Why do kids hands get dry in the winter more than any other?  It is the cycle of cold dampness outside and then warm and dry weather inside of our homes that can make the moisture in our hands evaporate quicker than usual.  Kids' hands are particularly susceptible because of their size, the fact that they are touching everything with them both outside and in, as well as that they may not recognize or may not be willing to 

leave the outdoors when their hands feel cold and chapped as quickly as we might.  It is just more fun to stay out and play than go inside to take care of your hands.  

So what can we do to make sure that our and our kids' skin stays healthy and soft in this colder weather?

• Make sure that you are keeping the hands at a constant temperature similar to what they are normally in inside.  This may seem counter-intuitive, but similar to the phenomenon of my dear Husband's head steaming in the garage after he has taken off his hat, it is the sudden change in temperature that causes evaporation of the moisture from the skin.  Gloves and mittens that are made of wool and fleece or contain technology like Thinsulate are vastly better than those thin knit mittens that we all pick up for a dollar or two.  I do have those lying around, but they are more of a backup or emergency mitten if one is lost.  
• You may need to dry your and your kids' hands on a towel after coming inside if they are cold and damp, and gradually bring up their temperature while preventing further evaporation of moisture.
• Lotion before and after heading outside to form a protective barrier from the cold wind.
• Once, when I was advised by a doctor on the best lotions I was told, "The greasier the better."  The time that your family's hands are in gloves and mittens are the perfect time to put this to practice since your hands won't be leaving fingerprints on anything else while in mittens.  Lotions like Eucerin brand, Aveeno brand for babies and kids, Hydrocortizone and Neutrogenea Norweigan Formula are some of my favorites.  
• When selecting a lotion, generally try to leave out fragrances and perfumes that may further irritate your kids' skin (even of normally you all can use lotions that are loaded with scents) Also, look at the ingredients-- a lotion with water listed farther down the list will lock in moisture more than one that is thin and mostly common water.