Paraffin waxing is a luxurious hand, foot or back treatment that is intended to moisturise and soften the skin. It can also be an optional extra when booking a manicure, pedicure, reflexology or Thai foot massage treatment.
Paraffin wax is not like “warm” or “hot” wax that is used for hair removal on the face and body. That type of wax is much more viscous and bonds to the skin. Paraffin wax is a softer wax because of the paraffin oil component. As it’s a soft wax, it melts at a lower temperature, so this means that the skin can be treated with the wax without causing burning or blistering. Prior to treatment the area of the body is sanitised and then the wax is applied by dipping the hand or foot into the wax or painting it onto the client's body to create a thick layer. The body part is then wrapped in plastic and towels and left to 'soak' in the layer of wax for up to 20 minutes.
Paraffin wax treatments are particular popular in the winter because they are warning and they provide a great deal of moisture to dry and cracked skin. During paraffin wax treatments, the skin is bathed in warmth, which helps the pores to open and the skin soften. Once the skin has been allowed to soak in the wax and the layer has hardened, it can be pulled off in one solid piece. Because the wax is soft and contains oil, it does not become very stiff and does not adhere to the skin. After the paraffin wax treatment the skin is left slick and soft.
The use of paraffin wax therapy can be traced all the way back to the Roman Empire. In those ancient times, the Romans would pour hot waxes on the body in preparation for massage therapy. Later the French embraced paraffin therapy by melting paraffin wax and spreading it on wounds to accelerate healing. In World War I, the British army used paraffin wax therapy as a protocol to treat orthopaedic disorders in military hospitals. In modern times, paraffin therapy is quite common and widely used to aid in the treatment of conditions such as the following:
• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Eczema
• Fibromyalgia
• Fibrositis
• Inflammation
• Muscle Spasms
• Overworked/Fatigued Muscles
• Psoriasis
• Scar Tissue
• Stiff Joints
• Tendonitis
• Tennis Elbow
Paraffin therapy is also widely used in the treatment of sports related injuries and other conditions where heat therapy and exercise therapy are needed. One of the overlooked benefits of paraffin therapy is that it soothes and moisturizes the skin, opens pores, increases circulation, and promotes a sense of calm in the client.
Paraffin has been laboratory tested to be hygienically safe to use. It is colourless, tasteless, odourless, and extremely heavy in molecular structure. Since paraffin is heavy in molecular weight, it increases the blood supply to the area being treated and traps moisture from underlying layers of the skin, resulting in rejuvenated and nourished skin. Paraffin therapy reduces pain and stiffness around joints by removing excess fluid from surrounding tissue while providing lubrication.