The term "paraffin bath" is a misnomer. "Paraffin dip" might be more accurate. Luxury beauty salons include paraffin dips with pedicures and manicures to soften skin and cuticles. MayoClinic.com recommends paraffin baths among its home treatments for thumb arthritis. With the proper equipment and preparation, paraffin baths can sooth your hands and feet.
History
As early as the Roman era, wax had been applied to the body to heat skin and muscles before massage. In the 1830, chemists separated the waxy substance from petroleum to produce paraffin. During World War I, soldiers in the English army dipped their feet in paraffin to sooth orthopedic disorders. Because paraffin has a low melting point and it holds onto heat for long periods, doctors found it useful to sooth arthritis aches and sports injuries. Patients noted how the waterproof seal and emollient wax left their skin soft, and paraffin baths became a beauty treatment.
Process
An esthetician melts paraffin wax in a heated tub, sometimes scenting it with peach or orange oil. She will apply lotion to your hands and feet. You will dip one hand into the tub of melted wax, remove it to let the layer of wax cool, then repeat the process three to four more times to create a thicker coating. Your esthetician will wrap your hand in a plastic bag. A towel around the plastic bag will hold the heat. After you dip both hands and feet, you will sit still for about 20 minutes. Your esthetician will remove the towels and slide the plastic bags and wax off.
Benefits
The waterproof wax layer around your skin retains moisture. The heat dilates your pores, encouraging the absorption of moisture and oil, leaving your skin softer. The heat also increases blood flow to your hands and feet, which can ease stiffness from injury or arthritis. The scent of the wax can have an aromatherapeutic effect. Plus, sitting still for 20 minutes can be relaxing.
Tips
Many nail salons provide paraffin baths as an add-on treatment to manicures and pedicures at lower prices than what you might find at a luxury spa or beauty salon. If you plan to do paraffin baths on a regular basis, consider buying a home kit. Kits usually include a heating tub, paraffin, fragrance and plastic bags. Alternately, you can purchase paraffin at a medical supply store and use a slow cooker or double-boiler pan.
Warnings
Tell your esthetician if you have any allergies and need to avoid scented wax and lotion. Do not do a paraffin bath if you have open wounds. For home treatments, heat the paraffin wax carefully, because it is flammable. Always test the temperature of the wax on your wrist before you immerse your hand.
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