The Logical Need for Midwinter Home Care: Cracked Hands

I just got out of the shower and looked at the back of my hands as I type on the keyboard, and they're in pretty bad shape. I've been skipping hand cream because it's too much of a hassle, and now I can see the skin on the back of my hands is flaky and cracked. I can feel the negative effects of midwinter temperatures and dry indoor air on my skin barrier, even without any numerical data. I believe this level of damage to my hands is a clear indicator that my overall skin condition is deteriorating. So today, instead of simply applying cosmetics, I decided to establish a more systematic home care routine. The first thing I considered was absorption. Since dead skin cells on the surface of the skin can impede the penetration of moisturizing ingredients, it seemed logical to start by smoothing the skin texture with a hypoallergenic ingredient. After that, I layered several small-particle moisturizing ampoules to control dryness, and finally, I applied a cream with a balanced oil content to seal in the moisture. I applied this same method to my hands, where the problem was, and it definitely felt like a moisturizing boost from within, not just a temporary effect. This evening, especially in the colder winter months, I realize how important it is to analyze your skin's reactions and develop a routine of appropriate countermeasures. Tonight, I'll overcome my impatience and be a little more thorough in establishing a barrier.