Cold paraffin therapy

Among the many procedures that can quickly moisturize the skin, eliminate dryness and flaking, cold paraffin therapy is especially popular. It does not require significant financial investments, takes a little time, and is characterized by simplicity, which allows you to use it independently at home.

Cold paraffin therapy, unlike its hot counterpart, is not a medical, but a cosmetological procedure. However, it successfully copes with a number of chronic and seasonal skin problems, so it is rightfully considered one of the most common restorative techniques.

One of the mechanisms of action of paraffin therapy is that it significantly increases microcirculation, dilates local capillaries and accelerates blood flow, reduces tissue edema and removes pathogenic substances, providing inflammatory infiltration and absorption to eliminate tumescence and relieve pain. At the same time, wax contains oily components of the tendon scar, which can help soften, release and restore elasticity. In addition, paraffin wax gradually reduces its volume when cooled and exhibits mechanical compression, which can prevent tissue lymphatic and blood exudation and enhance the absorption of exudate. Wang et al. Suggested that the mineral oil contained in paraffin wax has certain chemical effects on the body, such as stimulating the growth of epithelial tissue and preventing bacterial multiplication, which is conducive to the healing of superficial skin wounds. [1]

Hot and cold paraffin therapy

Most people associate paraffin therapy with the "hot" version. Indeed, hot paraffin is used many times more often, because it is a proven effective physiotherapeutic method for decades. How does it differ from the "cold" analog?

• Hot paraffin solves more problems than cold paraffin. This is due to the mechanism of action: in the course of intensive heating involves deep layers of tissues, including intra-articular structures. After such an impact disappears spasms and pain in the joints, stops the development of inflammatory reactions in the underlying tissues. As for "cold" paraffin, it acts more superficially - mainly on the epidermis, nails, superficial muscles.
• "Hot" paraffin must be preheated, but the immediate duration of the procedure is about half an hour. "Cold" analog does not require preheating, but to get the desired effect it must be kept on the body a little longer - about one hour.
• Hot therapy is relatively more expensive and requires additional costs - for example, a special container is needed to heat the paraffin mass, and often medicinal extracts and essential oils are added to it, which are also purchased separately. Cold paraffin therapy in this sense is considered more affordable, because you will only have to buy cream paraffin.
• Both cold and hot versions of paraffin therapy can be practiced independently, at home. Although cream paraffin is much easier to use without prior training.
• Hot paraffin therapy is characterized by a large number of contraindications: it can not be used with varicose veins, many cardiac pathologies (including heart rhythm disorders). Cold paraffin therapy has relatively few contraindications, the main of which is allergy to the components of the chosen product.
• The relaxing effect of the "hot" version is much more intense: choose it if you need to relieve muscle spasms and nervous tension.

Pros and benefits of cold paraffin therapy

Creamy cold paraffin therapy is allowed to be used by people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, which is considered a significant advantage. It is known that hot paraffin therapy should not be practiced on such patients.

Since the creamy product is intended only for a single application, it can be attributed to more hygienic preparations, which is important if paraffin therapy is carried out in cosmetology clinics and salons.

Cold paraffin therapy is much cheaper than its hot counterpart. Paraffin cream is applied directly to the skin, no additional devices are required.

Cold procedure can be carried out regardless of the time of year and weather conditions, the paraffin mass does not need to be heated, as it is already ready for use. At the same time, the "hot" analog is considered inappropriate in summer, and its use is more complicated.

The emergence of cold paraffin therapy is a real gift for many patients, a significant contribution to the further development of cosmetology. The procedure can be carried out at home independently, the only inconvenience is some discomfort when applying the product to both hands at once. It is much easier to apply the cream on the right and left hand alternately. If you need to treat not the palms, but other parts of the body (feet, elbows, knees), then this problem does not arise.

Indications for the procedure

Cold paraffin therapy includes the application of cream paraffin and additional cosmetic products. Cream paraffin does not require preheating, it is easy to divide. At the same time, it provides the necessary conditions for intensive saturation and accelerated recovery of epidermal cells.

Cold paraffin therapy is recommended to improve the condition of the skin on the upper and lower extremities, as well as other areas of the body suffering from excessive dryness - for example, areas with increased keratinization of tissues (elbows, knees, feet). The effectiveness is not inferior to that of hot paraffin therapy. Cold paraffin can be used as a care product after manicure or pedicure manipulations. It successfully copes with calluses, cracks, corns, peeling. Among the main advantages of cold paraffin therapy:

• rapidly improves the condition of the skin in the area of application;
• heals scabs and cracks;
• eliminates flaking and irritation.

Warming and moisturizing are provided thanks to the body's own body heat. This allows the product to be used safely even in the presence of varicose veins or other chronic cardiovascular disorders.

After the procedure of cold paraffin therapy, microspasms of superficial muscles disappear, epidermal tissue is saturated with nutrients, blood circulation and lymph flow are accelerated, swelling is eliminated. As a result of non-intensive light heating, ligaments are relaxed and inflammatory processes (including joints) are alleviated.

Cream paraffin can be used as an independent means, or complement its effect with other preparations that nourish and saturate the tissues with moisture, enhancing the favorable effect of paraffin.

It is recommended that you think about using paraffin therapy and purchase a paraffin treatment product for such situations:

• if the skin has become too dry, rough, rough;
• There are areas of calluses, corns, thickening;
• cracks appeared after working at the cottage, production, after prolonged stay in cold conditions without protective equipment, etc.

In addition, the application of paraffin remedy is also used for preventive purposes - to prevent deterioration of the skin, as part of complex care, as well as to prevent early aging of the skin.

Cold paraffin therapy for corns

The problem of corns on the feet is familiar to many people. Skin induration can appear in the toe area, on the heels and on the back of the foot.

A corns is a type of callus, a limited zone of keratinization, an excessive thickening of the epidermal layer, which is formed in an area of frequent external squeezing and friction.

It is only possible to start self-removal of corns at home when there is no pain and signs of inflammation. It is not recommended to cut off the keratinized areas, as this may cause the development of complications, which will be much more difficult to fight.

Cold paraffin therapy with urea is recommended for corns and shallow calluses. Urea in an optimally effective concentration of about 25% softens keratinized areas of the skin, making it easier and faster to remove layers from the skin surface. Urea contributes to intensive moisturizing and softening, reducing discomfort from rough seals. Treated skin is simultaneously sanitized, recovery processes are accelerated, which leads to rapid healing with the formation of soft, smooth and healthy tissue. In combination with cream paraffin, it is possible to achieve rapid visible results, for a long time to return the skin well-groomed look. It is good if the composition of the complex remedy will additionally contain essential oils, plant extracts.

Preparation

Before you perform the procedure, you need to make sure that in the area of application of paraffin cream there are no scratches, ulcers, pustules.

A cream product that has already been used must not be reapplied for the next application.

Important rule: the area where the cream is applied must be clean and dry, without any damage.

If a person has a tendency to develop dermatological inflammatory diseases, cracks, then it is recommended to pre-prepare additives to paraffin cream - for example, a few drops of vitamin E or peach oil. In addition, other additives are also popular:

• Citrus oils - tonify, nourish, provide general relaxation of the body as part of aromatherapy;
• cocoa - saturates tissues with nutrients and biologically active substances, promotes faster recovery;
• tea tree and pine needle oil - stops the development of inflammatory processes, increases local immune defense, protects against bacterial and fungal diseases.

After selecting the right product for cold paraffin therapy, it is necessary to prepare the application area:

• wash well with soap and water, dry;
• make a light exfoliation with a scrub (rub gently so as not to damage the tissue);
• Rinse off the scrub, dry and start applying the paraffin mass.

What do you need for cold paraffin therapy?

The procedure is accessible and not complicated. In order to carry it out, you will need not so many devices, in particular:

• cream paraffin (it is bought in cosmetic stores, salons, pharmacies);
• disposable gloves made of polyethylene (often such gloves are included with the cream);
• thermal gloves (mittens, towel, scarf - everyone can choose what is more comfortable for them);
• nourishing or moisturizing cream, scrub (any of your choice);
• plastic or glass spatula, brush to distribute the product on the skin (not necessary, you can do without them);
• napkins.

All devices and the product itself can be purchased in cosmetic stores and departments of hypermarkets, beauty salons and pharmacies. Before purchasing, it is advisable to get additional advice from a cosmetologist, dermatologist or sales consultant in the salon, which will allow you to choose the most suitable and effective product.

Technique of the cold paraffin therapy

• Prepare the skin for the cold paraffin therapy procedure, wash and dry, treat with disinfectant, remove jewelry and clothing (if it interferes with the session).
• Scrub the area using a suitable scrub. Rinse, pat dry.
• Apply the paraffin cream on the cleaned skin surface (brush, sponge, spatula or simply by hand), repeat the application several times to achieve the necessary distribution of the product.
• Put on disposable gloves made of polyethylene, or cellophane bags, or polyethylene socks, and over them - warm mittens, socks (you can wrap a towel or scarf to create the necessary thermal effect).
• Keep the cream on the skin for the time indicated on the package (in the instructions for the selected product). This time can range from 15 to 60 minutes.
• At the end of the specified period, remove the cellophane and wipe the treated area with tissues. There is no need to wash off the mass with water: the cream residue is allowed to be rubbed into the skin as much as possible.
• Additionally, apply moisturizer or nourishing cream (the latter is preferable).

Stages of cold paraffin therapy

• Preparation of the skin surface for application of the product: removal of rings and bracelets, removal of previously applied medications (ointments, etc.), as well as nail varnish (if the therapeutic effect is required directly on the nail plates).
• Skin disinfection (antiseptic treatment).
• Application of a scrubbing preparation to the skin, followed by a light massage, which removes keratinized cells and prepares the tissues for the application of paraffin. Scrubbing residues should be removed and the surface dried.
• The choice of cream paraffin, depending on the skin type and the expected effect (the product can be moisturizing, rejuvenating, revitalizing, antimosole, etc.).
• Direct application of paraffin mass, putting a mittens or a polyethylene bag on top.
• Removal of cold paraffin therapy product.
• Treating the skin with a regular nourishing or moisturizing cream.

Cold paraffin therapy for hands

Most experts do not advise doing cold paraffin therapy for hands too often, as it can lead to skin habituation and reduce the effectiveness of subsequent treatments.

Ready-made cream paraffin is available in a tightly sealed jar or tube. One package is usually enough for 6-12 applications (depending on the scale of use). It is important to realize that the cold effect is more superficial than hot, so keep the cream on your hands longer than usual (optimally - 40-45 minutes, or up to 1 hour).

Properly administered therapy leads to the following results:

• Increased intercellular spaces, which allows for easier and better delivery of nutrients to the tissues;
• softening of the upper layer of the dermis, improving the appearance of the skin;
• opening pores, accelerating the elimination of toxins;
• enhancing tissue regeneration, repairing damaged areas;
• tightening effect;
• increase blood and lymph circulation.

Specialists say that after the first treatment your hands will look more well-groomed and fresh. It is desirable to carry out paraffinotherapy courses - 10 sessions with an interval of twice a week, 2-3 times a year. In case of problem skin of hands procedures are performed more often, and the course can be 20 treatments at intervals of three times a week.

Cold paraffin therapy for hands is recommended in these situations:

• in the appearance of age-related skin changes, avitaminosis;
• when spots (including pigmented spots) appear;
• for dryness, flaking, swelling;
• when using household chemicals frequently or working in cold conditions.

If a therapeutic effect on the nail plate is intended, the nail polish should be removed before the procedure. It is useful to add a few drops of castor oil, or peach or almond oil to the cream paraffin. This will help to saturate the nails and cuticle with moisture.

Adding turpentine oil to the cream helps to strengthen brittle nails, prevent them from splitting.

Cold paraffin therapy for feet

Paraffin therapy for feet is recommended to renew and moisturize the skin, to facilitate the removal of corns and calluses, to eliminate discomfort. The procedure promotes relaxation, minimizes manifestations of stress and chronic fatigue, improves the appearance of the skin on the feet and knees after the first application. Cold paraffin therapy can be used at any time of the year, although it is especially recommended in spring and summer: it is in these periods the skin on the feet is more vulnerable.

The procedure has the following effects:

• relaxes, tones, relieves tired legs;
• normalizes sweating;
• improves blood circulation in the lower extremities;
• helps to reduce swelling and redness;
• effectively nourishes due to the additives included in the paraffin cream;
• smooths the skin, relieves spasms of the superficial muscles.

For greater efficiency, after applying paraffin wrap the feet in polyethylene and wrap with a towel, or wear warm, spacious socks. Paraffin therapy is used to generally improve the condition of the skin, or with a narrowly focused purpose - for example, to moisturize too dry skin or to soften calluses.

Additives that are often added to cream paraffin wax used for feet:

• essential oils - enhance moisturizing and nourishing effect;
• vitamins - stimulate recovery and healing, protect the epidermis from external negative factors;
• plant extracts - tonify and eliminate fatigue, give energy, additionally moisturize;
• bioactive components, concentrated plant juice, serums;
• flavorings.

Additional components are allowed to add to the cream independently. For example, essential oil is added in the amount of 4-8 drops, depending on the area of application of the product. Impurities in large quantities should not be added, as it may adversely affect the structure and properties of paraffin cream.

In professional circles, the most frequently chosen products are those of such brands as Beauthy Image, Depilflax, Depileve, Gigi. The assortment is represented by a rich line of creams for different skin needs. Popular and cold paraffin therapy Aravia with flower and beeswax in the composition. Thanks to such components it is possible to quickly soften and moisturize the epidermis, maintain water balance, restore elasticity and elasticity, smooth fine lines, prevent early aging of tissues, strengthen the nail plate, prevent its delamination and brittleness.

Cold paraffin therapy after gel polish coating

The main condition is an adequate, competent combination of manicure with gel-lacquer and hand skin care. The opinion of experts on the time of cold paraffin therapy and the application of gel-lacquer or nail extensions diverge. It is important to understand the following: nail polish coating does not prevent the implementation of therapy, but the paraffin therapy procedure itself can negatively affect the condition of the coating.

To avoid trouble, it is undesirable to perform paraffin therapy immediately after or before applying gel varnish. Moisture-rich skin and nails are a factor that complicates the retention of the coating on the nail plates. Therefore, it is desirable that the procedure of cold paraffinotherapy was performed a week before or a week after the manicure (pedicure). Thanks to this alternation, you can achieve the maximum benefit for the skin, and the safety and quality of the lacquer coating.

Contraindications to the procedure

The instructions for paraffin cream usually describe all contraindications to its use. These are usually the following problems and conditions:

• deep scratches, wounds, ulcers on the areas where the product is supposed to be applied;
• pustules, carbuncles, boils, acne, allergic processes;
• Microbial, fungal, viral dermatologic diseases;
• malignant and benign tumors;
• waxing the night before;
• allergy to any components of the selected preparation and hypersensitivity of the skin.

It is also contraindicated in patients with pacemakers or hemophilia. Contraindications include acute infection, use of anticoagulants, blood clotting disorders, severe heart disease and pacemakers, pregnancy, postpartum period, menstruation, anemia, health problems, allergic reactions to topical preparations. [2]

What else do you need to know before performing cold paraffin therapy?

Paraffin is not used on the face. It is allowed to treat hands, feet, heels, knees and elbows, shoulders, nails.

The ideal time of day for the procedure is in the evening before bedtime. This approach increases the effectiveness of therapy.

In the cream allowed to add a few drops of essential oils or plant extracts (beforehand it is better to consult with a cosmetologist about the compatibility of such drugs).

Complications after the procedure

In general, paraffin therapy is relatively safe and adverse events are relatively rare. Most adverse events are mild to moderate in severity. The most common side effects are skin redness, itching, tingling, hyperemia, rash, etc... [3], [4] An important factor is that the patient's skin is allergic to the herb or patch. If the treatment is applied for too long, blisters and ulcers may form. Li et al [5] reported a case of paraffin burns in which the patient's right knee was burned due to the unawareness of the health care provider. Wang et al. Found that skin disorders (skin allergies) occurred in treatment groups using paraffin therapy, but there was no vomiting, burns, respiratory distress, heart failure, or death.

If cold paraffin therapy is used incorrectly, and if contraindications are ignored, adverse effects can develop, such as:

"Habituation" of the skin is noted if the procedure is carried out too often. Cosmetologists usually indicate the optimal frequency and duration of application of paraffin cream, but in home self-application is often the use of the product is not controlled. Some clients mistakenly believe that frequent procedures will benefit, but it turns out the opposite: the skin gets used to the treatment and stop responding to them. The effectiveness becomes "zero".

Urticaria, or an allergic reaction in the form of redness and small blisters, occurs when a potential allergen is present in the product. To avoid such a reaction, it is necessary to test the product in advance on a small area of the body - for example, on the bend of the arm or under the knee. In addition, it is necessary to carefully read the composition of the product: if a person has already been allergic to any component, it should never be used.

Festering and aggravation of problems occur if cream paraffin is applied to the initially damaged skin surface - for example, with deep scratches, open wounds, ulcers.

It has been mentioned in many articles that the most common adverse reaction to paraffin therapy is burns. To reduce the chance of burns, the paraffin should be cooled to an appropriate temperature before treating the patient, at any time during treatment, the patient should be asked how they are feeling and the patient's skin should be examined for erythema, blisters, scratching, etc. Should be stopped immediately; Cold water should be avoided after treatment. If there is purulent discharge in the burn wound, the wound should be cleaned and the infection controlled by thoroughly washing the wound with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, then flushing the wound with 0.9% physiological saline and then flushing the wound with 0.9% physiological saline.

It is important before cold paraffin therapy to carefully familiarize yourself with contraindications, assess the likelihood of unpleasant consequences after the procedure. A preliminary consultation with a cosmetologist, dermatologist, allergist will not hurt. The specialist will assess the pros and cons, suggest the optimal frequency of paraffin applications.

Care after the procedure

No special care is required after cold paraffin therapy. However, numerous positive results can be noticed almost immediately:

• The epidermis is intensively moisturized, the skin becomes soft and soft, and there is no trace of flaking and dryness;
• pores are opened and areas of keratinization are eliminated;
• tissue regeneration processes are activated, metabolism is accelerated, blood circulation is improved;
• tension and swelling disappear and the superficial muscles relax;
• reduces joint pain, improves mood.

Many experts advise to perform paraffin therapy in the evening, shortly before bedtime. This is due to the fact that immediately after the procedure should provide the skin rest, avoid temperature changes and exposure to chemicals. Do not immediately after the therapeutic session to go out into the cold, or start cleaning with detergents. If the cream-paraffin applied to the feet, you should not immediately put on shoes and expose the feet to the load, you need to give your feet rest for about 2 hours. Thereafter, all restrictions are removed.

How often can cold paraffin therapy be done?

Regularity of procedures and their frequency depend on the initial condition of the skin on the areas of application of cream paraffin.

For prevention, one treatment per 1-2 weeks is enough, but for dry skin it is recommended to use the treatment more often - for example, twice a week. After successful tissue renewal, or at normal skin moisture, cold paraffin therapy is carried out once every 1.5-2 weeks. It is desirable to carry out paraffinotherapy courses - 10 sessions at intervals of twice a week, with a repeat 2-3 times a year. With problem skin of hands procedures are performed more often, and the course can be 20 treatments with a frequency of three times a week.