Do you struggle with dry, itchy, or scaly skin, especially during the winter months?
You’re not alone! Research shows that 60% of Americans suffer from “winter skin syndrome,” while three in four of us struggle with dry skin year-round.
If your hands and feet get especially dry, there’s an effective treatment you may not have tried yet — paraffin wax!
What is paraffin wax, how does it work, and what can it do for your dry skin? Keep reading below for the answers.
What Is Paraffin Wax?
In basic terms, paraffin is a byproduct that comes from distilling petroleum (AKA crude oil). It’s a soft, colorless, odorless wax that serves a variety of purposes such as:
- Candles and crayons
- Electrical insulation
- Lubrication
- Pain relief for sore joints
- Skin hydration
Since we assume you’re not here to learn how to make candles, let’s focus on those last two points: pain relief and skin hydration.
What Are the Benefits of Paraffin?
Therapeutically, paraffin wax acts as a form of heat therapy.
Studies show that it can provide pain relief for people who suffer from arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other joint problems that affect their hands or feet. This is because it increases blood flow to the area, helping to relax stiff muscles and joints and decrease inflammation.
Cosmetically, paraffin wax acts as a natural emollient and occlusive moisturizer. In other words, it draws moisture into the outer layers of the skin and, best of all, forms a protective film to “trap” that moisture inside.
You may notice paraffin listed in many of your skin care products at home. But to maximize its benefits, you should try a paraffin treatment at your favorite day spa.
What Happens During a Paraffin Spa Treatment?
When you add paraffin to your spa treatment, your therapist or esthetician will prepare the wax to use on your hands or feet (or both). Our product also includes shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil to provide extra nourishment to dry skin.
During the treatment, you’ll dip your hands or feet into plastic bags that contain the warm melted paraffin. Then you’ll slide your hands or feet into warm, soft mitts and relax as the wax dries, forming that hydrating, protective layer we talked about earlier.
At the end of the session, your therapist or esthetician will remove the mitts and plastic bags and wipe any excess wax from your skin. Then, to seal in that blissful moisture, they’ll massage nourishing lotion or body butter into your hands and feet.
In the days to come, you’ll love the feel of your soft, smooth skin! And if you struggle with arthritis or other types of joint pain, you’ll notice less pain and stiffness as well.
Bonus tip: Try our Apres Meltdown add-on, which includes not only a paraffin wax treatment but also a delightful peppermint salt scrub and luxurious body butter.
Add Paraffin to Your Next Vail Massage or Facial
So, what is paraffin? It could be your favorite new weapon in the battle against dry skin!
The good news is you don’t have to visit a nail salon or buy special equipment to use at home. To experience the benefits of paraffin, simply choose it as an add-on with your next massage or facial treatment.
Apres at Simply Massage offers the best bodywork in the Vail valley. Call us today at 970-445-2114 or use our online platform to book your next session.