Dry hands suck. Weather changes, heated rooms, constant washing to avoid illness...all of these factors can cause some serious discomfort and can even lead to cracks and fissures, causing runs in your tights (or your lady's tights).  I'm going to break down my personal hand care routine for you.

1. The obvious tried and true: Stay hydrated. 

Drink sips of water throughout the day to keep your body from flushing the water immediately and to increase absorption. Room temperature, please...

2. Exfoliate.

Take that Apricot Scrub that you really should not use on your fragile face and use it as a hand scrub. No need to waste! Address the backs of the hands, in between the fingers and on the knuckles, but don't overdo it. If it hurts, it's too much. I use O.P.I.'s Pedicure scrub. It also has a small amount of Alpha Hydroxy Acid to further exfoliate.

3. Moisturize. 

Oil is the only way to truly lock in the moisture on your skin. Think of it as Plastic Wrap for your epidermis, without it the moisture will evaporate away with the heat of your body. You can also buy a simple lotion and add Jojoba, Rosehip Seed, or Borage Oil to it. Be generous. Follow with a Sunscreen to prevent prematurely crinkly, old, spotty hands. (I'm serious, you'll thank me.)

4. Use a non-drying soap.

I don't use anti-bacterials soaps if I can help it as I think they lead to a diminished immune response, but whatever you choose, make sure it doesn't dry your skin. Often times I only wash my fingertips if appropriate. 

5. Deep treat Overnight

I always think of Curley in Of Mice and Men, with his hand in a glove full of Vaseline to stay soft for his wife. Follow steps 2 and 3 just before bed, really smear the moisturizer on thick. Cover with a pair of gloves. Sleep. When you awake, behold.

This keeps my hands from cracking in the 9 month long Seattle winter. Try it...