Dipping your hands and feet into melted wax can be the ultimate treat in your manicure and pedicure. Do not worry; this is not the same wax used to rip hair out by its roots. Paraffin is softer than depilatory wax and melts at a lower temperature. A paraffin dip creates a silky, flexible layer of wax around your hands or feet. The warmth soothes your joints and helps to soften your skin.
History
As early as the days of the Roman Empire, people used molten wax to heat the body before massage. In the 1830s, chemists developed a technique to separate and refine the waxy substance from petroleum to create paraffin. The British army protocol during World War I called for paraffin dips to treat orthopedic disorders. Because melted paraffin can surround fingers and toes, doctors used it to heat to arthritic hands and feet. As patients noticed how smooth the treatment left their skin, paraffin baths became a beauty treatment added to manicures and pedicures.
Process
The esthetician melts the wax in a small heated tub to about 125 degrees F, adding fragrance for relaxation. After the hands and feet have soaked in water, an esthetician might apply lotion. Dip your hands or feet into the tub three to five times to create a thick, waterproof layer, being careful not to touch the sides or bottom of the tub. The esthetician wraps your hands or feet with plastic bags to keep the wax from falling off. She may wrap towels around the plastic bags to hold the heat. Relax without moving your hands or feet for about 20 minutes. The esthetician will help to remove the wrappings and slide the wax off.
Benefits
The heat from the paraffin dilates the pores of your skin, allowing moisture to penetrate. Paraffin baths are especially effective for the thick, dry skin on the heels. The heat also stimulates blood flow, easing aches from arthritis or injury and improving flexibility. MayoClinic.com lists paraffin dips among its suggested home treatments for arthritis.
Types
Luxury spas offer paraffin treatments. Many nail salons allow you to add paraffin treatments to manicures and pedicures. You can buy kits to do your own paraffin treatments at home. Kits often include a heating tub, wax, lotion and scents. You can reuse the wax. If your kit does not come with plastic bags to cover your hands and feet, buy your own to avoid dripping wax on the floor. You can even create your own paraffin kit by using paraffin canning wax and a crockpot or pan. Use a candy thermometer to track the temperature of the wax. Apply it to your wrist first to make sure it is not too hot before you dip your hand or foot.
Warning
Do not perform a paraffin treatment if you have open wounds on your hands or feet. Avoid cracking the wax on your hands and feet, as cracks can let the hotter inner layers of wax to run onto your skin. For home treatments, do not allow the wax to touch the burner directly. Paraffin is flammable. At spas and nail salons, tell your estheticians about any allergies you have. The heat can intensify allergic reactions to fragrance of oils.
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