Effects of paraffin wax and loess on skin hydration and texture

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a paraffin wax and loess mixture compared to paraffin wax alone on skin hydration and texture enhancement. A total of 20 adult male and female participants were involved. Two types of treatments—pure paraffin wax and a paraffin-loess mixture—were applied to the dorsal side of the participants’ hands. Skin hydration, oil-moisture balance, and texture (softness) were measured before and after treatment using a validated skin analysis device. Both treatments led to improvements in skin moisture and softness. However, the paraffin-loess mixture demonstrated significantly greater benefits in terms of moisture retention, oil balance, and overall texture enhancement. These effects are attributed to the far-infrared radiation and antibacterial properties of loess, which may improve blood circulation and skin barrier function.  The combination of paraffin wax and loess outperformed paraffin wax alone in improving skin properties, offering a synergistic effect. This combined treatment can be considered a promising approach for hydration-focused skincare and may have potential applications in dermatological therapy and cosmetic formulations.