What are Paraffin Wax Treatments?

Paraffin wax treatments are luxurious spa treatments for the skin. They are intended to moisturize and soften the skin. When one thinks of wax, one typically thinks of something solid – the paraffin wax is heated up, and therefore applies smoothly and evenly to the skin. Paraffin wax treatments are most often applied to the hands and feet. What sets paraffin wax apart from other types of waxes used typically for hair removal is that it is less viscous and does not bond to the skin.

Paraffin wax is a softer wax because of the paraffin oil component in the wax. As it is a soft wax, it melts at a lower temperature than a hard wax. This means that the skin of the hands and the feet can be submerged in the warm paraffin wax without causing burning or blistering. Spa technicians used to melt blocks of paraffin wax in special vats for these treatments. Technicians would then wrap the hands or feet in plastic and leave them to "soak" in the layer of wax for up to half an hour. With modern technology today, these wax treatments come prepackaged. With the prepackaged treatments, the wax is heated in the packaging, and the hands or feet then placed inside the “glove” or “boot”. The hands or feet are therefore immersed in the wax inside the “glove” or the “boot”.

As you can imagine, paraffin wax treatments are particularly popular in the winter. They are warming (have a really great aroma!) and because they provide a significant amount of moisture to dry and cracked skin. As heat is applied to the skin during paraffin wax treatments, it opens the pores and softens the skin. At this point the paraffin oil enters the skin to moisturize, nourish and replenish it. In order to have a soothing effect on the skin during the treatments, calming oils are often added to the wax in order to add a further aromatherapy dimension to the experience.

Once the skin has been soaked for 25 to 30 minutes, the wax layers harden. The wax can then be removed from the skin. Because the wax is soft and contains oil, it does not become very stiff and does not adhere to the skin. Because of this, after a paraffin wax treatment, the skin is left smooth and soft.

People who experience dry skin during the colder seasons often find paraffin wax treatments to be a helpful as well as relaxing preventative measure. Dry, cracked heels and knuckles can make cold weather unbearable. One or two moisturizing paraffin wax treatments can help a great deal during the colder months. If you are interested in purchasing paraffin wax treatments for yourself or as gifts, get in touch with Sōna MedSpa.

Noel Halgreen
Sõna MedSpa