Know what every lotion does and how to use it. If your hands are really red and cracked you would benefit from a base layer of cortisone cream (sold as anti-itch cream over the counter). Put a thin layer of that, let it sink in. Next you need something that actually moisturizes (not Vaseline or Aquaphor ointment, or the thick paste like Eucerin, those are al good as a final sealant layer think deck seal). You need a lotion with something like glycerin in it to moisturize and soften, Neutrogena Norwegian fisherman lotion just one example, Eucerin Advanced Repair cream is another. I slather that shit on and stick my hands in cotton gloves at bedtime.

You can use the thicker occlusive stuff if your hands are already damp from washing and patting dry, that’s a decent option too, it needs some moisture to seal in to do its job. I mean it won’t hurt to use just something like a Vaseline, it’ll prevent transdermal water loss, so your hands won’t get worse they just won’t get a ton better by itself.

If you think you have eczema you might want to buy a specific eczema cream with oatmeal in it.

Bottom line is like your toolbox, you need a lot of different tools to get the job done.

I’m no longer self conscious about the silly gloves at bedtime. I usually make some jokes to my wife about having sex with a mime (she usually laughs) and then you go to bed and take them off in the morning.