What is cosmetic paraffin and how to use it?

What is cosmetic paraffin?

It will not be possible to perform paraffin therapy using a melted paraffin candle. After all, such a substance is made from petroleum products, and they cannot benefit human skin.

Cosmetic paraffin is a purified version of this substance. Additionally, it may contain various oils, vitamin complexes, and natural ingredients. It melts at a temperature of about 53 degrees.

On sale, the cosmetic product can be found in the form of solid pieces of paraffin of different weights and types. Suitable for use at home and beauty salon.

Salons offer the use of paraffin containing natural bee products. Since they can cause allergic reactions in humans, using such a product for the first time is unsafe.

The use of cosmetic paraffin is possible for the following thermal procedures:

• applications for face and body;
• masks and baths for hands and feet;
• wraps.

By correctly using a cosmetic product, you can solve many skin problems: from hydration to rejuvenation.

Benefit

Paraffin is a substance made from solid carbohydrates that resembles wax. It has been used for beauty and health for many years; paraffin applications are effective for joint pain, colds and muscle strains, and also help smooth out the skin and normalize its nutrition.

Child on paraffin massage

The main property of paraffin, which helps in the treatment of various diseases, is the ability to retain heat for a long time and gradually release it to the human body. In addition, paraffin is made from natural substances; it does not harm the body, so it can be indicated even for the smallest children.

If the baby has increased muscle tone, he throws his head back, constantly cries and is afraid of everything, then the doctor may prescribe a massage with paraffin applications for the baby. Paraffin will help relax cramped muscles and improve blood circulation in them.

If paraffin is heated and applied to the desired part of the body, the substance gives off heat to the skin, muscles and internal organs for a long time and evenly. As a result, the muscles relax, the child can breathe normally, sleep, and stops being capricious. Blood microcirculation improves, as does metabolism, as a result, all tissues in the area of ​​influence begin to nourish and develop well.

Paraffin does not enter the child's body through the skin, so it cannot provoke allergic reactions or make the skin too dry. The effect of the procedure occurs immediately; many parents note that their baby began to sleep better and stopped crying for no reason.

To improve the effect of paraffin, you need to massage after the procedure. If muscle hypertonicity is observed, then the movements should be soft and relaxing.

Paraffin massage provides the following beneficial effects:

• The muscles relax, hypertonicity goes away;
• Inflammation goes away;
• The pain goes away;
• The rate of tissue repair increases;
• The nervous system functions better;
• Tissue nutrition improves.

But for paraffin massage to be useful for children under one year old, you must consult with a specialist, and also pay attention to how to properly carry out the procedure and what contraindications it has.

Composition and beneficial properties

The cosmetic product simply called “paraffin” is not so simple. In its composition you can find the following elements:

• complex carbohydrates are the “basis of the foundations” of the product, they are the ones that are able to transform solid material into a liquid mass;
• cocoa butter – makes paraffin plastic and pliable, gives it a barely noticeable aroma;
• vitamins, namely A and E – skin regeneration, rejuvenation, skin renewal on any part of the body;
• herbal extracts – necessary for better penetration into the skin and its hydration;
• minerals - responsible for saturating the skin with oxygen.

Such a rich composition can be supplemented with various oils (essential, butter, cold-pressed, etc.), plant particles, flavors, and dyes. But synthetic additives will not bring much benefit; it is better to avoid them altogether when choosing a product.

Carrying out paraffin therapy sessions has the following positive effects:

1. skin nutrition. Even after the end of the session, the paraffin that has penetrated into the pores continues to nourish it, thanks to the elusive film created on the surface of the skin;
2. smoothing The effect is achieved after the paraffin hardens. Then it shrinks slightly, while tightening the skin, giving it a slight lifting effect;
3. stimulation of blood circulation. Under the influence of the heat that paraffin gives off, blood circulation improves. Cells begin to renew themselves thanks to lymph circulation, which is caused by the smooth cooling of the cosmetic product;
4. hydration. Paraffin warms the skin, opens the pores and cleanses them. Under the paraffin film, a greenhouse effect is created (under the influence of the temperature of the material), moisture from which penetrates into these pores, thoroughly moisturizing them;
5. relaxation. In cosmetology it is also used for relaxing purposes. When the warm mass comes into contact with the surface of the skin, a person feels how fatigue leaves and the body relaxes.

In addition to these properties that the product has in cosmetology, there are also the following: giving the skin elasticity, tenderness, velvety, improving color, accelerating the healing of microtraumas.

Indications

The application of hot paraffin is a fairly common and proven effective method of physiotherapy. It is prescribed to children and adults as part of complex therapy for many diseases and conditions of the body.

In particular, such as:

• diseases of the joints and musculoskeletal structures (arthritis of various origins, osteochondrosis, joint dysplasia);
• post-traumatic conditions (fractures, dislocations, sprains);
• diseases of peripheral nerve fibers and endings (neuralgia, neuritis);
• infectious and post-infectious lesions of the bronchi and lungs (obstructive and non-obstructive bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia, adhesions);
• diseases of the digestive system (cholecystitis, colitis, peptic ulcer);
• inflammatory processes of the reproductive system (adnexitis, prostatitis);
• polio;
• skin pathologies (neurodermatitis, psoriasis, pityriasis rosea, dermatoses, scar changes, trophic ulcers);
• traumatic lesions of the skin (burns, frostbite, contractures and scars after surgical interventions);
• consequences of vibration disease;
• Raynaud's disease.

In cosmetology, the use of hot paraffin helps to cope with:

• cellulite;
• signs of skin aging (small wrinkles, age spots, sagging);
• dryness and flaking;
• scars;
• post-acne;
• brittle nails;
• swelling and intradermal infiltrates and calcifications.

How to use cosmetic paraffin?

Knowledgeable cosmetologists will not overheat the paraffin and will not cause discomfort to their client. But in home use you can make a lot of mistakes: making it too high or low, melting paraffin in insufficient or too much quantity, etc.

The most common uses of cosmetic paraffin are baths, hand and face masks. The technique for applying them is different, but the final result depends on it. Paraffin can also be applied to any part of the body: knees, heels, décolleté, hips, buttocks, elbows.

For hands

To tidy up your hand skin, you can use the “hot bath” method or make a mask from special cold paraffin. The result will be almost the same, but the procedure is radically different.

Hot baths.

To conduct a session you need the following set of tools:

• a special bath for heating paraffin (paraffin heater) or a home equivalent - two pans of different diameters so that you can make a water bath;
• 150-200g paraffin for cosmetic purposes;
• cream with a moisturizing effect;
• disposable polyethylene gloves (an alternative is bags);
• mittens or warm towel.

Next, the paraffin therapy procedure is carried out in stages. It is not recommended to omit any stage; in the end, the end result may not be satisfactory.

Before use, paraffin must be melted. This is done in a special bath, or alternatively in a water bath. It is important not to overheat. When it becomes transparent without cloudy impurities, it can already be used. It is advisable to use a water thermometer, just immerse it in paraffin before starting the procedure. The mark should be between 50 and 55 degrees.

1. Clean your hands well. To do this, just wash them well with soap and dry with a towel. If possible, instead of washing, hands can be treated with disinfectant liquid.
2. Moisturize your hand skin with the prepared moisturizer. Rub it with massage movements, paying special attention to the cuticle area and nails.
3. Dip your hands into a saucepan (special bath) with melted (liquid) paraffin so that the liquid completely envelops your hands up to the wrist.
4. Remove your hands from the saucepan (bath).
5. After the paraffin on the skin begins to become slightly cloudy, put polyethylene on your hands, and then mittens.
6. You need to keep this mask for at least 20 minutes, but do not exceed 60 minutes.
7. Hold for the required time, remove mittens, polyethylene, and paraffin from your hands. The product itself can be easily exfoliated from the skin by simply rubbing your hands together.
8. Moisten your hands with cream after the procedure is completed.

You can also apply several layers of paraffin on your hands. To do this, you need to dry each layer and dip it again into the melted product, which is in a liquid state.

Paraffin remaining unused in the saucepan can be poured into a bowl with a lid and cooled. It can be reused as many times as indicated on the packaging by the manufacturer.

Cold paraffin

It is used in cases where hot baths cause discomfort or there are certain health problems (for example, heart failure). The cold product looks like a familiar nourishing cream and does not require any action before application. If used in a beauty salon, the product is more hygienic than its “hot” counterpart, since it is used only once.

To use this paraffin, you should prepare your hands for the procedure in the same way as for hot baths. The following process is slightly different:

1. After cleansing the skin of your hands, you can apply moisturizing cream. This is not necessary, since the cold product contains all the necessary beneficial components and moisturizing substances.
2. Next, apply the product to your hands with a clean brush (a brush for applying face masks can be used) or just with your fingers so that you get a thin layer of product on the skin.
3. Wrap your hands in plastic (gloves or bags), then put on warm mittens.
4. Keep the mask on for 15 minutes to 1 hour. Over time, it will practically be absorbed into the skin of your hands and leave a thin film on it.
5. Remove any remaining paraffin with gauze or paper towel. There is no need to rinse off the product with water to prolong the beneficial effects on the skin.
6. To make the result more lasting, it is better to use a moisturizing hand cream after the procedure.

It is better to make such hand masks with unpainted nails, but after a basic manicure has been done.

For face

Using paraffin on the face is useful to restore water balance, and it is also an effective remedy for improving skin condition at any age.

Paraffin therapy procedures using different materials are effective - melting or cold. The stages of a cosmetic session are the same. The only difference is that the solid one needs to be melted before starting.

It is also worth preparing additional accessories - cut out a mask from gauze so that its size is sufficient to cover the skin of the face, cut out holes for the eyes and mouth, make cuts to follow the contour of the nose. Next, paraffin therapy for the face should be carried out as follows:

1. cleanse the skin of impurities (sebum, cosmetics, dust) in any convenient way and means;
2. then, using a brush, apply a moderate layer of liquid paraffin over the entire area of ​​the face, avoiding the delicate area around the eyes and lips;
3. place the previously prepared gauze mask on a layer of hot paraffin so that it is immersed in it;
4. apply a couple more layers of product on top of a gauze napkin, after lightly drying the previous one;
5. wait 15-20 minutes and remove the mask (just lift the gauze and remove it from the skin);
6. Remove the remaining mask with a dry cloth and use a moisturizer.

Using cold paraffin, the application technique is slightly different: it is spread on a gauze mask, and after removal, simply remove the remaining substance from the skin with a napkin. Additional use of moisturizers is not required.

Rules for applying masks

Cosmetic paraffin is most often used as part of masks. It is necessary to follow some important recommendations for their application:

• Always check the temperature of the product before use. You can test it on the forearm area. If the procedure does not cause discomfort and does not burn, you can use the mask on other areas;
• Apply the substance using a cosmetic brush or cotton pad. It is permissible to use gauze or bandage;
• When applying, always use upward movements, starting from the chin and ending with the forehead;
• recommended layer of active substance – no more than 7 mm;
• to increase the action time, cover the area where the mask is applied with cling film, and then place a towel moistened with warm water on top;
• do not keep the product on your face for more than 20 minutes;
• After the procedure, always use a moisturizer, it will enhance the effect of the substance.

Contraindications

Although paraffin has many benefits, it should not be applied to the skin of any part of the body in the following cases:

• during pregnancy (at any stage);
• any diseases of the heart and blood vessels, diabetes;
• focal inflammations with purulent fillings (boils, purulent wounds);
• mechanical damage to the skin (scratches, wounds, cuts);

• sensitive skin.

If cold paraffin is used, it will become a harmless alternative to hot paraffin for vascular and heart diseases.

Which paraffin is better to choose?

Choosing a quality cosmetic product is easy if you know what to look for when purchasing:

1. Compound. Depending on the desired goal, it may be different. If this is rejuvenation, then you should choose a composition that contains a large amount of vitamin E. If you want to relieve inflammation from the skin, choose peach oil in the composition. Citruses tone, and chocolate helps restore skin. You should avoid artificial ingredients in the composition so as not to cause allergies.
2. Release form. This choice determines how convenient it will be to use the product. The product is available in solid, cream, and liquid (spray) form. The most budget option is solid tiles.

3. Storage conditions and shelf life. These indicators determine whether the product is worth purchasing or not. For example, if a bar of paraffin paraffin is sold in a bag and it is crushed (deformed), then this is an indicator of improper storage of the product.

Having chosen the desired product, you can begin paraffin therapy and enjoy the results.

Peculiarities

Children in the first year of life are still quite fragile; the baby can easily be harmed by improper treatment, so in no case is it recommended to prescribe a paraffin massage on your own. This procedure should only be prescribed by a doctor if the child has indications.

It is also worth noting that only special medical paraffin is used for the procedure, which is sold in specialized stores and pharmacies.
Paraffin should be light and free of impurities, and not have any unpleasant odors. You cannot use candles for the procedure, as well as yellow, unrefined paraffin, as this can harm the child. Also often used for massage with paraffin is a mixture of paraffin and ozokerite. Ozokerite contains beneficial minerals that penetrate the skin and speed up recovery, it is dark in color and is sold in pharmacies. You can use paraffin with ozokerite only after consultation with a specialist. Share: