I know just how you feel....do try and wear gloves, it's a pain, but will help. I use gloves (leather) for tradesmen (I do not have small, delicate hands), they last better than those designed for "ladies who garden" and the leather is not too heavy. You might have to shop around a little to get the right weight/size for you. As for lotions/creams, well I don't really have any brands that would be useful (I'm in Aus.), but I do believe Udder Cream is very good.
If you do happen to get dirty, grimy hands take a handful of white sugar, squeeze over half a juicy fresh lemon and wring, rub and "wash" your hands with it, til it thickens and goes a bit syrupy, then rinse thoroughly under running water, then use whatever lotion you choose. This is an old but good "recipe" for whitening and sloughing off dead skin.