How to Make a Paraffin Wax Treatment for Hands and Feet

Paraffin hand and foot treatments are used in spas and salons to lock in moisture. They soften the skin, leaving it prepped for a perfect manicure or pedicure. Going to the salon every week isn't always in the budget, though. Thankfully, you can do your own paraffin wax treatment at home for a fraction of the cost.

The Benefits of Wax

There are a few benefits to pampering yourself to a regular wax treatment. The soothing wax is warm and the treatment offers you a full 30 minutes to relax and do nothing at all. At the same time, it moisturizes your skin and opens your pores, leaving it soft and glowing.

If you have any joint or muscle pain in your feet or hands, you'll get extra benefits from the wax. The warmth increases your blood circulation and can ease the pain caused by medical conditions like arthritis. Be sure to check with your doctor first, though.

What You Need

You can buy a wonderful paraffin wax bath from Dr. Scholls and other manufacturers that includes everything you need. As an alternative, you can make your own using a double boiler, casserole dish, and sandwich bags. The easiest place to find paraffin wax is in the canning section of your local grocery store, or you can find it online. 

Some waxes are pre-scented with soothing essential oils like lavender. You can add this to an unscented wax with your favorite essential oils as well.

For either your hands or feet, you'll need the following supplies. If you plan to do both at the same time double it. However, the wax is reusable and simply needs to be melted again. This can save you even more money and you can extend your spa treatment to a full hour if you do your feet and hands separately.

• 1 block paraffin wax (about 4 ounces)
• 1 ounce oil (coconut, almond, olive, or jojoba)
• 20 drops essential oil, such as lavender
• 2-3 drops olive oil or coconut oil (to coat your hands)
• Casserole dish, greased with oil
• Plastic sandwich bags (to fit your hands and feet)

30-Minute At-Home Wax Treatment

The following directions are for a hand treatment, though it also works on the feet.

1. Melt the paraffin, the ounce of oil, and the essential oil in a double boiler. 
2. Very carefully pour the wax into the greased dish and wait until a skin has formed on the top of the wax. When this happens, the temperature should be just about right to submerge your hands. You can double check it with your kitchen thermometer. It should be no hotter than 125 F, or it will burn your skin.
3. Test the wax on your wrist to ensure the temperature is not too hot.
4. Prepare your hands by washing and drying them thoroughly. Smooth a few drops of olive oil or coconut oil (coconut oil smells better) on your hands.
5. Dip each hand into the wax repeatedly until you have several layers of wax built up. Aim for between five and 10 layers of wax.
6. Have someone help you put on the sandwich bags onto each hand, then sit back and relax for about 30 minutes. You can also wrap your hands in plastic wrap.
7. For added benefit, place a bath towel over your hands as you wait to keep the warmth inside. (This is a perfect time to watch a little TV.)
8. To remove the wax, simply peel it off by starting at the wrist and working your way to the fingertips. The wax should come off in large sections. Be sure to seal it up in plastic and save it for next time.
9. Give yourself a little hand massage and you are done.

Safety Tips

The hot wax used in this treatment should be used with caution. Be sure you follow a few safety tips to prevent burns or accidents.

• Always test the wax before sinking your hands or feet into it. It can easily burn your skin. Also, don't dip as deep as you did on the first layer. The hot wax in the new layer can seep underneath the previous layers and may cause burns.
• Never heat the wax in the microwave and don't leave your double boiler unattended. This type of wax melts at low temperatures, which is why it's perfect for this use, but it can also be flammable if it gets too hot.
• Do not do this treatment when you have open sores or a rash on your skin. Make sure that everything is cleared up and your skin is blemish-free before trying it.
• If you have any skin conditions or medical issues such as poor blood circulation, ask your doctor if it's okay for you to use a paraffin wax treatment.