Top Derm Advice for Dry Skin Issues

5 of 17

"My Job Is Hazardous to My Hands"

"I work as a teaching assistant and use hand sanitizer a lot during cold and flu season. The skin around my fingernails is split all winter long."
-Carlene Igras, Bath, New York

The Rx: Hand sanitizer is convenient for killing germs but its high concentration of alcohol is murder on your skin. "If possible, pick a formula with built-in moisturizer, or if you're stuck using the industrial-strength stuff, at least carry a mini hand cream to apply over it," says Cheryl Karcher, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. At night, slather your cuticles with petroleum jelly and your hands with a thick product (like Avon Moisture Therapy Intensive Treatment Hand Cream, $5).

Looking for more product recommendations to help soothe your dry skin? Get personalized advice with our free tool.

5 of 17