A paraffin wax body treatment has nothing to do with pulling unwanted hair out by its roots. A paraffin bath can be a relaxing experience that softens your skin. When melted, paraffin has a silky, rather than sticky, texture. Once the wax has been applied to your skin, you can enjoy the luxury of sitting still for 20 minutes while the heat soothes sore muscles and joints.
History
Chemists developed paraffin in the 1850s by distilling the waxy residue from petroleum. During World War II, the English army used wax baths to treat orthopedic disorders. Paraffin has a lower melting point than hard wax, and it holds heat for a prolonged period. Physicians had patients dip hands and feet into paraffin as a form of heat therapy for strained muscles and inflamed joints and ligaments. When patients noticed the treatments softened their skin, paraffin baths became accompaniments to manicures and pedicures.
Process
An esthetician applies lotion to your hands and feet and melts the paraffin in a heated tub. She may add orange or peach oil for fragrance. She will help you dip one hand into the wax and then remove it. Dip your hand three to four more times to create a thick layer of wax. Your esthetician will place your hand in a plastic bag and then wrap a towel around the bag. After you have dipped all the parts receiving treatment, you will sit still for 20 minutes. The esthetician will help slide the bags and wax off your skin.
Benefits
The warmth of the paraffin increases blood flow to soothe arthritis and sports injuries. MayoClinic.com lists paraffin baths among home treatments for thumb arthritis. The heat also opens the pores of your skin to allow the oils of the lotion and wax to penetrate. The plastic bag contains some water, surrounding your skin in moist air. A paraffin treatment can deeply moisturize the thick skin on your heels and elbows.
Types
Most paraffin baths cover only your hands and feet. At luxury spas, you can find whole-body paraffin baths. Nail salons include paraffin dips for the hands and feet during manicures and pedicures. Many nail salons will perform paraffin dips separately from nail treatments, if you ask. You can find kits for home paraffin treatments at drugstores and online.
Warning
Avoid paraffin baths if you have open wounds. Let your esthetician know if you have any allergies, as you may want to skip additional fragrance in your lotion or wax. For home treatments, do not let the wax heat to more than 125 degrees F. Test a patch on your wrist before you dip your foot or hand.
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