Winter hands- how do you prevent dry cracking?

[LoneRanger]

It's only late October yet already have a split in the skin on my left forefinger. It's because I wash my hands a lot, not more often in cool dry weather than the warm humid months but it's the dry air I think. Is there anything that is non-greasy and isn't scented like chick creams are, that penetrates the skin and sticks around through a hand washing or two that will moisturize and protect against the skin dry cracking?

 

[Stewart Fan]

This is about the only cream I can stand.

 

[silveravant]

O'Keeffe's Working Hands works for me.

 

[DBMaster]

Cerave. I have had the same problem since I was a kid and this lotion (recommended by my dermatologist) is scent-free and about as non-greasy as they come.

It's available at regular retail stores and drug stores.

 

[dlundblad]

I am in the same boat as you. Here

I use this once a day at night. With me at least and when I see the dryness coming on, I can have my hands back to normal in 3-4 days of nightly use. It is a little greasy, but that is why I use it before bed. It has a slight cologne smell too.

 

[HerrStig]

Originally Posted By: LoneRanger
It's only late October yet already have a split in the skin on my left forefinger. It's because I wash my hands a lot, not more often in cool dry weather than the warm humid months but it's the dry air I think. Is there anything that is non-greasy and isn't scented like chick creams are, that penetrates the skin and sticks around through a hand washing or two that will moisturize and protect against the skin dry cracking?
Have you visited a "skin doctor" (dermatologist) there are prescription creams available.

 

[Doog]

when I worked in the trades I used vaseline intensive care lotion. I just kept a tube in my toolbag and re-applied at lunchtime. also, try a soap that has lotion in it for washing your hands. If you are a mechanic try wearing latex gloves.

 

[LoneRanger]

Originally Posted By: Stewart Fan
This is about the only cream I can stand.

Looks like it's available at Harbor Freight were I already need to go to pick something else up. This is my play, thanks !!

 

[skyactiv]

I'm a semi mechanic at UPS and sometimes work out in the cold.
I put this on before starting my shift when it's cold out:

 

[mjk]

Never lets you down....

 

[The_Jeff]

When it gets bad I put cocoa butter on before bed and wear old socks to keep it from smearing.

Wake up the next morning all healed.

 

[ecotourist]

A good product sold in Canada anyway is Glaxal Base. Got some recently from Costco. This is what pharmacies use as a hypoallergenic base when making prescription skin creams. The base itself (in Canada anyway) is not a prescription product and is quite cheap. It has a bit of a medicinal smell. There may be similar products from other suppliers.

A problem with many commercial skin creams is they contain sensitisers.

If all else fails straight Vaseline works quite well.

 

[Virtus_Probi]

Eucerin works for me, buts it's pretty slimy stuff.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Baby oil gel. ONLY stuff that works on my hands.

 

[loneryder]

I use an udder cream made for dairy cattle. It has all kinds of vitamins and skin conditioners. Doesn't have much of a smell but is something you probably don't want to wear during the day. I put it on at bedtime. Beware of imitators that are out there which are just regular hand cream trying to capitalize on the real stuff's reputation. Right now I'm using Chap-Guard Plus. You can find it online at farm or animal health stores. About $5 for a pound jar.

 

[Oldmoparguy1]

Originally Posted By: loneryder
I use udder cream made for dairy cattle.
I use it as well. I have a dispenser jar in the shop and a jar in the house.

 

[andrewg]

I wear thin gloves during my work hours. They keep my hands from drying/cracking every winter. Creams, lotions, none of it works for me unless I have constantly greasy hands (I can't work that way).

 

[DriveHard]

Best bang for the buck by far is Dermasil Dry Skin Treatment. It can be bought at the local dollar general or dollar tree often times for only $1 for about 8-12 ounces of product. It is white, thick, scent free, works well, and absorbs fast. I have a bottle at all of the sinks in my house, and also sitting on my desk at work.

 

[InhalingBullets]

Pure anhydrous lanolin does a good job.

 

[opus1]

Originally Posted By: LoneRanger
Originally Posted By: Stewart Fan
This is about the only cream I can stand.

Looks like it's available at Harbor Freight were I already need to go to pick something else up. This is my play, thanks !!

CVS, Meijer, Menards also carry this stuff. Most effective product I've used so far.