What is paraffin and what are its most common uses?

To talk about paraffin is to talk about a mineral oil that has no odor, which in turn comes from oil and coal and whose appearance to the naked eye can remind the wax of decorative candles. A product, which in most cases is presented with a liquid appearance, which years ago was very common in the cosmetics sector and which is now making a comeback to be used in all kinds of aesthetic and beauty treatments.

And all this thanks to the numerous healthy properties that paraffin has, especially in regards to the skin surface, since it achieves, among other results, improving the hydration of the dermis. Some benefits that are enhanced thanks to its extraction method: it is subjected to high temperatures, it is cooled so that it crystallizes and it is separated by means of centrifugation or filtration. Subsequently it is purified and dispensed in a liquid state that is more recommendable for its use.

Its cosmetic use

When it comes to using paraffin in the field of beauty, there are many healthy uses that derive from this mineral oil. Thus, in addition to being very moisturizing, it improves the softness of the skin, which is why it is especially recommended for making facial masks as it combats dryness and stiffness of the face, while at the same time achieving a calming and tightening effect.

But not only for the face, paraffin baths are also used in the case of the hands and feet as a complement to a pedicure or manicure session. What is achieved then is that the results of this exfoliation and cleaning are optimized and allows the final enamel that is applied to remain much better on the nail.

Reducing treatment

Another of the benefits of this oil is to serve as a base for, thanks to its ability to generate heat, carry out some reducing treatments and eliminate localized fat from some parts of the body. What happens in this case is that raising that body temperature stimulates the body's fatty metabolism.

Thus, the paraffin used for this purpose can be applied to areas such as the legs, hips and abdomen. An application that is accompanied by an energetic massage to activate circulation and expel those toxins.

Physiotherapy sessions

There are so many uses and benefits of paraffin that it is also useful when doing muscle rehabilitation sessions, as it relieves possible joint pain and all kinds of discomfort due to contractures, injuries; as well as pathologies such as arthritis, osteoarthritis or tendinitis among others.

Of course, before applying paraffin in this type of physiotherapy session, it is advisable to consult a medical professional since, on occasions, its use may be contraindicated in some patients. For example, it cannot be recommended, since it is applied with heat, for some muscular injuries that do not require more heat or for people with circulatory problems such as varicose veins or spider veins, as well as with dermatological conditions such as sensitive skin, pruritus or if there is some other small wound on the skin.

The paraffin bath

One of the most common ways to apply paraffin (for example in the case of the hands and feet) is preparing a bath in which to submerge these parts of the body. The first thing is to resort to a paraffin that also has orange, peach or shea butter since, in addition to the properties of this product, other antioxidant, emollient and rejuvenating benefits for the skin will be added. Bearing this in mind and with this hot substance, the hands are inserted with open fingers for a couple of seconds and delicately extracted again.

Process that will be repeated several times until the extremity is completely covered with said mineral oil. Next, the hand is wrapped in a special plastic bag or glove and then placed in a terry cloth mitten. This will be the hand for about 15 or 20 minutes. After that waiting time, everything is removed and the paraffin begins to be gently removed. The last thing is to apply a moisturizing lotion with a light massage so that the final result is simply perfect.