Experiencing the warm, luxurious feeling of a Paraffin wax soak is always a welcome addition to a salon visit. If you’re yet to acquaint yourself, make sure you add it to your wish list!
Opulence aside, Paraffin wax also has many cosmetic and medicinal benefits that don’t stop at the time your visit ends.
But first, you may be wondering, what exactly is Paraffin?
Paraffin Wax, Explained
Paraffin wax is a natural white or colourless soft, solid wax consisting of saturated hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. Paraffin wax is closely related to soft Paraffin, of which you are no doubt familiar. It’s the household staple we’ve loved for 150 years, Vaseline.
Paraffin wax is extremely common. Food-grade Paraffin wax is used to put the shine on candy, makes up the protective outer layer of cheeses and as a sealant for jars and bottles. Paraffin wax is often an ingredient in shampoos, creams, foundations, as well as TGA-certified pharmaceuticals. It’s used as the wax for candles, too.
Paraffin wax has a low melting point at just 37 degrees, meaning it’s a safe temperature for skin without the risk of causing burns and scarring when applied correctly. That’s about the same temperature as Christmas Day here in Brisbane!
So that’s Paraffin wax, let’s dive into the benefits.
Cosmetic Benefits
Paraffin wax is the perfect treatment for those who suffer dry, cracked or scaly skin, as well as those enduring pesky calluses or hard-to-please cuticles. However, we don’t recommend using it on broken skin – let that heal first.
While it is incredibly moisturising in its own right – leaving the skin feeling butter-soft and supple – it has the added benefit of insulating the skin. By shielding the epidermis, the Paraffin wax boosts retention of the skin’s moisture and natural oils that would otherwise be lost during the day-to-day grind.
When paired with a massage, a Paraffin wax soak will help infuse the massage medium into your skin – we use a variety of exquisite nourishing oils – ensuring it’s maximum effectiveness. And you’re in luck, all Ruby Simone Beauty services that contain a Paraffin treatment also include a massage.
Medicinal Benefits
By acting as a form of thermotherapy (heat therapy), the use of Paraffin wax helps to increase blood flow, relax your muscles and reduce stiff joints.
Paraffin relieves aches and pains associated with tendons, ligaments and muscles which are common symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Paraffin wax has also shown to improve symptoms of medical issues such as polio, gait abnormalities, muscle spasms, inflammation, and to treat sprains and pulled muscles.
When Shouldn’t You Use Paraffin Wax
Most people will get the chance to experience all the fantastic benefits of a Paraffin wax soak. It’s completely natural and non-toxic. However, to err on the side of caution, there are a few conditions where you should avoid using Paraffin wax. Those are:
- Poor blood circulation
- Numbness in your hands or feet
- Diabetes
- Those with a chemical sensitivity
- Directly on rashes and open sores
Paraffin Wax and the Body
Paraffin wax could be applied to most of the body, as long as it avoids sensitive areas. However, the most common areas are the hands and feet – including nails. Our hands and feet are often the most “well used” parts of our body, so a little love and care for them go a long way.
Do We Offer Paraffin Wax?
Yes! Ruby Simone Beauty offers the Paraffin treatment as a component of our Super Soft packages for hands and feet as well as the manicure and pedicure Deluxe packages. Experience it today.
