Paraffin therapy is a cosmetic treatment aimed at deeply softening and nourishing the skin. It is used mainly for the care of dry and weathered skin of the hands in the cold season. The advantage of the procedure is the simplicity and accessibility of the procedure, so everyone can master the rules of paraffin therapy.
Material Content:
Paraffin therapy: indications and contraindications
Baths and applications with paraffin are indicated for the treatment of:
- neuralgia;
- osteochondrosis;
- joint diseases;
- Raynaud's disease.
The method is used to relieve symptoms in diseases of bones and joints. The effectiveness of paraffin therapy in this case is due to mild gradual heating of the tissues.
Paraffin melts at a temperature of about 520 C. Applying this substance to the body improves blood circulation in the affected area due to irritation of the upper layer of the skin. For joint diseases (arthritis, arthrosis), the procedure helps relieve pain and improve mobility. With neuralgia, mild warming with paraffin relieves pain caused by nerve damage.
As prescribed by a dermatologist, the method can be used for psoriasis, to soften plaques on the skin. The possibility of treating eczema paraffin on the hands should also be consulted with a specialist.
Contraindications to the procedure:
- arterial hypertension;
- atherosclerosis of blood vessels;
- diabetes;
- varicose veins at the site of exposure;
- the presence of a rash, deep wounds and ulcers on the skin.
In the absence of contraindications, the procedure can be performed even for children over three years of age, however, paraffin is not applied to clean skin, but to gauze or bandage, in order to avoid burns.
The use of paraffin in cosmetology
The procedure is offered in almost every beauty salon. In cosmetology, paraffin therapy is used to eliminate problems associated with dry and peeling skin.
The use of paraffin allows you to:
- reduce traces of post-acne;
- smooth facial wrinkles;
- lighten the skin and reduce age spots;
- increase skin tone.
The substance has a beneficial effect on the skin of the face and body due to the greenhouse effect that is created when molten paraffin is applied to the skin. Paraffin gradually increases the skin temperature at the application site, as a result, the pores open. Since a layer of air remains between the epidermis and the wax-like mass, local sweating increases. Then toxins come out, the skin is cleansed. At the same time, the lymph flow improves, blood microcirculation is stimulated, that is, the metabolic processes in the upper layer of the epidermis are improved. The result of the procedure is smooth, nourished and moisturized skin.
Paraffin treatment is carried out in courses. 5 procedures are enough to forget about peeling and cracks in the skin for a long time. You can apply a warm mass to any part of the body. Most often, paraffin is used as an emergency tool to restore dry skin of the hands, with cracks in the skin of the feet and to soften particularly dry areas of the body. Paraffin therapy for the face is an effective and safe way to reduce the severity of wrinkles, increase turgor and lighten the skin.
Paraffin therapy - how to do?
To carry out the home procedure, you need to purchase a special cosmetic paraffin. This substance is available in every pharmacy at an affordable cost, so there are no problems with the purchase. It is also necessary to prepare a convenient container in which paraffin, several towels, gloves made of dense polyethylene will melt.
How to do paraffin therapy - it depends on the area of the skin on which the mass will be applied. The general scheme is as follows: paraffin is melted in a water bath, at this time the skin is cleansed. Then, liquid paraffin is applied to the epidermis with a brush or cosmetic spatula, and the skin is wrapped with a warm cloth. Duration of exposure - until the product has completely cooled.
Paraffin can be melted in a water bath or in a microwave. Determining the readiness of the mass is very simple - paraffin must be liquid and homogeneous.
Since the product melts at a relatively low temperature, the likelihood of burns is minimized. Nevertheless, before applying the liquid mass, you should make sure of its temperature by dropping a little on the back of your hand.
Hand treatment
Paraffin therapy for hands is carried out on pre-cleansed skin. Additionally, you should use a scrub to maximize the opening of the pores. It is not necessary to use a purchased scrub, you can cook it yourself by mixing sugar or coffee grounds with any oil.
For one procedure, about 3 kg of mass will be needed. Paraffin is melted in a water bath and poured into a convenient container of ceramic or glass. Plastic and metal containers are not recommended. You can also heat the mass in the microwave. In this case, it is important to set the power of the device to a minimum, otherwise the paraffin will overheat and begin to evaporate.
After all preparations, the hands are completely immersed in a container with melted paraffin for 3 seconds. Then they need to be pulled out, wait another 3 seconds, and again immersed in a viscous mass. Repeat the procedure 3-4 times. After making sure that the skin of the hands is completely covered with the product, you should use plastic gloves. Ordinary plastic bags can also be used.Hands with gloves need additional wrapping with a towel. Paraffin is removed with gloves after it has completely hardened.
Paraffin for face
A quick and effective method to restore youthfulness to the skin is paraffin therapy for the face. The melted product is applied to the skin along the massage lines with a large brush, avoiding the areas around the eyes and lips. After the entire face is covered with a thick layer of mass, the skin is covered with gauze or a special mask on a non-woven basis. During the procedure, it is recommended to take a comfortable pose (it is better to lie down), relax the muscles of the face, and do not strain them until the paraffin mask is removed.
This procedure is recommended for any skin type. Paraffin therapy can be carried out regardless of age.
Paraffin therapy for legs
The treatment for the skin of the feet is carried out in the same way as for the hands. Paraffin therapy for legs is recommended for dry and cracked skin, in the presence of dry corns and corns. The feet are immersed several times in a container with warm paraffin, and then wrapped in polyethylene or cling film. Special thermal socks are recommended.
Body treatments
The method is widely used to combat cellulite, as well as soften dry skin areas, such as elbows.
Paraffin helps reduce the severity of stretch marks.
The melted mass is applied to the skin with a brush in 5-6 layers, then it is tightly fixed with cling film. The treated area must be additionally wrapped with a towel, thermal underwear or woolen shawl.
How often should paraffin baths be done?
The frequency of paraffin therapy depends on the initial condition of the skin. In some cases, five procedures are enough to get the expected result, but cosmetologists recommend up to ten weekly procedures.
If paraffin therapy is used for therapeutic purposes, the number of procedures increases to 20. Before starting treatment with paraffin, you should consult your doctor.
What is included in the paraffin therapy kit?
In specialized stores, you can purchase a paraffin therapy kit. It includes a special heater with a capacity for melting paraffin, a spatula and a brush, a set of disposable socks, gloves and fabric masks.
Some kits include special sprays to cleanse containers and brushes after the procedure. The cost of a set depends on the number of items in its composition. Paraffin itself is purchased in pharmacies.
