Quick Answer
For cracked skin, apply Jergens Ultra Healing+ Hand & Body Cream to slightly damp hands after washing, using a pea-sized amount per hand, and focus on the knuckles and cuticles.
Why Cracked Skin Needs a Different Approach
Cracked skin has a compromised moisture barrier, so a lightweight lotion evaporates too quickly to help. Jergens Ultra Healing+ Hand & Body Cream uses Plant Protein Complex and Multi-Vitamins to increase the skin's natural ability to hold moisture, making it suitable for extra dry and cracked areas. The trade-off is that it's richer than a standard hand cream, so you need to apply it sparingly to avoid a greasy feel.
The best time to apply is right after hand washing or bathing, when the skin is still damp. This traps surface water and lets the cream seal it in, speeding up repair.
Step-by-Step Application for Cracked Skin
- Step 1: Wash and Pat Dry: Wash your hands with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser. Pat them dry with a towel, leaving them slightly damp — not soaking wet. Common mistake: Rubbing hands completely dry removes the surface moisture the cream needs to lock in.
- Step 2: Dispense a Pea-Sized Amount: Squeeze a pea-sized dab of Jergens Ultra Healing+ Hand & Body Cream onto one fingertip. This is enough for one hand. For both hands and wrists, use two pea-sized amounts. Using too much at once can leave a sticky film; you can always add more to dry patches.
- Step 3: Warm the Cream Between Your Palms: Rub the cream between your palms for 3-5 seconds to warm it. This helps the Plant Protein Complex spread evenly and absorb faster. Skipping this step can cause the cream to sit on top of the skin instead of penetrating cracks.
- Step 4: Apply to Knuckles and Cuticles First: Press the cream into the cracked areas — usually knuckles, cuticles, and the webs between fingers. Use small circular motions rather than back-and-forth rubbing. Back-and-forth rubbing can further irritate cracked skin. Gentle circles encourage absorption without tugging.
- Step 5: Spread the Remaining Cream Over the Rest of Your Hand: After treating the cracked spots, spread any leftover cream over the back of your hand, palm, and wrist. Let it absorb for 30 seconds before touching anything. If your hands still feel tacky after a minute, you used too much. Next time, reduce the amount slightly.
- Step 6: Reapply After Every Hand Wash: Cracked skin loses moisture each time you wash. Keep the cream near the sink and reapply a small amount after every hand wash, especially during winter. For overnight repair, apply a slightly thicker layer before bed and wear cotton gloves to lock in moisture.
Product Used in This Routine
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Ultra Healing Hand & Body Cream: Jergens® Ultra Healing+ Hand & Body Cream contains Plant Protein Complex and Multi-Vitamins, and is formulated for intensely dry skin. The Plant Proteins help cracked skin hold moisture longer than basic lotions, reducing the need for constant reapplication.
Ultra Healing Hand & Body Cream
