The Benefits Of Using Paraffin Wax

What Is Paraffin Wax?

Paraffin wax is a colorless, soft wax that can provide therapeutic heat therapy for the hands, elbows, feet and cuticles. It also offers several benefits for the skin, including moisturizing, softening, and promoting circulation, making it a popular choice for treating dry, rough, and chapped skin, as well as for relieving joint pain and stiffness.

Paraffin is an occlusive moisturizer, which means it forms a physical barrier on the skin to prevent water loss. This can make a person’s skin feel supple and soft. It has a low melting point, so it is safe to touch in its liquid form. This means that people can submerge their hands or feet in the wax for its potential therapeutic benefits.

Its benefits are categorized as being cosmetic or therapeutic, and two of the best known brands that supply quality paraffin warmers and wax refills are Therabath and WaxWel. 

Cosmetic Benefits

Moisturizes and Softens - Cosmetically, paraffin wax is often applied to the hands and feet. The wax is a natural emollient, helping make skin supple and soft. When applied to the skin, it adds moisture and continues to boost the moisture levels of the skin after the treatment is complete. 

Locks in Moisture - It forms a protective barrier on the skin's surface, preventing water loss and helping to maintain hydration. 

Opens Pores & Removes Dead Skin Cells - The process of applying and removing the wax can help to exfoliate dead skin cells, revealing fresher, smoother skin. 

Improves Circulation - The heat from the wax can help to improve blood circulation, which can promote a healthy glow and nourish the skin. 

Rejuvenates the appearance of skin.

Therapeutic Benefits

Relieves Joint Pain and Stiffness - It acts like a form of heat therapy and the warmth can help increase blood flow, relax muscles, decrease joint stiffness, improve mobility & flexibility. Paraffin wax can also minimize muscle spasms and inflammation as well as treat sprains.

Reduces Muscle Tension - The heat can also help to relax muscles and reduce tension. 

Helps with Osteo & Rheumatoid Arthritis - Paraffin wax treatments have been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms of arthritis, such as pain and stiffness. 

Helps with Fibromyalgia & Plantar Fasciitis.

Other Benefits

Protects Skin - The protective barrier formed by paraffin wax can help to shield the skin from environmental pollutants and harsh weather conditions. 

Soothing and Relaxing - The process of applying warm paraffin wax can be a relaxing and soothing experience. 

Helps with dry cracked skin and calluses.

How to Source Paraffin Wax

Sourcing high-quality paraffin wax is crucial to the efficacy and safety of all the aforementioned products. Pure paraffin wax ensures consistent properties, such as melting point and texture, essential for achieving desired results.

There are several brands on the market, some of which are imported from countries that don't have strict manufacturing guidelines or quality controls. It is with this in mind that we recommend Therabath and Waxwel. We have long standing relationships with both of these companies and they have excellent reputations in the industry. The links are provided.

For instance, using impure formulations in a wax bath poses the risk of burns or discomfort due to inconsistent melting points. Poor-quality paraffin wax can compromise a skincare product’s moisturizing capabilities and introduce contaminants that cause allergic reactions or irritation, undermining consumer trust and satisfaction.

Is Paraffin Wax Used For Finger / Hand Therapy, Strengthening Exercises & Rehabilitation?

Yes, paraffin wax bath therapy, a form of heat therapy, can be used in hand therapy to help relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and improve range of motion in the hands and fingers. When balled up, it can be used for grip and strength work, with the radiant warmth making the experience more pleasant. Some conditions it can help with are: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Spasticity in stroke, Post-traumatic stiffness.

Where Paraffin Wax Comes From?

Paraffin wax is made from petroleum, primarily obtained through the refining of crude oil, where it's separated through crystallization. It was first produced commercially in 1867 and has since been modified to allow for additional steps in purifying the wax. 

For those who want a more natural product, Therabath has developed its line, previously known as Theracoco, but now called Deep Hydration Paraffin Wax. It is made with readily absorbed coconut oil, aloe, vitamin E, jojoba & apricot oils.

Benefits Of Coconut Oil

Naturally antibacterial, anti-fungal and antimicrobial.
Helps to reduce inflammation.
Will not clog pores.
Readily absorbed into the skin making it an excellent moisturizer.
Leaves the skin silky, without leaving a surface residue.

Are There Risks or Side Effects?

Paraffin wax is tested in a lab to make sure it’s safe and hygienic to use on the body. It’s completely natural and has a low melting point, which means it can be easily applied to the skin at a temperature low enough not to cause burns or blisters.

However, if you have very sensitive skin, paraffin wax may cause heat rash. Heat rash results in small red bumps on the skin that can be itchy and uncomfortable.

* You should not use paraffin wax if you have:

   Poor blood circulation
   Numbness in your hands or feet
   Diabetes
   Any rashes or open sores
   If you have a chemical sensitivity, you may develop minor swelling or breakouts from the wax treatment. That’s because (most) paraffin comes from petroleum products.

If you’re doing a paraffin wax treatment at home, take care not to heat the wax too much, as it may catch fire. It should be no more than 125°F (51.7°C) when you start your treatment.

How To Use Paraffin Wax and Safety Measures

Since there are numerous reasons to use Paraffin Wax when treating health related concerns (arthritis, fibromyalgia, muscle & joint pain, skin conditions) or methodologies when addressing aesthetic / cosmetic needs, it is highly recommended that you do your research before using this product in a home-based environment. There are many guides available online to help make sure you are using the proper wax and warmer, and the manufacturers also provide helpful guides.

Please do appropriate research on the type of condition you are trying to address, speak to a medical professional if / when necessary, work with a trained spa or esthetic professional, use quality equipment and supplies, and use caution when using electronic equipment and / or heated substances that you are applying to your skin. That said, enjoy the experience!