To improve the condition of the skin of the hands, paraffin therapy is often used. To carry it out, cold paraffin hand cream is sometimes used. Patients suffering from hand diseases need to know how to use paraffin cream for hands and be able to apply this knowledge in practice.
Paraffin cream is suitable for improving the condition of hand skin
You need to know how to choose the right wax for your hands. To do this, have an idea about paraffin therapy and its benefits for the hands.
Paraffin therapy
Paraffin therapy is a unique set of thermal procedures that soften the upper layers of the skin. This promotes improved pore opening. After this, the pores begin to better absorb cosmetics that are applied directly under the paraffin mask. Upon completion of the procedure, the skin receives intense hydration and is cleansed of toxins and harmful substances.
Benefits for hands
The advantages of applications using paraffin (wax) are justified by the mechanism of its action. After the substance is applied to the skin, it begins to heat up intensely under the influence of body temperature. As a result, the skin sweats intensely and secretes sebum. Along with sweat, water is released, which steams the skin. The active elements in the substance help remove tension and soften rough skin.
Under the influence of steaming, the skin becomes soft. It increases the water balance due to its reverse suction. Hyperkeratosis, calluses and other parts of the thickened stratum corneum begin to be removed more easily.
Paraffin: is it harmful?
Probably not. But it's not that simple
Paraffin is non-toxic and hypoallergenic. It is considered “foreign” to our body. This is why it is not absorbed by the skin, but creates a thin layer on the surface and seals it. Thus, the loss of water from the skin stops, and the outside of the skin becomes soft. However, paraffin can clog pores. When washing, it ends up in wastewater without dissolving. Most regular lipsticks or lip balms contain paraffin. And this means that we lick it, eat it, and not only us... Men also get a portion of paraffin during a kiss. Paraffin enters our body, and here it is much more difficult to assess the risks.
MOSH & MOAH - in theory
Mineral oil and therefore paraffin contain complex mixtures of hydrocarbons of varying structure and size. It is worth distinguishing between saturated hydrocarbons - MOSH (mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons) and aromatic hydrocarbons - MOAH (mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons) mineral oils with aromatic hydrocarbons. MOAN may potentially contain carcinogenic substances such as polycyclic aromatic compounds. Today it is recognized internationally that the carcinogenic potential decreases with increasing degree of purification. Therefore, the quality and purity of paraffin is of great importance.
According to the EU Cosmetics Regulation, mineral oils and waxes are only allowed in cosmetic products if the purification process is fully known and the starting material does not contain carcinogenic substances or the distillate has been suitably tested. Therefore, pure paraffin, approved by the European Food Safety Authority, EFSA, for cosmetics and food products, is assessed as safe by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).* Oral consumption of paraffin is considered safe, subject to a daily intake (ADI) of 12 mg paraffin per kg body weight per day and 20 mg per kg body weight per day for microcrystalline wax in foods.** Oral intake of mineral oils through lip products is considered to be less than 10% of the ADI. . From the point of view of the German BfR, no health effects can be expected from ingestion if the daily intake recommendations are followed, since there are not enough harmful substances.
MOSH & MOAH – in practice
The extent to which paraffin penetrates the skin has not yet been fully assessed by researchers. In any case, thanks to lipsticks with mineral oil, paraffins are ingested and enter directly into the human body. They can then accumulate in fat cells, lymph nodes, spleen and liver. Animal studies have shown that these substances damage vital organs and provoke the formation of tumors.*** In addition, a study by the German authoritative journal OEKOTEST in February 2018 found MOAH in 14 and MOSH in 12 out of 15 lipsticks tested. Despite the strict requirements for monitoring the degree of purification of cosmetic paraffins.
There is a lot of information on the RuNet about the dangers of mineral oils in cosmetics. Negative environmental effects, clogged pores and comedogenic effects... Surprisingly, there are not many reliable studies confirming such claims. It can be concluded that there are some gaps in the data and - as is often the case - a lot depends on personal skin needs. Of course, oily skin or baby skin can react negatively to paraffin, but it can also react to vegetable fat! The problem with research is often that the results depend on who pays for the research and what the purpose is. Therefore, we prefer to take a neutral position: we believe that using natural oil in cosmetics is better because it is related to the skin. However, you should not provoke fears, because the serious negative effects of paraffins in cosmetics have not been proven.
Cold cream paraffin
Paraffin for hands
Cold paraffin is often called cream paraffin. This is due to the fact that it is characterized by a creamy structure and is distributed accordingly on the skin. Its effect is similar to the effect of cold paraffin, but the result comes faster.
Differences between hot and cold paraffin
Hot paraffin is more common in cosmetology than cold paraffin. The procedure for using it lasts longer, but at the same time it is more pleasant and convenient. Hot wax can be supplemented with various beneficial additives. It is also more universal; it can be used on any part of the body, including the face, legs, etc.
Benefits of cold paraffin
Using cold paraffin for cosmetic purposes has certain advantages. The main ones include:
- the ability to do without additional equipment during procedures;
- hygiene of use;
- convenience and ease of use;
- possibility of carrying out the procedure at home;
- a small number of contraindications;
- affordable price of the substance, economical use.
Cold paraffin can be used by patients with heart failure. The hot version of this procedure is prohibited for such patients. Cream paraffin is applied directly to the brushes. It does not require a special bath, unlike hot paraffin. Cold wax can be used effectively at any time of the year, while the use of hot paraffin in the summer is impractical.
Indications
Cold paraffin can be used at home. It applies in the following cases:
- peeling of the skin of the hands;
- roughening of some parts of the skin;
- weakened nail plates;
- dry skin;
- impaired elasticity and firmness of the skin;
- tired legs, poor circulation.
Paraffin therapy allows you to quickly and effectively get rid of irritation and fatigue. It is recommended as an effective relaxing procedure. Cold wax is suitable for people who have suffered dermatological complications as a result of strong thermal effects on the skin.
Cold wax has a wide range of indications
Important! Treatment with cold paraffin in some cases, with the permission of a doctor, is recommended for patients suffering from varicose veins.
Contraindications
Contraindications to cold paraffin therapy are:
- allergic reaction, individual intolerance to the components of paraffin cream for brushes;
- varicose veins;
- open unhealed wounds;
- extensive pronounced rosacea;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- ulcers on the surface of the skin;
- rash;
- hypertrichosis.
Important! Cold paraffin must be used correctly. This will allow you to get quick and high-quality results.
Advantages of cold paraffin therapy
The result will not keep you waiting
After the first session of cold paraffin therapy, you will get a noticeable result: even rough, very dry and insufficiently moisturized skin will become soft, tender and velvety, taking on a healthy and radiant appearance.
The effect will last for a long time
Cold paraffin therapy can be performed for “therapeutic” purposes 2-3 times a week until a permanent improvement in skin condition. And also preventatively - one procedure per week is enough to restore the skin and improve the condition of the nails and cuticles.
One solution for different problem areas
Dry and flaky skin on the hands, elbows, feet, and knees is a very common problem. These are the areas that need more attention and care. Cold paraffin therapy is a universal solution that will help tidy up the skin of different areas.
Minimum money and time
A few cosmetics, film and heat-retaining material, as well as 15-20 minutes of free time are all you need to perform cold paraffin therapy. You will be pleased with the economical consumption of cosmetics, which is enough for 8-10 months of use.
Complete skincare procedure
SPA care is a special ritual from which the body and thoughts are immersed in a state of bliss! Cold paraffin therapy is a real SPA procedure that allows you to take care of your skin comprehensively and get a charge of positive emotions.
Cooking instructions
Cold paraffin for hands
The procedure for treating the skin of your hands with cold paraffin at home is simple. The product does not require additional preparation, since it is immediately ready for intended use. In addition to paraffin hand cream, before paraffin therapy you need to purchase:
- brush;
- cosmetic mittens or gloves;
- polyethylene gloves.
The brushes are first thoroughly washed with soap and wiped dry. Then the skin is treated with a tonic and a scrub is applied to help eliminate dead cells. Manicures are allowed.
Additional Information. An effective, but optional step in preparing brushes is applying serum.
Cream paraffin Kapous Professional VS Aravia Professional
Well, the cold weather is starting, and people like me, who only wear gloves outside during long walks, have problems with their hands. Today I want to talk about two products - paraffin cream masks that help me avoid problems with my hands. My mother has dry skin on her hands, and the only thing that keeps her hands in good condition is a paraffin therapy procedure at least once a month. Due to the fact that paraffin needs to be heated and at the same time catch the temperature when everything has melted, but the skin is still comfortable, and this is another quest, I started looking for alternative options five years ago. And so I first bought paraffin cream from Arabia, which I now use in my routine.
ARAVIA Professional Paraffin cream with milk proteins and cottonseed oil Natural
The consistency of this paraffin cream is very similar to thick Vaseline and has some kind of subtle perfume aroma.
The main active ingredients in this paraffin cream: lanolin, shea butter and Gossypium Hirsutum seeds, milk proteins, which should moisturize and soften the skin, restoring its hydrolipid balance. The manufacturer also promises that this paraffin cream will have a strengthening effect on nails and will prevent their fragility, but therefore I can’t say anything about it.
Compound:
Before using this cream, it is recommended to degrease the skin with a tonic, treat the skin of the hands with a scrub to remove dead skin particles, then apply cream fluid or cream, and cover it all with a thick layer of this paraffin. Then cover it all with film and heat-retaining material. After 15:20 minutes, remove the residue with a dry cloth.
The skin after this paraffin cream looks well-groomed, it is softened and nourished. Even after washing your hands with soap many times, the skin still remains moisturized. I have sensitive skin, but despite the presence of lanolin in the composition, this paraffin cream has never caused irritation for me.
Shelf life after opening is 12 months.
270 ml — 570₽price
10/10 rating
5 years, 1 ruble/month use
Skin type:
Normal skin, sensitive skin
Compound:
Paraffinum Liquidum, Paraffin, Lanolin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Milk protein, Gossypium hirsutum Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate.
Kapous Professional Health Complex paraffin cream with Avocado oil
I purchased this paraffin cream for the first time this year. The consistency of this cream also resembles thick Vaseline, only green in color. The aroma here is more intense, although it smells pleasantly of something floral.
The main active ingredients here are: lanolin, shea butter and avocado, whose styrene saturates the skin and prevents aging of the epidermis. This paraffin cream should soothe the skin, relieve irritation and flaking, and relieve dryness and redness.
Compound:
Before using this cream-paraffin, it is also recommended to degrease the skin, treat with a scrub, then apply a thin layer of lotion with collagen and elastin, then apply a thick layer of cream-paraffin and put on disposable plastic gloves and warm terry mittens on top. Residues can be removed with a dry cloth after 15:20 minutes.
The skin after this paraffin cream also looks well-groomed, softened and nourished. And immediately after removing this cream with a napkin, I like the effect more than from Arabia, they are not so greasy. But after washing your hands with soap many times, the skin is not as moisturized as after Arabia. It also never caused any irritation to my sensitive skin.
Shelf life after opening is 12 months.
300 ml — 390₽price
9/10 rating
10 months, 2 rubles/month use
Skin type:
Normal skin, sensitive skin
Compound:
Petrolatum, Paraffin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Lanolin, Persea Gratissma (Avocado) Oil, Fragrance, Yellow No.11 / Green No.6 / Violet No.2
What products do you have for restoring dry skin on your hands/feet?
Increase
Technique of use
Paraffin hand baths
The cream is applied to the hands and distributed evenly along them. The brushes are kept in this way for an hour, the minimum duration of the procedure is 15 minutes. Within an hour, the paraffin cream should be almost completely absorbed.
Upon completion of the procedure, it is necessary to remove the remaining parts of the hand paraffin cream from the hands. They are removed with a dry cloth or napkins. It is not recommended to wash off the cream with water, as this will negatively affect the effectiveness of the treatment. At the final stage, the brushes must be treated with a cream that provides additional moisture.
General Tips
In order for the paraffin therapy procedure to be as successful and effective as possible, it is necessary to follow the recommendations given by cosmetology experts:
- Do not apply wax to your face.
- Do not carry out the procedure until the cosmetic varnish is removed from the nails.
- Carry out paraffin therapy in the evening, when the active ingredients of the cream penetrate deeper into the skin.
- You can add a few drops of essential oil or any other beneficial substance to the cream.
Note! Before starting the procedure, it is recommended to consult a qualified specialist.
Cream paraffin must be of high quality and effective
Cold paraffin cream for hands is an effective and high-quality hand care product. When used correctly, the procedure improves the condition of the hands and makes them healthier.
What is cold paraffin
The procedure for cold and hot paraffin therapy looks the same. The only difference is the need to heat the hot paraffin to a certain temperature. In its consistency, the cold analogue resembles a regular cream.
Hand cream with paraffin contains additional additives: wax, vitamins, lanolin and biologically active substances . Depending on the manufacturer, the cream may contain dyes, fragrances and essential oils. Its consistency is quite dense. After application to the warm skin of the hands, it softens significantly and resembles the consistency of a regular cream .
