Last updated: 16/10/2022

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If you want to include in your beauty routine a versatile cosmetic, which can be used to moisturise the skin in winter and tan it in summer, then you are looking for paraffin.

The product is found in three versions: wax, mousse or cream. The wax version is indicated for deep moisturising. The mousse or cream versions are ideal for daily use.

The paraffin can also be used as a tanning intensifier. Are you interested? Then keep reading, because in this article we will address all the properties and purposes of paraffin.




Summary

  • Paraffin is sold in wax, mousse or cream. The difference between them is that paraffin wax must be heated before use, while the cream or mousse versions can be used cold.
  • This cosmetic is also used to tan the skin. If this is your goal, look for a product with this purpose, usually the cosmetic is enriched with urucum oil, has colour and even sun protection factor.
  • Paraffin may be used throughout the year. Continuous use helps prevent dryness, maintains natural moisture, increases elasticity and preserves skin softness.

The Best Paraffin: Our Picks

Buying guide

Many women do not know, but paraffin can also be used on the skin. The product has moisturizing, nourishing and emollient properties and can be applied in several treatments: moon bath, tanning, massage modelling, etc.

To find out more about this product, its properties and different applications, keep reading this Buying Guide. At the end, we will give you some tips on how to choose the ideal product.

Imagem de uma mulher aplicando um creme nas mãos.

Paraffin can be used daily. (Source: Andor Bujdoso / 123RF)

What is paraffin?

Paraffin is a cosmetic for topical use, with an oily texture, high gloss, colourless and odourless. The product has the following properties: it is emollient, moisturizing, antioxidant, nourishing, restorative and revitalizing.

Did you know that paraffin is indicated to treat skin with problems related to dehydration and lack of elasticity. It can also be used in treatments to firm the skin, tan and reduce measures

The product has three presentations: cream, mousse or wax. When applied directly to the skin, paraffin has an instant effect and is used to hydrate, nourish, recover softness, shine and elasticity.

What are the advantages of using paraffin?

Paraffin has numerous benefits for skin health:

  • It moisturises dry areas.
  • Relaxes muscles, relieves pain, fatigue and spasms.
  • Relieves joint pain.
  • Stimulates blood circulation.
  • Strengthens nails.

How to use paraffin in the moon bath?

Paraffin can be applied all over the body before the moon bath, a procedure in which the hair is lightened with hydrogen peroxide and bleaching powder.

Just apply a thin layer to feel the skin protected, hydrated, and without that unpleasant burning or itching sensation, common during the hair lightening procedure.

Does paraffin aid in the loss of localized fat?

In reducing treatments, you must apply liquid paraffin at a high temperature on the area to be treated and perform a vigorous massage to stimulate blood circulation.

Then, just put a thermal blanket to increase sweating (and eliminate toxins). After a few minutes, remove the paraffin and apply a cold source to cause vasoconstriction. Finally, apply a size-reducing cream.

Imagem de uma mulher medindo a cintura.

When associated with modeling massage, paraffin helps to lose measures. (Source: Dmitriy Shironosov / 123RF)

Can you use paraffin on the face?

Paraffin can also be used to moisturize the face, just apply the product with a brush, forming several layers, until you get a suitable consistency.

After about 20 minutes, the paraffin will separate easily from the face, because it will be very thick. It is worth pointing out that this treatment should be done by professionals.

Imagem de uma mulher recebendo cuidados na pele.

Paraffin can also be used in facial care. (Source: Antonika Chanel / Unsplash)

How to use paraffin in winter?

In winter people usually suffer with skin dryness, especially in naturally dehydrated areas such as elbows, knees, heels and hands.

For this reason, moisturizing is a fundamental care. One of the best products to help you with this treatment is paraffin, which restores moisture, softness and smoothness to the skin.

The correct way to use the product is to apply it on washed feet, put a plastic bag, osmotic paper or thermal boots and leave it on for 20 minutes. Then just remove the excess product, no need to rinse.

On the hands, apply the product before going to sleep, this way it will stay longer in contact with the skin. This treatment, besides leaving your feet and hands softer, also helps strengthen your nails.

Iimagem das unhas de uma mulher.

Paraffin strengthens nails. (Source: Valeria Boltneva / Pexels)

Why use paraffin in summer?

Paraffin is well known for accelerating the tanning of the skin. You can find products suitable for this purpose, usually enriched with urucum oil.

Together, paraffin and annatto activate the production of melanin.

Together, paraffin and annatto activate the production of melanin, making the skin tan. These assets also stimulate the production of collagen, so in addition to tan, your skin will be soft and hydrated.

The correct way to apply the paraffin for tanning is with gentle, circular and quick movements, to activate blood circulation and stimulate the absorption of nutrients.

Start with the heels and go up to the thighs, then apply in the belly, arms, chest and back, always spreading well, so that the product is applied evenly and the result is uniform.

Advantages
  • Hydrates the skin deeply
  • Can be used in summer and winter
  • Intensifies the tan
  • Strengthens nails
  • You can find the product in cream, mousse and wax versions
  • The product may be enriched with other components
Disadvantages
  • The oily texture may bother some people
  • Paraffin wax needs to be heated before use
  • To stimulate absorption, paraffin should be applied in a generous layer and submitted to a heat source

How to moisturise with paraffin wax?

See how to make the paraffin wax hydration step by step:

  1. Heat paraffin to a temperature of 37ºC. Then place it in a suitable container for your feet and/or hands and immerse one at a time.
  2. After soaking your feet and/or hands, wrap them with osmotic paper, plastic wrap and put on thermal boots and/or gloves. Tip: if you don’t have thermal boots and/or gloves, wrap them in a towel dampened with hot water.
  3. Wait 20 minutes, remove the boot/thermal glove or towel, remove the plastic or paper film and remove excess paraffin. No need to rinse.

The procedure can be performed once or twice a month, at home or with a specialist in the field of aesthetics.

Can anyone use paraffin wax?

Paraffin, whether in cream, mousse or wax, can be used by anyone, being indicated in the treatment of some health conditions such as bursitis, arthritis, fibromyalgia, eczema, psoriasis and tired muscles.

The only contraindication is the use over wounds or if you have an inflammatory condition.

Paraffin: in cream, wax or mousse?

Cold paraffin, found in cream or mousse, has the same benefits of the thermal paraffin (wax), with the advantage of not having to heat the product. Another differential is that cold paraffin can be used daily, you just need to apply it on the desired areas.

Thermal paraffin is indicated for beauty treatments, such as moon baths, deep hydration, measure reduction treatment, and foot and hand spa. When using the product, melt it in a water bath until it reaches 37ºC.

Cold paraffin Hot paraffin
Presentation In cream or mousse Wax
Indication for use Daily use Beauty treatments
Advantage Easy and quick to apply The absorption is faster
Disadvantage The product is more expensive It needs to be heated to 37ºC before use

How much does paraffin wax cost?

Paraffin wax is the cheapest option, it costs less than 5 GBP. The mousse version costs between 15 and 20 GBP. The cream is a little more expensive, it costs between 25 and 30 GBP. The paraffin for tanning costs about 35 GBP.

Purchase Criteria: Factors to compare the different paraffin offers

After learning about the properties and applications of paraffin, you should agree that the cosmetic is worth including in your beauty routine. To choose the ideal product, analyse and compare the following features:

  • Presentation
  • Indication of use
  • Amount of product
  • Extra ingredients

We will explain each of the items throughout this section.

Presentation

The cream or mousse versions, do not need previous preparation.

You will find paraffin in three presentations: wax (also called thermal paraffin), cream or mousse.

Wax paraffin must be heated in a water bath before use, while the cream or mousse versions can be applied directly on the skin, without prior preparation.

Indication of use

Paraffin wax is ideal for the following situations: hydration/deep nourishment every 15 days, preparation for moon bath, in reducing treatments, foot and hand spa and facial treatments.

The cold versions, in cream or mousse, are ideal for daily use, so consider this version as a way to prolong the benefits brought by the treatments mentioned.

If you want to use paraffin to intensify tanning, look for a product for this purpose. Tip: most of these products are tinted and leave the skin looking tanned instantly.

Imagem de uma mulher tomando sol.

Paraffin will intensify your summer tan. (Source: Adam Kontor
/ Pexels)

Extra components

Paraffin is a cosmetic product, for this reason it is common that it is enriched with other substances with complementary properties. The main ones are described below:

  • Grape seed oil: Rich in vitamins D and E, which facilitate skin renewal, leaving it silky and smooth.
  • Mango oil: Has antioxidant properties, which help prevent skin aging.
  • Peach oil: Prevents aging caused by the action of free radicals.
  • Coconut oil: has nourishing, moisturising, emollient and antioxidant properties.
  • Urucum Oil: helps to uniform the tone of the tan.
  • Cotton: Rich in essential fatty acids, such as omega 6, which is a powerful antioxidant.
  • Verbena: It has astringent action, so it combats the production of oiliness.
  • Aloe Vera: It is rich in vitamins, amino acids, mineral salts and enzymes that are good for the skin. It acts as a natural moisturiser.
  • Calendula: Astringent and toning action.
  • Melaleuca: It has antiseptic, fungicidal and bactericidal properties.
  • Guava extract: Refreshes, revitalizes, tones, moisturizes and renews the skin.

Product quantity

You can find paraffin wax in jars with different amounts of product, from the small ones with 30, 90 or 115 g, medium jars, with 180, 250 or 260 g and larger jars with 300 or 350 g.

Imagem de um pote de parafina.

Evaluate the amount of product that comes in the jar. (Source: Disclosure / Amazon)

The choice is related to the frequency of use you will make of the product. But know that paraffin is an oily product and that spreads easily, so you do not need to exaggerate the amount when you go to use.

(Featured Image Source: Zhanna Tretiakova / 123RF)

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