Paraffin wax is a white or colorless soft, solid wax, it’s often used in skin-softening salon and spa treatments on the hands and feet. It’s made from saturated hydrocarbons. It can also be used to provide pain relief to sore joints and muscles.
This wax has many other uses, too. It’s often used as lubrication, electrical insulation, and to make candles and crayons.
What are the benefits of paraffin wax?
Cosmetic benefits
Cosmetically, it is often applied to the hands and feet. The wax is a natural emollient, helping make skin supple and soft. When applied to the skin, it adds moisture and continues to boost the moisture levels of the skin after the treatment is complete.
It can also help open pores and remove dead skin cells. That may help make the skin look fresher and feel smoother.
Therapeutic benefits
Paraffin wax may be used to help relieve pain in the hands of people with:
- osteoarthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- fibromyalgia
- other joint mobility issues
It acts like a form of heat therapy and can help increase blood flow, relax muscles, and decrease joint stiffness. Paraffin wax can also minimize muscle spasms and inflammation as well as treat sprains.
Are there side effects?
Paraffin wax is tested in a lab to make sure it’s safe and hygienic to use on the body. It’s completely natural and has a low melting point, which means it can be easily applied to the skin at a temperature low enough not to cause burns or blisters.
However, if you have very sensitive skin, this wax may cause heat rash. Heat rash results in small red bumps on the skin that can be itchy and uncomfortable.
You should not use paraffin wax if you have:
- poor blood circulation
- numbness in your hands or feet
- diabetes
- any rashes or open sores
If you have a chemical sensitivity, you may develop minor swelling or breakouts from the wax treatment. That’s because paraffin comes from petroleum products.
If you’re doing a paraffin wax treatment at home, take care not to heat the wax too much, as it may catch fire. It should be no more than 125°F (51.7°C) when you start your treatment.
Read more: The Benefits of Paraffin Wax and How to Use It at Home
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