better if the product is of a professional brand. Check the instructions and natural composition of the product.
Cold therapy has two undeniable disadvantages compared to a hot procedure in a salon.
Firstly , paraffin cream cannot be reused. When removing the product, you have to throw it in the trash. This means that with constant use, one package will be enough for 6-12 procedures.
Secondly , the surface effect. A cold product must be kept for much longer than a hot one, which immediately warms up and penetrates the layers of the dermis.
Excessive enthusiasm leads to adverse consequences - skin addiction.
If you decide to do a hot procedure at home instead of a cold one, then remember that neglecting the strict temperature rules will inevitably lead to a burn.
Material selection
Many people mistakenly believe that paraffin is purchased for paraffin therapy, which acts as a base for making candles. But this material is not suitable for the procedure; it has low heat conductivity and can cause burns.
The baths are made from purified cosmetic material , which can be found in pharmacies or specialty stores.
Cosmetic paraffin is divided into several types:
- pure without dyes or any additives;
- with the addition of vitamins, oils, flavors.
You should choose the material based on your personal needs . For example, for hands with inflammation and cracks, you should choose wax with aloe vera or peach oil. It is also suitable for those who are prone to allergic reactions. For dry skin, you should choose formulations with almond, olive, wheat germ, and cocoa oils. For young hands, a fortified oil is suitable, which must contain vitamin E.
You can make your task easier and buy a special kit , which will already contain everything you need to carry out the procedure at home: paraffin itself, a paraffin bath, fleece and disposable mittens, care products.
When purchasing, pay attention to the sizes and volumes of the baths . For your hands, choose a container with a volume of two liters, but for your legs you will need a larger container. The heating time of the device also plays a significant role - the faster it heats the material, the better. This way you will save both energy and your time. Heating time can vary from one hour to four hours. It would be useful to have a thermostat and filters that free the paraffin material from excess particles. The filter also simplifies the procedure for cleaning the container. It is better to choose a stable bath made of anti-slip material.
You can buy a bath at a pharmacy or specialty store. But many save money by purchasing it through online stores.
Cosmetic wax can be purchased in 450 gram packages . This weight is enough for six procedures on average. If only you plan to use the wax, then it can be reused.
Hot salon procedure
Hot paraffin is a salon service. The choice of paraffin is a matter for the cosmetologist, who is based on the condition of the skin of the hands and the wishes of the client.
Paraffin reacts well, mixing into a homogeneous mass with fats. For example, with vegetable oils: olive, almond, argan, cocoa. In this case, the beneficial properties of the mask increase many times over.
There are many salon hand masks based on white cosmetic paraffin:
- “Nutrition”: paraffin, vitamin A and E, dry kelp. Deeply moisturizes, smoothes wrinkles, gives elasticity.
- “Rejuvenation”: paraffin, peach oil and aloe extract. Promotes rejuvenation, softness, lifting.
- “Moisturizing”: paraffin, olive oil, cocoa butter. Retains moisture in the dermis, nourishes and refreshes skin color.
Paraffin therapy is combined with manicure and extensions. The price of the service depends on the class of the salon, but is available everywhere for any category of clients. A coated manicure is always done before paraffin. After the hot composition is applied, the skin of your hands will steam. This is good for processing and removing cuticles, but bad for the nail plate. A softened nail cannot be filed, otherwise it will peel off. After the paraffin mask, a moisturizer is applied, which will make the plate oily. In this case, the varnish coating or gel polish does not adhere well to the nail, and bubbles form. After the manicure, the master begins paraffin treatment.
White cosmetic paraffin can be heated and cooled repeatedly. One kilogram is enough for a year of use. The product and thermal bath are disinfected and cleaned every time after the procedure.
Here's how a professional procedure works in a salon.
Is special training needed?
Yes, it won’t take much time and will better prepare the skin for the procedure. Before paraffin therapy, wash your hands thoroughly with soap. Remove rings and other jewelry, remove clothing from the possible treatment area.
If the procedure precedes a manicure, then you need to remove the nail polish and treat your hands with a fine scrub. Apply a light nourishing or moisturizing cream. Its impact will increase significantly under a paraffin mask due to the greenhouse effect. Now you can get started.
Stages of the procedure in the salon
- Preparatory stage.
Jewelry should be removed. Brushes are cleaned with glycerin soap. The master melts solid paraffin in a special bath at a temperature of 70˚ C. At the client’s request, he adds essential oils, basic cosmetic oils, plant extracts, and liquid vitamins. Wait for the mixture to cool to 50-52˚C. - Disinfection.
Antiseptic gel or antimicrobial spray is applied. - Peeling.
The stratum corneum is removed with a soft scrub. - Mask.
Lotion is applied and massage is performed. Then a regenerating moisturizing mask is applied to the skin of the hands and nails. - Paraffin therapy.
Liquid paraffin is applied to the mask. Brushes with fingers pressed, so as not to burn the sensitive interdigital spaces, are lowered alternately 4-5 times into the solution. Then take it out to harden in the open air. The temperature in the thermomel is hot, but comfortable. The more layers, the better the heat is retained. - Thermal influence.
The master puts on gloves or bags and terry mittens on top. Exposure time 20 minutes. - Food and massage.
Paraffin is removed and a nourishing cream is applied to improve skin elasticity. The procedure ends with a hand massage.
The professional procedure gives several results:
- Increases cell spacing, facilitating nutrient transport;
- Softens the top layer of dermis scales, improving the appearance of the hands;
- Opens pores, removing toxins;
- Enhances tissue regeneration, restores damaged areas;
- Noticeable lifting effect;
- Strengthens blood and lymph flow.
After your first visit to the salon, your hands will look young and rested. The preventive course consists of 10 sessions with an interval of two times a week. The treatment course consists of 20 sessions at intervals every other day.
Benefits and treatment of paraffin baths. Harm if used incorrectly
The benefits of paraffin baths are well known, and they are used not only for hands. Although if used incorrectly, it can have a negative impact.
The effect of this procedure helps to avoid problems for people who have redness on their hands, since blood circulation increases. The skin on your hands becomes velvety. You just need to try one procedure to experience a positive result.
If you carry out a series of procedures of this kind, the effect will be amazing. Even older people with aging skin will be able to notice improvements.
It is very useful to carry out such procedures during the cold period. After winter, the skin becomes dry and receives few vitamins. Paraffin therapy can solve these problems in a few sessions.
According to the recommendation of doctors and cosmetologists, ideally carrying out this procedure once a month has a very good effect on the epidermis of the skin. It is especially useful for those who have problems in this area.
Interesting fact! This procedure is considered one of the most useful throughout the world.
Paraffin therapy does not have any negative effects, unless it is used incorrectly.
The table below shows a number of positive and negative effects of paraffin therapy:
The benefits of paraffin baths for hands | Harm of paraffin baths for hands |
Strengthens blood microcirculation | If the composition for the procedure overheats, it will cause a burn. |
Accelerates the removal of toxins | Use in case of contraindications |
Deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin of the hands | Excessive use |
Nourishes the nail plate | |
Increases skin elasticity |
The therapeutic effect of using paraffin baths is quite large. They are used for diseases such as arthritis, dislocation, fracture.
The use of these procedures for people with joint diseases is very useful. In this situation, sessions should take place daily, or every other day. The required number of procedures is from 10 to 20.
As you can see, the positive effect on the skin with this procedure is much greater than the possible negative effect.
Only white paraffin is used for treatment. He is purified.
Yellow paraffin cannot be used, as it contains substances that have an adverse and even harmful effect on the skin, since it is unrefined.
Benefits of paraffin therapy for hands
Physiotherapy with paraffin is carried out in the following cases:
- When there are signs of age-related skin changes;
- Uneven color, pigmented skin;
- Dryness, peeling;
- The need to protect the dermis from household chemicals;
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system: arthritis, fracture, sprained ligaments, tendons;
- Trophic ulcers;
- Hand polio;
- Frostbite of the extremities;
- Edema;
- Cicatricial atrophy of the skin;
- The skin is strengthened, cracks are healed;
- Pain sensations are reduced;
- Indicated for fading, aging skin;
- It is useful to carry out in winter, when vitamin deficiency is felt.
Dry nail plate and cracked cuticle
To treat nails, castor oil, peach oil, and almond oil are added to the solid product when melted. This will moisturize the cuticle, remove hangnails, and make your nails shiny and well-groomed.
Damaged nails after extensions
A paraffin bath with the addition of burdock or castor oil moisturizes the skin, strengthens brittle nails, and prevents delamination.
The benefits of physiotherapy are that it improves joint mobility, restores tissue, heals wounds, abrasions, and old burns. Applications, compresses, wraps, and baths are used to treat joints. For arthritis of small joints, the hands are placed in liquid paraffin for 10 minutes. After this, the paraffin is removed and the hands are placed in a decoction of herbs. The application for arthritis lasts an hour, and a thick compress is applied for 30 minutes.
Pronounced sedative, psychotherapeutic effect. The palms and fingertips are saturated with acupuncture reflexogenic zones. During a paraffin therapy session, the master massages the limbs, first with a scrub, then with cream. All this - both massage manipulations and thermal effects - has a beneficial effect on the psyche. Calms the nervous system, relaxes, relieves tension, stress, anxiety, irritation.
How much does a paraffin set cost?
To carry out paraffin therapy you will need the following kit:
- brush;
- palm rest;
- mittens (2 pcs);
- socks (2 pcs);
- polyethylene gloves (100 pcs).
What is the price? The approximate cost of such a set is 2690 rubles.
Perhaps you were also interested in learning about face cream after 50 years.
It is also worth finding out about the rating of face cream after 35 years.
It’s also worth reading about face cream after 60 years.
You may also be interested in learning about Vichy cream for the face after 50 years.
Contraindications
Paraffin therapy is recognized by cosmetologists and physiologists as the safest procedure in the world. But like any physiotherapy, there are also a number of restrictions and prohibitions.
The procedure is not recommended in the following cases:
- Diabetes
- Oncology
- Pregnancy at any stage
- Thyroid diseases
- Varicose veins
- High blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia
- Deep cuts, cracks, wounds
- Psychical deviations
- Epilepsy
Neglecting contraindications has side effects. If there is suppuration, internal or external inflammatory process, then the infection can spread with redoubled force at the site of the disease.
Find out in consultation with a cosmetologist how often you can do the hot procedure and come to the salon to see a specialist.
Do not self-medicate. Return to list of articles
results
Happy clients see the effect of the procedure as soon as the paraffin is removed. One of the brightest advantages of paraffin therapy is that you don’t have to wait for the result, it is instantaneous and lasts for several days.
After completing this procedure, clients receive:
- Deep hydration of the skin.
- Removing the peeling process.
- Eliminates the feeling of roughness.
- Beautiful and healthy color.
- Increased elasticity.
- Raising tone.
- Healing of cracks.
- Reduction or complete removal of pain in the joints of the hand and fingers.
Security measures
In order for the method to be positive and to see results after the first use, you must follow the instructions.
To avoid possible harm, paraffin therapy should never be used if there are contraindications. Especially if inflammatory processes occur in the body, body temperature is elevated and there are wounds on the skin. To do this, you need to wait until the situation normalizes, and only then begin the procedure.
Some diseases are not compatible with paraffin therapy at all - diseases of internal organs (heart and kidneys), as well as diabetes.
During pregnancy, the procedure is contraindicated, since a slight increase in body temperature, even local, can harm the fetus.
Most often, when carrying out this method of hand skin rejuvenation, burns may occur. To prevent this from happening, you should use a thermometer when heating the mass. The temperature of the product should not exceed 50°C. Moisture must not get into the melted product, otherwise it will splash and shoot in different directions, and this can also cause burns.