Apply moisturizer immediately
Keep hand cream on the ready — in your purse next to your hand sanitizer, by your sinks, etc. If your hands are really hurting, try to be as judicious with your hand cream application as you are with your hand washing. Kilgore recommends the Paula's Choice Daily Replenishing Body Cream, $22, as it's fragrance-free and packed with antioxidants and ceramides.
Seek out gentle soaps and hand sanitizers
There are so many gentle soap and hand sanitizer options out there that'll still keep your hands squeaky-clean. (One of our current favorite hand sanitizers is the EO Everyone Hand Sanitizer Spray in Lavender + Aloe, $17.99 for six.)
Add oil to your hand cream/lotion
"If hands need an extra boost of hydration, add an emollient oil such as a skin care oil or even extra virgin olive oil to your favorite moisturizer," suggests Kilgore. We've also had good luck mixing in a little Aquaphor for an occlusive boost at nighttime.
Seek out a heavy duty hand cream
It's time for the big guns now. If your regular hand cream isn't cutting it, you may want to look into an extra thick option. We like the CeraVe Diabetics' Dry Skin Relief Hand and Foot Cream, $9.99, as a budget-friendly no-frills, hard-working option.
Try a hand mask
"Severely dry hands can benefit from the same hydrating mask you use for your face as an overnight treatment," says Kilgore. "Slather your hands with a mask to soothe thirsty, dehydrated, rough-textured, patchy skin."
If you don't feel like slapping your favorite sleeping mask onto your hands, there are also specially-made hand masks (such as the Patchology Perfect Ten Self-Warming Hand and Cuticle Mask, $10) that'll make for a decadent spa night treat!
