If your hands are dry, you may want to try the following pre-bedtime ritual. Soak your hands in warm water, dry them partially, apply a thick moisturizer and pull on a pair of light cotton gloves. You should notice a significant improvement in the look and feel of your hands and nails if you continue this routine for 7 to 10 nights. Use a vitamin-enhanced, emollient rich hand lotion or cream, so that as you sleep, your skin can soak-up these nourishing ingredients. Because frequent handwashing tends to have a drying effect on the skin, try to moisturize after each cleansing.