Many people have heard about the benefits of paraffin hand baths at home. But not everyone knows how to do this simple procedure correctly. But you need to not only strictly follow the general recommendations, but also choose the right paraffin itself, the quality of which determines the success of the session.
In fact, doing a cosmetic procedure yourself is not at all difficult, but you need to remember the rules and contraindications.
What is paraffin therapy for hands, the essence of the procedure
For skin care, women are more familiar with creams, masks, scrubs and other products with a soft consistency. Paraffin is changing the idea of beauty treatments. If you look at the description of paraffin therapy for hands, then this method refers to treatment. It was originally used to solve problems with joints, but in parallel, a positive effect of the product on the skin was noticed.
The essence of the procedure is to apply the melted product to the prepared surface. It provokes softening of the skin, opening of pores, increases sweating, toxins and various impurities come out of the epidermis, the functioning of the fat glands improves, and the ducts are cleansed.
In simple language it looks like this:
- Under the influence of heat, the pores expand and the applied cream or oil penetrates them.
- Moisture comes out of the pores along with impurities, but rests against paraffin, after which it again enters the skin.
- After leaving the pores, contaminated molecules have time to expand, are not absorbed back, and settle on the surface.
The main useful property of paraffin is its high heat capacity. However, the skin under paraffin heats up only a few degrees (1-2). But this is enough to increase the number of functioning capillaries, and therefore accelerate lymphatic drainage and microcirculation. The work of all glands is also stimulated. During paraffin therapy, the skin begins to sweat intensely, releasing a large amount of toxins and waste with moisture. But paraffin prevents sweat from evaporating. And therefore, when the paraffin cools down, the water has nowhere else to go but to be absorbed back. And the beneficial ingredients of the cream applied before the procedure are absorbed along with it. At the same time, toxin molecules (much larger than water molecules) cannot be absorbed back. In addition, the skin cools down and the pores narrow.
Thus, the process of detoxification and moisturizing of the skin of the hands, cuticles, and nails occurs. Many may think that what is so wonderful about this, water is released and absorbed back, as if nothing unusual was happening. The fact is that the moisture released with sweat “comes out” of the lymph and blood, and is absorbed back into the skin. This is how fluid in the body is redistributed to those areas that need it most.
This is why paraffin therapy, even at home, gives such fantastic results.
The rejuvenating effect is explained by the special property of paraffin to decrease in volume when cooled (25-30 minutes after applying heated paraffin). A layer of paraffin tightly “grabs” the skin over the entire application surface, which helps stretch the skin and, accordingly, smooth out wrinkles. Naturally, you can’t get rid of deep wrinkles this way, but small ones can be dealt with with a certain amount of regularity.
Nail cream
Nail cream is used to moisturize and nourish the plate. Unlike balms, the recipes for which are presented above, the cream does not need to be rubbed in. Its main purpose is to care for nails, not seal them.
Ingredients:
- wax – 10 g;
- chamomile decoction – 1 tsp;
- oil – 2 tbsp. l. Use any oil you have on hand - olive, peach, wheat germ.
If desired, you can add 1-2 drops of lemon, grapefruit or tea tree essential oil.
Recipe:
- Prepare a chamomile decoction – 1 tbsp. l. dry flowers, pour half a glass of hot water and leave for 30 minutes;
- Melt the wax in a water bath, add oil and broth to it. Stir thoroughly and remove from heat;
- Pour the resulting mixture into a sealable container.
- After 30-50 minutes the cream can be used.
- Apply every 3-4 days to nails and rollers. After 20 minutes, remove the residue with a napkin.
- After applying the cream, it is not recommended to wash your hands for 2-3 hours so that the components have time to take effect.
Benefits of paraffin therapy for hands
Initially, paraffin therapy was used for the joints of the hands, it alleviated the condition of arthritis and arthrosis, eliminated swelling, removed bumps, and made bruises less noticeable after injections and blood draws. This method was also actively used to treat frostbite. Nowadays, cosmetic rather than medicinal purposes are more often pursued.
Indications for paraffin therapy for hands:
- dry, chapped skin;
- cracks, small wounds;
- wrinkles, decreased turgor, other signs of aging;
- uneven pigmentation;
- hard, unruly cuticle;
- problems with nails (foliation, slow growth).
The benefits of paraffin therapy for hands are obvious. This is one of the easiest ways to restore youth and beauty to the skin, if there are no contraindications to it.
How to do the procedure in the salon
Hot paraffin therapy for hands is often done in beauty salons. To avoid consequences and health problems, the master is obliged to warn about contraindications and conduct a sensitivity test. Usually a session requires a recording, as it takes time to prepare the necessary things.
How to perform paraffin therapy for hands step by step:
- The master cleans the client's hands. Typically, washing with soap and then treating with an antiseptic is used.
- Moisturizing and nourishing products are applied. They are selected individually, depending on the skin type, existing problems, and the client’s wishes.
- Paraffin is added to a special paraffin bath for hands and feet and melted. The optimal temperature is around 52-53 degrees.
- The client immerses her hands in the bath, sometimes the master performs a light massage, after which the hands need to be removed.
- Immediately put on cosmetic gloves or mittens. Paraffin is aged for 20-25 minutes.
- The mittens are removed, the product is removed from the hands, and the skin is wiped with napkins.
Sometimes paraffin therapy for hands in the salon is carried out using a cold method; it is suitable for a larger number of women, but individual intolerance has not been canceled. Allergy sufferers are advised to carefully study the composition of the products used. It’s even better to come to the salon a day before, conduct sensitivity tests, and monitor your skin reaction. Judging by the reviews, paraffin therapy for hands rarely provokes allergies; more often the reaction occurs to additional products (creams, serums, soaps).
How much does paraffin therapy cost in a salon?
The procedure is not expensive, and most of the female population can afford it. But there is one point - the number of sessions. After the first time, the effect is visible, the skin is smoothed, moisturized, and looks better. For a stable result and rejuvenation, eliminating dryness, in difficult cases it is recommended to undergo a course of 3-5 hand spa paraffin therapy procedures.
Not every person is ready to shell out a round sum. Those who want to save have two options: wait for discounts and promotions, coupons from the salon, or do it themselves. Fortunately, the procedure is simple, and all the necessary materials are easy to buy.
The price of paraffin therapy for hands in a salon depends on the city, the status of the establishment, it starts from 300 rubles, there is no higher threshold, on average it reaches 500 - 1000 rubles.
Therapy at home
Procedures at home are not always done in order to save money. Some women are afraid of catching a fungus in the salon, doubt sterility, want to save time, or have other reasons. In addition, it has been proven that it is better to take care of your skin in the evening, so that the beneficial substances penetrate into the deep layers of the epidermis overnight and work better. But how to do paraffin therapy for your hands yourself and correctly?
- First, use only cosmetic paraffin.
- Secondly, heat the product to the recommended temperature; under no circumstances put your hands into the hot mass.
- Thirdly, be sure to apply cream or oil to the skin to increase effectiveness. Paraffin alone provides only hydration and cleansing.
- Fourthly, do not carry out the procedure “in between times”. You need to prepare everything you need in advance and free up an hour of time.
Paraffin is a reusable product; it is repeatedly melted in the bath, which also causes certain concerns when visiting a beauty salon.
What is needed for the home procedure
Everything you need for paraffin therapy of your hands can be bought in a specialized store. If it is not in the city, then you can always use the Internet or look for an alternative replacement. For example, instead of cosmetic gloves, use regular bags, and for insulation, take regular large mittens. Towels will also do, but then you can’t do it without the help of another person.
What do you need:
- bath;
- paraffin;
- cream, oil;
- mittens;
- soap;
- hand scrub.
A real bath for paraffin therapy of hands is not always used. Sometimes the main ingredient is melted in another way (in a steam bath, in a microwave), then poured into a convenient bowl.
You should choose a cream taking into account the needs of your skin, but it is recommended to pay attention to products with an organic composition; natural oils (coconut, cocoa, shea butter) are excellent. Under the influence of paraffin, the product will penetrate into the deep layers of the epidermis, and they do not need preservatives.
Cosmetic paraffin has undergone the necessary purification from harmful impurities, it will not harm the skin. Therefore, you should not look for cheap alternatives or add any ingredients or invent your own composition.
Stages of paraffin therapy
On average, one procedure requires 1.5 kg of cosmetic paraffin. There is no need to pour it out of the bath. Can be covered, stored in it, and used up to ten times. As needed, periodically add to the original volume. But after the procedure, the product removed from the hands is always thrown away, since a lot of dirt, sebum, and toxins remain on it. Repeated use may cause skin problems.
Paraffin therapy for hands at home - step-by-step instructions:
- Place the paraffin in the bath and let it melt. The product melts at a temperature of 52-54 degrees. The process can take up to 15 minutes.
- It's time to prepare your hands. Wash with soap, then apply a scrub and massage for 1-2 minutes. This time is enough to remove dead scales of the epidermis. Rinse with warm water and wipe the skin dry.
- Apply nourishing cream or an alternative product, rub thoroughly for 1-2 minutes. You can use any ready-made mask. It is important that it suits your skin type and fulfills a certain requirement (moisturizes, nourishes, rejuvenates). You can rub oil into uncoated nail plates and use it to treat the cuticles.
- We check the temperature of the paraffin, it should not burn. The optimal corridor is from 50 to 54 degrees. We completely immerse our hands in the warm mass, leave them for 20-30 seconds, and then slowly remove them.
- Immediately put your hands into gloves or into regular bags. We put on warm mittens on top.
- Let the paraffin soak for about 20-25 minutes. During this time it will cool down and form a film that will not be difficult to remove. Carefully remove from the skin. If the composition has not hardened in some areas, you can wipe it off with a damp cloth.
- If desired, we additionally apply a nourishing cream that will prolong the effect of the procedure.
It is not necessary to purchase a special hand scrub; you can make it yourself from ground coffee and cream, or mix a teaspoon of granulated sugar with the same amount of body milk.
Subtleties of cooking
- buy a quality product . All recipes will be based on natural beeswax. You can buy it from beekeepers, as well as in soap stores. I saw an offer on Aliexpress, but it is better not to buy wax there, because it is not known whether it is really a natural product or simple paraffin;
- Use glass or ceramic dishes and avoid metal containers . Ingredients in the home remedy may react with the metal;
- Always check ingredients for allergies . Wax products rarely cause allergies, even in those who have a reaction to honey. However, before cooking, it is better to do a test - apply a small amount to the crook of your elbow and leave for 30-40 minutes. Ideally, check each component this way;
- do not boil the mixture . To prepare homemade cosmetics, the wax must be melted before cooking. The melting point is 65-67 degrees. This means that you do not need to bring it to a boil. Try to heat it in a water bath, not in the microwave. This way you can follow the process;
- Don't cook a large portion at once . Homemade cosmetics have a much shorter shelf life than store-bought ones. Shelf life in the refrigerator is no more than 3 months, and at room temperature up to 3 weeks;
- disinfect the jars in which the finished product is stored . Wipe the jar inside and out with alcohol or a disinfectant, and then rinse with clean water. This way you will destroy the microorganisms that were on the walls, and the finished product will be stored longer;
- Let the resulting mass harden at room temperature . It is important that the product hardens slowly, so you should not put the jar in the refrigerator. A sudden change in temperature will cause the mass to crack and make it difficult to use.
Cold paraffin therapy for hands
In some cases, hot procedures are contraindicated for a person, and one has to resort to other methods. In addition, they are more convenient, they do not require a bath, gloves and other things. What is cold paraffin therapy for hands? This is an alternative way to restore youth and beauty to the skin. A special cream or mask is used, which in addition to paraffin contains vitamins, glycerin, and other additives. They do not allow the mass to harden; when it comes into contact with the skin from body heat, it melts even more.
What is needed for the procedure:
- paraffin product;
- brush or spatula for application;
- plastic gloves;
- mittens or towels.
You can buy a kit for paraffin therapy of hands and feet at home. It has everything you need or collect the items from the list yourself. Additionally, you will need soap and an antiseptic, a light scrub. It is recommended to do a manicure in advance, to treat the nails and cuticles. Long-term coating - gel, acrylic, gel polish does not need to be removed.
How to perform paraffin therapy for hands with cold paraffin:
- Hands should be washed with soap and treated with antiseptic. Sometimes a serum is rubbed in before the procedure, which enhances the effect.
- Apply paraffin product to the skin with a brush or spatula. We are trying to treat all areas.
- Wear plastic gloves. When performing paraffin therapy on hands at home, regular bags are often used.
- Put on mittens on top or wrap your hands in terry towels. Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes, preferably half an hour.
- Remove any remaining product with napkins. You can wash it off, but for the best effect, do not wet the skin at first.
- Apply any cream for additional moisturizing and protection.
This is the basic technology. In some cases, cold paraffin therapy for hands is carried out in a different way, much depends on the product used. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to study the instructions and recommendations of the specific manufacturer.
Contraindications, precautions
Cold therapy has virtually no contraindications. Only individual intolerance falls under them. If the product contains other ingredients, they can also cause an allergic reaction. It’s easy to check tolerance - you need to apply the composition to the thin skin behind the ear, in the elbow bend, and monitor the reaction. The hot procedure is not so harmless and requires caution.
Who is not suitable for hand paraffin therapy - contraindications:
Paraffin therapy in general and for hands in particular has contraindications: varicose veins (usually if used on the legs), hypertension, diabetes, as well as skin injuries, increased hair growth (hypertrichosis) and pustular rashes in the area of application.
Direct contraindications are cuts, deep wounds on the skin, purulent formations. The procedure can remove small cracks, irritation, and redness, it all depends on their origin. If the damage is caused mechanically, then paraffin can be used. If you have skin diseases, prior consultation with your doctor is required.
There is still a lot of controversy about the paraffin therapy procedure for hands during pregnancy; the effect has not been fully studied. To avoid harm to the woman and fetus, it is recommended to choose other skin care methods or consult a doctor.
How often can you do paraffin therapy for your hands?
In spring and winter, when the skin dries and becomes wrinkled, the recommended frequency is once every 15-20 days. For serious skin problems, if your hands are in disrepair, it is recommended to take a course. In summer and autumn, when the body has enough vitamins, it is not exposed to cold; for preventive purposes, paraffin therapy is carried out once every 30-45 days. But everything is individual, depending on the initial condition of the skin, age, and lifestyle.
So, paraffin therapy gives excellent results. Indications for use: not only dry skin. It is also prescribed for arthritis, aging facial skin, and as an effective decongestant after cosmetic surgery. Of course, using paraffin therapy for the face at home is not easy; you need some skill and experience in carrying out such procedures. But you can safely use it on your hands at least twice a month.
Varieties of paraffin
Paraffin is an insoluble fatty product without aroma or taste. Essentially, it is a petroleum product that has properties similar to regular wax. Due to heat transfer, the substance is widely used in medicine and cosmetology. In medicine, it is used to treat the musculoskeletal system; in case of salt deposition, paraffin applications are prescribed. In cosmetology, you can use paraffin along with various vitamins, oils, herbs, because it is easy to find material with additives on sale.
There are two types of procedures using it: hot and cold wax. The first stimulates sweating, the pores open perfectly. The film that forms on the skin retains moisture and significantly improves blood flow. Due to this, dry skin becomes more hydrated, elastic, and youthful. The cold version has the same properties, only without the thermal effect. It is chosen if there are contraindications for carrying out a hot procedure at home or in the salon. There are often cases when hot cosmetic procedures are prohibited not only for the face, but also for the legs or arms.
