Table of contents:
- How can wax paper absorb oil on the face?
- Oil paper can be a quick solution, but it doesn't solve the main problem
Oil paper has been used by Japanese women for hundreds of years because of its function. There is no better way to get rid of that dazzling sheen all day long without messing up your makeup. The wax paper will remove oil instantly, anywhere, anytime, without the hassle of going back and forth to the bathroom for face wash and touch-ups.
However, what do experts say about using wax paper?
How can wax paper absorb oil on the face?
Often times, for those of us with oily or combination skin, it will be inevitable to wonder, "Is wax paper really effective?". There's nothing wrong with wanting to control facial oil production, but wiping it dry is quite a spontaneous and reactive solution.
Initially, wax paper was used to absorb excess liquid (such as ink or oil) from the surface of the paper for writing on plain paper or on artistic objects, during chemical analysis procedures, or as an LSD wrapper (the LSD wrapping method using wax paper allows measurement potent dosage and ease of application of the drug under the tongue).
In the world of cosmetics, wax paper generally has a super thin thickness, similar to a sheet of tissue made from special types of paper or other materials (banana leaves, rice bran, to fine elastic plastic made of polypropylene) which has high absorption. This paper is designed to be able to remove excess oil from the face, so that it displays skin that is rough and does not look shabby.
The compositions most likely to contribute to oil absorption are certain types of surfactants. Oils, fats (non-polar liquids) cannot mix with water (polar liquids). Meanwhile, surfactants are special molecules consisting of half pattern properties and half non-polar properties, which allow the molecule to "grasp" one of the polar properties of the absorption object while mixing well with other properties.
Oil paper can be a quick solution, but it doesn't solve the main problem
The appeal of wax paper lies in the inner satisfaction of the tangible evidence of oil residue on the paper that you can see with your own eyes. Oil paper is proven not to show a big change in excess sebum production on your face, other than just as a temporary and instant outlet on an oily face in the middle of the day, to restore the fresh complexion it used to.
However, if you are constantly depending on this colorful paper to correct your oily skin condition, this action could be master's weapon for you.
Usually when using wax paper, you press or rub your face with very strong pressure so that the oil can be absorbed perfectly. This is the wrong way. Too much pressure on the facial skin will make the skin feel hotter and irritated. Dry skin due to irritation and heat will stimulate the glands beneath the surface of the skin to produce more oil which aims to improve this emergency. As a result, the skin becomes oilier. To use wax paper effectively, simply pat the wax paper on the affected area of the face, generally the T-zone area (forehead, nose, chin), and don't wipe with a dragging motion.
So, basically, using wax paper lies in your expectations. Want an emergency touch-up before an important meeting? Oil paper is the answer. Or, use an oil-controlling / mattifying primer before applying makeup. However, for oily facial care that is sustainable in the long run, there are many other more effective ways to get rid of excess oil. If your oily skin causes persistent pimples, use topical medications such as nighttime face creams or gels that contain retinoids to help control oil production right at the center (oil glands).
