Paraffin wax is a nontoxic, odorless and colorless material derived from refined crude mineral oil. Paraffin wax is extensively used in spa treatments as an accompaniment to manicure and pedicures and as an independent healing tool that alleviates joint and muscle pain. Homemade paraffin wax hand treatments give you all of the pampering of the spa paraffin wax treatments at a fraction of the cost.

Although homemade paraffin wax hand treatments are easy to do by yourself, safety should always be your first concern when you are working with hot wax. Follow the instructions carefully every time you attempt a homemade paraffin wax treatment, and only use additional ingredients that are safe for use on your skin.

Purchase three to four 4 oz. paraffin wax blocks from your local grocery store or online retailer. You will also need 1 ½ oz. of olive oil, a greased casserole dish, two plastic sandwich bags and about 20 drops of an essential oil that is labeled for use on the skin.

Melt the paraffin wax in a double boiler. (Do not use a microwave to melt the paraffin wax. The wax gets very hot and could catch on fire in the microwave.) The pot at the bottom of the double boiler should have at least 2 inches of boiling water in it. Stand close to the top of the double boiler and use a spoon to stir the wax slowly as it melts. Once the paraffin wax is melted, add 1 oz. of the olive oil and about 20 drops of the essential oil to the wax. Stir thoroughly and carefully pour the wax into the greased casserole dish. Wait until the wax has formed a surface skin. Stick a spoon into the wax. Use the spoon to drizzle a small amount of the wax onto your wrist. If the wax is comfortable to your touch, then it is cool enough to be applied to your skin. If it isn’t, wait about three to four minutes and then retest.

Wash and dry your hands. Apply ½ oz. of olive oil to your hands and fingers. Work the oil into your skin and nail beds. Dip one hand several times into the wax until a thick layer of wax forms on your hand. Place a sandwich bag over your hand. Dip the other hand several times into the wax until the thickness is the same as on your other hand. Place the other sandwich bag over your hand and then wrap both hands with a heated bath towel. Rest on your sofa or in a comfortable chair for at least 30 minutes without moving your hands. Remove the towel and sandwich bags from your hands and peel off the paraffin wax. Begin at your wrists and pull down until you have removed all of the paraffin wax.