One thing that can help is rubbing vaseline or oil (like olive oil) into your skin after a shower/bath while your skin is still wet. It helps seal in moisture without leaving you sticky. (I know people who do this.)

There is a product called Cornhuskers and one called Udder Balm. These work extremely well for skin like this. I use it for the same reasons. Udder balm is widely known as the best and heals cracked skin quite well too. Know that taking the showers all the time will increase the rough patches, not make them any better. Good luck.

Man, I have the dryest skin ever. In Ayurveda, I am excessively vata (like that matters in context here). So, here's the novella: My skin peels in sheets, my scalp falls apart, all my fingers crack on both sides of the fingernails.. The best thing I ever found was a simple fruit moisturizer made of Argan which is similar to an avocado, and mixed with almost nothing else. One good dousing over the face with that lasted for days. It can be hard to find and expensive, but look at mall stores like Body Shop. But this year I got some brazil nut oil stuff and it made my skin burn like hades, turn red and peel.. so you may be allergic to one or the other. For the scalp, use coal tar shampoo (screw paying $8 for T-Gel, you can get local brand for $3 double the size). For the red scaly hands, use cornhuskers.. it's almost all just glycerine and it really works, and wear gloves in cold weather even if not convenient. Use 'Liquid Bandage' Skin Shield for when your fingers crack. It's clear nail polish with benzocaine to cut the initial stabbing pain when you brush it on. It will last for days if you put on several coats. If you've got nothing else available, buy Shea and Cocoa butter lotion. Sleep with a vaporizer or humidifier on at all times. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argan

NO no no- Clinique's body butter. There are also steriodal creams you can get from a dermetologist - but becareful - I have damaged my skin in spots by using them.

My b/f has really dry skin, and he continually washes his hands all day. He has used so many creams and this has been the best thing he has ever used. Whats nice is it is not a name brand and is very inexpensive. Here is a link: nichttp://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=101007&navAction=jump&navCount=0&id=prod365213

Winter is nasty on my lower legs or shins. I've tried everything including hydrocortizone sprays and ointments. The only thing that works (I just know this will sound like an advertisment) for my problem skin is "Gold Bond" lotion. Available at supermarkets and drug stores. It really works!

Before you even look at lotions, look at the soap/cleansers you are using. If they are commercial "beauty/bath bars" from a grocery store, I'd suggest tossing them and ordering some handmade soap. This can help a LOT with the dry skin as handmade soap contains no chemicals or fillers added in. If you can't do that look for lotions with the least amount of icky chemicals as possible as some commercially made lotions can still irritate your dry skin.