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Paraffin Hand Treatment

Chandramita Bora
Paraffin wax is a colorless, waxy byproduct of petroleum. Paraffin wax treatment is nowadays widely used for enhancing the look of hands and feet. Besides eliminating skin dryness, it helps reduce joint pain and stiffness.
Paraffin wax is an alkane hydrocarbon, that is mainly used for candle making, and as a coating material in making candies and waxed paper. It is also used as a sealant. It is often used in fruits and vegetables to give them a shiny appearance.
As paraffin can help retain moisture and prevent spoilage, it is also used as a preservative. Apart from these, it has several cosmetic and medicinal benefits. Today, paraffin wax treatment is combined with both pedicure and manicure, in order to make the skin softer and smoother.

Paraffin Benefits

As mentioned already, paraffin wax treatment for hands is basically carried out to make the skin smooth, and to give it a more radiant look. Apart from this, the treatment can improve blood circulation, and thereby improve skin tone. All these benefits can be attributed to its ability to absorb and retain a great amount of heat.
When a particular body part, such as the hand, is dipped in molten paraffin wax and then taken out, the wax solidifies and transfers the heat to the hand. This in turn, helps open up the skin pores. It also helps treat the pain and stiffness of the joints caused by conditions such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, and bursitis.
Paraffin can relax a tired hand, besides moisturizing the skin from deep within. It is particularly suitable for extremely flaky and dry skin. Even individuals with skin conditions like eczema, can benefit immensely from this treatment.

Paraffin Hand Treatment

To carry out this treatment at home, you will need food-grade paraffin wax, essential oil, and olive oil.

➻ First, melt the food-grade paraffin wax in a double boiler on low to medium heat, and add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender oil) to the molten wax.

➻ When the wax melts completely, pour it to another container or dish.
➻ Before pouring the molten wax, grease the container or dish with a small amount of oil. Now, wash your hands and let it dry completely.

➻ Massage your hands with a few drops of olive oil, and then check the temperature of the liquid wax. If a thin layer has formed on the top of the liquid wax, then you can submerge your hand in it.
♦ To begin with, dip your hand gently in the liquid wax for a few seconds, and then take it out. Wait for a few seconds before dipping your hand again in the wax.

♦ Continue the same process until several layers of wax accumulate on your hand.
By applying several layers of wax on your hand, you can maximize its benefits for joint pain and stiffness, along with moisturizing the skin from deep within. Usually, 5 to 7 layers are sufficient to obtain the cosmetic, as well as the medicinal benefits of paraffin wax.
To retain the heat, you can insert your hand into a plastic bag or liner, or an insulated mitt. Wait for about 15 minutes and then remove the wax from your hand.
After removing the wax, you can apply a moisturizing lotion or cream on your hand. However, be sure to not flex your fingers or hand until the wax is removed completely.
Same like hands, you can treat your feet as well with paraffin wax.
However, it is not meant for skin with wounds, open sores, and burn injuries. Even individuals with sensitive skin should talk to an expert prior to using paraffin wax for hands or feet. Beginners can also consider to take the help of a professional while using it for the first time.