To use petroleum jelly on your hands effectively, especially for moisturizing, apply a layer before bed and consider wearing gloves overnight.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Apply Liberally: Before you go to sleep, rub a generous layer of petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline Healing Jelly or Vaseline Intensive Care Deep Moisture Jelly Cream) onto your hands. Make sure to cover the entire surface, including the backs of your hands and between your fingers.
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Seal in Moisture (Optional): To enhance the moisturizing effect, put on a pair of clean cotton gloves after applying the petroleum jelly. This helps prevent the jelly from rubbing off on your bedding and creates a more occlusive environment, trapping moisture and allowing the petroleum jelly to work more effectively.
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Overnight Treatment: Leave the petroleum jelly on your hands overnight. The extended contact allows the petroleum jelly to deeply hydrate and soften the skin.
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Morning Results: When you wake up, your hands should feel noticeably softer and more moisturized.
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Repeat as Needed: You can repeat this process as often as needed, especially during the dry winter months or if you have particularly dry or cracked hands.
Petroleum jelly works by creating a protective barrier on the skin's surface, preventing moisture loss. It's a simple and effective way to combat dryness and keep your hands feeling soft and healthy.
