I am lucky to live in an area where the winters are not too cold, but handling paper and fabric does a number on my hands especially around the nails. I use pure Shea Butter at night. It is solid at room temperature and I have to warm it up in my hands, but it works well. I used ot put on cotton gloves after I applied it, but I do not worry about that nay more.
It also works wonders on dry cracked heels in the summer. Actually since using it my heels have not cracked, and I wear Sandals all summer long.