Paraffin mask: skin revitalization and rejuvenation

A paraffin mask is made from melted paraffin, a product of petroleum distillation, which is a mixture of solid hydrocarbons (alkanes) that turn into a liquid state when heated to +45-60°C.

How does this substance affect the skin, and why do reviews of paraffin masks praise their healing and rejuvenating effects?

Paraffin Face Mask: What's the Secret?

From a medical point of view, a paraffin face mask has a thermal effect similar to a hot compress: it increases blood flow to the epidermis cells and thus stimulates the metabolic processes occurring in them. Professional cosmetologists classify paraffin masks as dry thermal procedures that expand pores and help cleanse them, and also increase the absorption capacity of the skin.

Paraffin applied to the face does not have any chemical effect. But it does have a mechanical effect: when cooled for a sufficiently long time, the paraffin again acquires a crystalline structure and due to this, the physical volume of its mass decreases. The impenetrable layer of paraffin, gently squeezing the collagen fibers of the epidermis, tightens and smoothes it, that is, due to occlusion, it gives a lifting effect.

Paraffin facial masks are a good way to cleanse oily skin and moisturize dry skin (as the paraffin layer retains moisture), to reduce the appearance of expression wrinkles on the forehead and in the nasolabial fold area. And by improving blood circulation, they help with acne scars.

It should be borne in mind that paraffin masks have contraindications: they cannot be done in the presence of any damage to the skin, acne in the suppuration stage, rosacea (pink acne), pronounced rosacea or active hair growth on the face. This cosmetic procedure is not recommended for high blood pressure, bronchial asthma, polyps in the maxillary sinus, nosebleeds and problems with the thyroid gland.

Recipes for paraffin masks at home

To make these useful masks, you need medical highly purified paraffin (the kind used to make candles is not suitable), and it can be found in pharmacies, labeled P-1.

Paraffin is a chemically inactive substance; in its molten form it does not mix with water, alcohols, alkalis or acids; only oils can be added to it.

Paraffin pieces should be turned into a viscous liquid only in a water bath, and not a single drop of water should get into the melted composition! The skin should be just as dry before applying the mask; in this case, oily skin can be pre-treated with 2% salicylic acid or calendula alcohol tincture (and let the skin dry completely), and for dry skin or its flabbiness, it is recommended to lubricate the face with a small amount of olive oil.

A paraffin face mask can be applied in two ways: with a brush or with tampons - directly onto the skin (along the massage lines), and with a brush over a single layer of gauze placed on the face (with holes for the mouth, nose and eyes). There should be at least three layers of paraffin, and each new layer is recommended to be applied from the bottom up, that is, starting from the chin.

Recipes for paraffin masks at home simply involve adding 5-10 drops of essential oils such as: to melted paraffin.

• carrot seeds - improves the tone of aging skin;
• frankincense - has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect on those prone to acne; reduces skin pores, helps protect the skin from adverse external influences and stimulates the growth of new epithelial cells;
• geranium - helps regulate sebum secretion, reduces acne; helps increase skin elasticity and reduces the intensity of wrinkles;
• lavender - helps regenerate epidermal cells, ideal for mature skin with age spots;
• lemon - an excellent antibacterial and astringent for oily skin with enlarged pores;
• myrrh - has strong anti-inflammatory properties, helps improve the tone and elasticity of the skin, reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles;
• Neroli - considered the most effective in caring for oily, sensitive and mature skin; helps smooth out wrinkles, tighten pores and increase epidermal turgor;
• patchouli - for those over 40, as it promotes the growth of new cells and smoothes wrinkles;
• roses - most suitable for dry and aging skin, helps improve the texture of the skin and increase its tone;
• Tea tree is known as a good remedy for acne due to its strong antibacterial properties;
• Ylang-ylang - this oil is beneficial for all skin types; it helps control sebum secretion, promotes skin cell regeneration, increases skin elasticity and smoothes wrinkles.

The time of keeping the paraffin mask on the face is on average 20 minutes (until it cools down completely); during this time it is recommended to take a horizontal position and not talk, so that the facial muscles are relaxed. The health course is two masks per week for a month.

Paraffin mask for hands and feet

The effectiveness of such a procedure as a paraffin hand mask is recognized by manicurists all over the world. You can see for yourself how much softer the skin on your hands and cuticles will become without leaving your home. All you need is purified paraffin and half an hour of free time.

Prepare a pair of disposable PE gloves, as well as a pair of regular mittens, you can also use kitchen oven mitts. The paraffin should be melted (as described above), hands should be thoroughly washed (removing the rings), wiped dry, and then greased with olive or refined sunflower oil.

Dip the brush of one hand (up to the wrist) into slightly cooled paraffin (at a temperature of about +40-42°C) for a few seconds, remove for 8-10 seconds, and then dip into the paraffin again. After the third layer, let it dry a little, put a polyethylene glove on your hand, and insulate it with a mitten or oven mitt on top. Similar actions are performed for the brush of the other hand.

After at least a quarter of an hour, you can remove everything and clean off the hardened paraffin, after which it is useful to lubricate your hands with a nourishing cream.

A paraffin mask for feet is made in the same way, only instead of gloves you will have to use thin PE bags, and keep your feet warm with woolen socks. Such masks are especially useful for calluses and dry, rough skin on your heels. To enhance the softening of keratinized skin, a few drops of an oil solution of vitamin A (retinol acetate) or peach kernel oil are usually added to the melted paraffin.

But a paraffin hair mask is essentially a paraffin application to a local area of the scalp; it is done only in cases of focal hair loss - alopecia areata.