The procedure of paraffin therapy in cosmetology and the features of its implementation at home. Add beeswax. Cosmetic paraffin at home

Paraffin has long been successfully used for medical and cosmetic purposes. In physiotherapy, it is used as part of the complex treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal and nervous system, dermatological pathologies. In cosmetology, the cleansing and rejuvenating properties of paraffin are in demand. It is used for procedures on the skin of the hands, face and other parts of the body.

Modern manufacturers produce cosmetic paraffin of different types - both regular and with various additives. It is suitable for procedures in salons and for home use.

Composition of cosmetic paraffin

The raw material for obtaining this substance is oil. Paraffins of various degrees of purification are made from it, which are used both in industry and in the domestic sphere. For example, it is from them that candles are obtained.

In cosmetology, only highly purified paraffin with a melting point of about 53 degrees is used. It does not contain impurities that can harm the skin. Additional ingredients may be added to improve performance, such as vitamins, essential oils, plant extracts, etc. Some manufacturers also use safe dyes. Purified cosmetic paraffin does not cause allergic reactions, so it is suitable for different skin types. Compositions with additives are best chosen on the recommendation of a specialist who can advise the most effective means, taking into account individual characteristics.

Manufacturers offer a huge range of products designed for different skin types. Cosmetic paraffins with additives are very popular. The following additional ingredients are often used.

Peach oil. This natural ingredient effectively nourishes the skin and also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Vitamin E. Gives the composition an additional nourishing and rejuvenating effect, improves skin tone.
Tea rose extract. Increases skin elasticity, gives it a natural healthy tone. This ingredient is also added to improve the smell of cosmetic wax. The aroma of rose has a calming effect and improves mood.
Cacao butter. Accelerates regeneration processes and skin renewal.
Extracts of lemon, orange and other citrus fruits. They have a stimulating effect and effectively nourish the skin. In addition, citrus components give a subtle aroma.

Cosmetic paraffin is sold in different types of packages. Most often it is packaged in plastic bags and trays. Paraffin is also available in the form of a cream - thanks to its soft texture, it can be applied without additional heating. This option is suitable for home use, because the procedure does not require any additional tools.

How cosmetic paraffin works

A feature of this substance is a very slow cooling and long-term preservation of heat. At the same time, cosmetic wax has a low melting point, so it turns into a liquid form before it gets too hot. When applied to the skin, such a mask has a moderate warming effect and does not cause discomfort.

The paraffin layer does not allow air to pass through, so under it a kind of sauna effect is obtained. The heat increases perspiration, which flushes out toxins and other impurities from the skin. Then the paraffin mask (and with it the surface of the body) gradually cools down, the pores narrow. As a result, the remaining moisture is absorbed back, and large molecules of harmful substances remain outside. In this case, a redistribution of fluid occurs, because water is absorbed into the dry areas of the skin, which are most in need of hydration.

Benefits of Paraffin Therapy

The mask can be applied to any part of the body. Most often, this procedure is performed on the face, arms, legs, back and abdomen. Paraffin therapy sessions have several important advantages.

Comfort. One session lasts about half an hour, while you can relax and unwind. Many paraffin masks contain natural extracts that give them a pleasant scent.
Fast effect. Paraffin therapy acts immediately - changes will be noticeable after the first procedure. The skin becomes softer and hydrated, its tone increases. Conducting a course of several sessions allows you to achieve an even more pronounced effect.
massage effect. As the cosmetic wax layer cools down, the mask shrinks slightly and compresses the skin. It feels like a nice light massage. In addition, in this way you can deal with small wrinkles.
Stimulation of metabolism. Paraffin therapy acts on the sebaceous and sweat glands, accelerates the regeneration processes. The complex stimulating effect improves the appearance and general condition of the skin, making it more elastic.
Fight against aging. The procedure visually tightens the oval of the face, corrects fine wrinkles.

Before proceeding with the procedure, it is necessary to properly prepare the skin. The face is cleansed with a gel or other cleanser. Hands and feet can be scrubbed.

The next step is the preparation of cosmetic paraffin. Before use, it must be melted. A fragment of the desired weight (the mass depends on the area of the processing zone) is heated in a special container or in a water bath until it acquires the desired consistency.

Before applying paraffin, be sure to check if it is too hot. To do this, drip on the inside of the forearm. If the temperature is comfortable, you can proceed to the procedure.

You can apply the mask on your face with a brush or cotton pad. It is recommended to start from the chin and gradually move towards the forehead. To obtain a pronounced cosmetic effect, paraffin is laid in several layers - its total thickness should be at least 5 mm. Hands and feet are immersed in the bath several times with a break of a few seconds. This procedure is done until a dense layer of paraffin is formed. In order for the mask to cool more slowly, it is additionally wrapped - for this you can use polyethylene or cling film. After 20-40 minutes, you can remove the paraffin and treat the skin with a cream.

Paraffin for cosmetic purposes is sold in pharmacies and is offered for the purpose of deep cleansing of the skin, uncorking pores from subcutaneous fat, lifting the oval of the face and eliminating fine wrinkles. Cosmetic paraffin is inexpensive and easy to use. It is a colorless (in its original state) alkaline, which becomes plastic when heated slightly above body temperature. Therefore, masks for the face, hands and feet are made from it.

Properties of cosmetic paraffin

The action of a substance is based on its ability to slowly transfer heat to a contacting object. A paraffin mask applied to the face, when cooled, slightly tightens the skin, tones it and causes a number of beneficial effects.

Strengthens facial muscles, enhances tone. Consequence - the outlines become clearer, small wrinkles disappear, the skin becomes more elastic.
Eliminates wen and seals formed in the structure of the skin. The effect is achieved due to the property of the paraffin mask to tighten the skin, and when eliminated, “release” it and return it to its original state.
It cleanses the skin to a relatively large depth, removes sebaceous plugs, and reduces the number of rashes. After a few sessions, the skin is visibly cleared, most of the blackheads and pimples disappear.
Stimulates the formation of collagen. Collagen is responsible for the elasticity of the skin, so paraffin therapy is a powerful means of preventing wrinkles.
Removes dead skin cells on the face. Paraffin mask is more effective than conventional scrubs, acts gently and does not cause irritation.
Fills the skin with oxygen. Improves complexion, the skin becomes softer, unhealthy shine disappears (or vice versa dullness).

Paraffin therapy is a great way to provide comprehensive facial skin care. And doing the procedures at home will help save money. It remains to learn the correct technique for performing paraffin masks.

Applying a face mask

The main danger - overheating of paraffin leads to burns. To prevent this, you must carefully monitor the heating temperature of the mixture. Before covering the skin with paraffin, a small amount of mass is placed on the wrist from the inside, making sure that there is no risk. The technology for making paraffin masks is below.

Skin preparation. The best effect will provide preliminary cleansing of the skin. It is necessary to remove makeup, degrease (if the skin is oily), wash with a light scrub. Immediately a couple of minutes before applying paraffin, the face is covered with a thin layer of petroleum jelly.
melting paraffin. Cosmetic paraffin melts at a temperature of +50 °C. It warms up well in a bowl set on fire, in a water bath, or simply under the light of a powerful table lamp (in the latter case, slowly). Again, do not bring to a "boil", that is, warm up too much.
Application to the face. Melted paraffin is applied with a brush before curing. Like a regular mask, a paraffin mask is applied to the entire skin of the face, except for the area next to the eyes. Apply in several layers - from 2 to 5. Between the "laying" of the layers, it is enough to wait 5 minutes.
Excerpt. The optimal effect will give a twenty-minute exposure of the paraffin mask. The slow cooling down and hence the solidification of the paraffin ensures an even and safe heat transfer to the skin. Paraffin hardens more slowly when the room is hot. An alternative is to put a thick towel on your face and spend the same 20 minutes in this state.
Flushing. It will be possible to remove the mask with your fingers or an improvised device in the form of a “scapula”. Moisturize your face additionally by applying the usual cream. Approximately 30 min. stay at home, not "substituting" the sun's rays and the wind.

Sessions are repeated regularly every 3-4 days. Results appear in a month. Having found redness on the skin at the end of the session, it is necessary to take measures against burns. Next time you don't need to heat cosmetic paraffin so much.

Contraindications to paraffin therapy

There are no special restrictions, but some general health problems are a reason to wait with the implementation of masks. Contraindications are:

cardiovascular diseases, pronounced rosacea, pathologies of veins and blood vessels;
hypertension, VVD, hypertension, systemic blood diseases;
moles and other formations on the skin in places subject to contact with paraffin;
oncology, pregnancy, breastfeeding.

Allergy to paraffin is an infrequent phenomenon, but possible. Irritation, itching, individual red dots on the skin are signs of an allergic reaction. Such symptoms are a good reason to stop further paraffin therapy and find a different way of care.

Conclusion about paraffin therapy

Masks with cosmetic paraffin are an effective and safe remedy in the fight against wrinkles, early skin aging and loss of color. Paraffin therapy requires about half an hour of free time a couple of times a week. Dangerous consequences of improper procedures are burns and irritation. Avoiding them is easy by following the rules presented.

A paraffin therapy session in a spa can be compared to something relaxing and renewing. And all this is not only due to the work of the cosmetologist, but also to the material that is used in such a procedure. The quality of the cosmetic paraffin must be appropriate in order for the session to be successful and meet expectations. The availability of this tool allows you to do pleasant spa treatments, even while at home.

What is Cosmetic Paraffin?

To make paraffin therapy with a melted paraffin candle will not work. After all, such a substance is made from petroleum products, and they cannot benefit human skin.

Cosmetic paraffin is a purified version of this substance. Additionally, it may contain various oils, vitamin complexes, natural ingredients. It melts at a temperature of about 53 degrees.

On sale, a cosmetic product can be found in the form of solid pieces of paraffin of different weights and types. Suitable for use at home and beauty salon.

The salons offer the use of paraffin containing natural bee products. Since they can cause allergic reactions in humans, the use of such a product for the first time is unsafe.

The use of cosmetic paraffin is possible for such thermal procedures:

face and body applications;
masks and baths for hands and feet;
wraps.

By correctly applying a cosmetic product, you can solve many skin problems: from moisturizing to rejuvenation.

Composition and useful properties

A cosmetic product under the simple name "paraffin" is not so simple. It contains the following elements:

complex carbohydrates are the “basis of the foundations” of the product, it is they who are able to turn solid material into a liquid mass;
cocoa butter - makes paraffin plastic and supple, gives it a barely noticeable aroma;
vitamins, namely A and E - skin regeneration, rejuvenation, skin renewal on any part of the body;
herbal extracts - necessary for better penetration into the skin and its hydration;
minerals - responsible for saturating the skin with oxygen.

Such a rich composition can be supplemented with various oils (essential, butter, cold pressed, etc.), plant particles, flavors, dyes. But synthetic additives will not bring much benefit, it is better to refuse them altogether when choosing a product.

Carrying out caring sessions of paraffin therapy has such a positive effect:

skin nutrition. Even at the end of the session, the paraffin that has penetrated into the pores continues to nourish it, thanks to the elusive film created on the surface of the skin;
smoothing. The effect is achieved after the paraffin hardens. Then it shrinks slightly, while tightening the skin, making it a slight lifting effect;
stimulation of blood circulation. Under the influence of heat, which gives paraffin, blood circulation improves. Cells begin to renew themselves thanks to the lymph circulation, which is caused by the smooth cooling of the cosmetic product;
hydration. Paraffin warms the skin, opens the pores and cleanses them. Under the paraffin film, a greenhouse effect is created (under the influence of the temperature of the material), moisture from which penetrates into these pores, moisturizing them qualitatively;
relaxation. In cosmetology, it is also used for relaxing purposes. Upon contact of the warm mass with the surface of the skin, a person feels how fatigue leaves, and the body relaxes.

In addition to these properties that the product has in cosmetology, there are also the following: giving the skin elasticity, tenderness, velvety, improving color, accelerating the healing of microtraumas.

How to apply cosmetic paraffin?

Knowledgeable cosmetologists will not overheat the paraffin and will not bring discomfort to their client. But in home use, you can make a lot of mistakes: make it too high or low temperature, melt the paraffin in insufficient or too much, etc.

The most common uses for cosmetic paraffin are baths, hand and face masks. The technique of applying them is different, but the final result depends on it. Also, paraffin can be applied to any part of the body: knees, heels, décolleté, thighs, buttocks, elbows.

For hands

To bring the skin of the hands in order, you can use the method of "hot baths" or make a mask from a special cold paraffin. The result will be almost the same, but the procedure is radically different.

Hot baths.

To conduct a session, you need the following set of tools:

a special bath for heating paraffin (paraffin heater) or a home analogue - two pans of different diameters, so that it is possible to make a water bath;
150-200g of paraffin for cosmetic purposes;
cream with a moisturizing effect;
disposable polyethylene gloves (alternative - bags);
mittens or a warm towel.

Before use, the paraffin must be melted. Do this in a special bath, as an option - in a water bath. It's important not to overheat. When it becomes transparent without cloudy impurities, it can already be used. It is advisable to use a water thermometer, just immerse it in paraffin before starting the procedure. The mark should be from 50 to 55 degrees.

Clean your hands well. To do this, simply wash them well with soap and dry with a towel. If possible, instead of washing, hands can be treated with a disinfectant liquid.
Moisturize your skin with a prepared moisturizer. Rub it with massage movements, it is worth paying special attention to the cuticle area and nails.
Dip the pens in a saucepan (special bath) with molten (liquid) paraffin so that the liquid completely envelops the hands up to the hand.
Take your hands out of the saucepan (bath).
After the paraffin on the skin begins to become a little cloudy, put polyethylene on your hands, and then mittens.
You need to keep such a mask for at least 20 minutes, but you should not exceed the time of 60 minutes.
Hold the required time, remove mittens, polyethylene, paraffin from your hands. The product itself can be easily exfoliated from the skin by simply rubbing your hands.
Moisturize hands with cream after the procedure is carried out.

You can also do several layers of paraffin on your hands. To do this, you need to dry each layer and dip it again in a melted product, which is in a liquid state.

Paraffin left unused in a saucepan can be drained into a bowl with a lid and cooled. It can be reused as many times as indicated on the packaging by the manufacturer.

It is used in cases where hot baths cause discomfort or there are certain health problems (for example, heart failure). The cold product has the appearance of a familiar nourishing cream, does not require any action before application. If used in a beauty salon, then the product is more hygienic than its “hot” counterpart, since it is used only once.

To use such paraffin, it is worth preparing the hands for the procedure in the same way as for hot baths. Next, the process is slightly different:

After cleansing the skin of the hands, you can apply a moisturizer. This is not necessary, since the cold product contains all the necessary useful components and substances for moisturizing.
Next, apply the product to your hands with a clean brush (a face mask brush can be used) or just with your fingers so that you get a thin layer of the product on the skin.
Wrap your hands in plastic (gloves or bags), then put on warm mittens.
Keep the mask from 15 minutes to 1 hour. In time, it will practically be absorbed into the skin of the hands and leave a thin film on it.
Remove the remaining paraffin with a gauze or paper towel. No need to rinse with water to prolong the beneficial effect on the skin.
To make the result more stable, it is better to use a moisturizing hand cream after the procedure.

It is better to make such hand masks with unpainted nails, but after a basic manicure is done.

For face

Using paraffin on the face is useful to restore water balance, and it is also an effective tool for improving skin condition at any age.

Effective paraffin therapy procedures using different materials - for melting or cold means. The stages of the cosmetic session are the same. The only difference is that the solid must be melted before starting.

It is also worth preparing additional accessories - cut a mask out of gauze so that it is large enough to cover the skin of the face, cut holes for the eyes, mouth, make incisions to follow the contour of the nose. Next, paraffin therapy for the face should be carried out as follows:

clean the skin of impurities (sebum, cosmetics, dust) in any convenient way and means;
then, using a brush, apply a moderate layer of liquid paraffin over the entire area of the face, avoiding the delicate area around the eyes and lips;
lay the previously prepared gauze mask on a layer of hot paraffin so that it sinks in it;
a couple more layers of the product are applied on top of the gauze napkin, after the previous one has been slightly dried;
wait 15-20 minutes and remove the mask (just pry off the gauze and remove it from the skin);
remove the remnants of the mask with a dry cloth, use a moisturizer.

Using cold paraffin, the application technique is slightly different: it is smeared on a gauze mask, and after removal, the remnants of the substance are simply removed from the skin with a napkin. Additional use of moisturizers is not required.

Contraindications

Although paraffin has many benefits, it should not be applied to the skin of any part of the body, in such cases:

If cold paraffin is used, then it will become a harmless alternative to hot for vascular and heart diseases.

Which paraffin is better to choose?

Choosing a quality cosmetic product is easy if you know what to look for when buying:

Having chosen the desired product, you can start paraffin therapy and enjoy the result.

Paraffin - what is it? This product is well known to each of us. At least once in our lives we had to deal with him. It is widely used in a wide variety of fields - medicine, food production, and electrical engineering. Let's try to understand the properties of this product and its types.

Paraffin - what is it?

The above substance is a fairly solid mixture of macromolecular nature. The composition of paraffin also includes cyclic hydrocarbons, which are obtained from ozocerite and oil.

Purified paraffin - what is it? It has the following features:

the product is colorless;
greasy to the touch;
without smell;
no taste;
dissolves well in organic solvents;
insoluble in water and alcohol.

Poorly refined paraffin is a product that has a brown or yellow tint, and also darkens in the light.

The above substance has good resistance to bases and acids, oxidizing agents, and halogens.

Types of paraffin

This product is classified into the following waxes:

highly purified technical (grades A and B);
unpeeled (match);
cleaned technical (grades G and D);
medical.

The most important characteristics of paraffin are:

melting point - 50 (not lower);
oil content - minimum 0.6% and maximum 2.3% (not higher).

Match paraffin differs in separate features. Its melting point should be 42 degrees Celsius, but in no case lower, and the oil content is allowed no higher than 5%.

Application of paraffin

The above product is widely used in the following industries:

printing;
paper;
textile;
leather;
electrical engineering;
paintwork.

It is also used:

for paraffin therapy in cosmetology and medicine;
like paraffin for candles;
as a lubricant for rubbing wood parts;
in combination with gasoline acts as an anti-corrosion coating;
for the production of vaseline;
this product is registered as E905 - food additive;
acts as a lubricant for snowboard skis;
used in engineering and nuclear physics (slows down neurons and is a "generator" of protons).

In addition, paraffin is actively used in radio engineering. It is used in situations where high electrical strength, low cost, minimal AC losses and the ability to quickly release this potting with a simple heating method are needed.

What is the difference between the above oil product and wax?

Wax is a mixture of solid esters that form fatty acids and higher alcohols (high molecular weight).

What is the difference between the above substances? It should be noted that a product that does not burn at all, but only melts, is, of course, wax. Paraffin, on the contrary, burns completely.

Wax has a yellow-brown tint. Paraffin is exclusively white. Manufacturers obtain all its other shades by adding dyes to it.

Natural wax is natural, environmentally friendly Paraffin is obtained from petroleum products, so it is a synthetic material.

Wax in its properties often resembles plasticine. It is very flexible, very soft, quite plastic. Paraffin, on the contrary, crumbles excessively when cut.

How to use paraffin at home?

This product is actively used for paraffin therapy. This is a very effective and natural procedure that provides an opportunity to eliminate defects and imperfections on the skin and not only. The paraffin therapy technique is based on the use of a special film from the above product, which creates the so-called greenhouse effect.

Paraffin at home can be used to:

skin whitening;
elimination of the second chin and gravitational ptosis;
protection from cracks and dryness;
cleansing the skin, its rejuvenation.

Paraffin therapy at home for hands is, of course, not difficult to do. To do this, you need to purchase purified. Experts pay attention to the fact that allergy sufferers need to buy this product containing peach oil.

Paraffin must be heated to a liquid state. To do this, use the water bath method. Then it is important to massage the hands with a scrub or, for example, a special mitten. Next, you need to lower your hands into liquid paraffin and immediately remove them. Repeat this action after 10 seconds. It is necessary that thin "gloves" of paraffin are formed. Then wrap your hands with cling film or, for example, a plastic bag and hold for at least 20 minutes.

Then remove the paraffin. Experts do not recommend reusing this product. After the procedure, a cream should be applied to the hands to moisturize the skin.

Paraffin is an excellent product that has found its application in various fields.

Cosmetic procedures can be not only useful, but also pleasant. So, a paraffin face mask has been successfully used for a long time to eliminate cosmetic defects in appearance and general improvement of the skin. To carry out such an impact, special skills are not required, it is safe and does not harm human health, which is why it is so easy to implement it without the help of a specialist at home. However, it is necessary to take into account certain nuances, which we will talk about.

Indications and expected results

In what cases is paraffin therapy indicated for the face? First of all, it should be noted that such a procedure is universal, it provides additional nutrition, hydration and softening of the skin. Paraffin masks are absolutely suitable for any type of skin, especially for dry and aging skin. In addition, they are carried out in order to:

Elimination of puffiness.
Reduce ptosis, tighten sagging skin.
Slowdown of age-related changes.
Reducing mimic wrinkles, deep folds and creases.
Scar reduction.

As a result of paraffin therapy, acne formations decrease or disappear, muscle tone increases, pores expand and sebaceous plugs come to the surface, skin elasticity increases, and the facial contour becomes clearer.

Operating principle

The positive changes mentioned above are achieved due to the complex effect of paraffin on the skin of the face. It is expressed:

In the saturation of soft tissues with nutrients and vitamins contained in the mass itself (or added to it).
In optimizing local processes (blood circulation, lymph flow, metabolism) due to the generated heat from the hot composition.
In the redistribution of fluid and the removal of toxins from soft tissues by creating a greenhouse effect (paraffin stimulates increased sweating, but does not allow the liquid that has come to the surface to evaporate, it is reabsorbed, and toxins remain on the skin).

Types of paraffin

For cosmetic purposes, it is customary to use a special, purified paraffin. It is of two types:

Hot (sold in solid form, requires pre-heating to a temperature of 53-55 degrees, with such initial data it becomes viscous and viscous).
Cold (sold in a creamy form, applied to the skin without prior preparation).

hot paraffin
Cold paraffin

A special device is used to heat hot paraffin. If you do not want to spend money on its purchase, use an ordinary pot of boiling water and a ladle to organize a water bath. Paraffin heated in this way should be applied to the skin with great care to avoid burns to the face.

Paraffin bath
Home bath for paraffin therapy

Paraffin can be classified not only by consistency and temperature, but also by its composition. Ready-made paraffin used for therapeutic baths and masks does not contain harmful impurities and dyes, it is enriched with plant extracts, vitamins and microelements.

If you purchase ordinary white cosmetic paraffin, then after heating you yourself will be able to add additional components to its composition. Most often, liquid vitamins, essential oils, natural vegetable oils, and even some food products (for example, cocoa powder or natural honey) are used for this purpose.

Procedure algorithm

Paraffin masks for facial skin care can be carried out in several ways. The following methods are most commonly practiced:

Applying a single layer of paraffin on top of a moisturizer or formulation containing collagen to enhance their absorption.
Applying paraffin on previously cleansed skin in several layers. Each subsequent is applied after the previous one has solidified.
Applying paraffin using a gauze bandage. The first layer of the composition is applied to clean skin, then fixed with a gauze bandage, in the future it will be necessary to apply paraffin over it 5-6 more times, but without the use of additional materials.

Regardless of the chosen method of the paraffin mask, it is first necessary to treat the facial skin with a scrub to cleanse surface impurities and dead cells.

The average duration of paraffin exposure is 20 minutes, after which the film of hot or unabsorbed cold paraffin residues should be removed, the face washed and an additional moisturizer used to consolidate the positive results.

Masks should be done no more than 2 times a week, with a break of 2 to 4 days. The full course is approximately 15-20 procedures, if necessary, paraffin therapy can be carried out one-time to solve specific problems (for example, to eliminate peeling or the effect of chapped skin).