Have you tried mayonnaise? I know it sounds weird, but it just may work ... perhaps mixed in with a little liquid hand soap or dish soap? The oils in the mayo will help prevent your hands from drying out. (we use this to take the pine tar off our hands at Christmas time when we clip branches for wreaths, garlands, etc.)
Might be worth a try (it's not horribly expensive, AND you might already have some at home!). Good luck!