The low humidity in the fall and winter dries and irritates the skin. The skin of older people has less natural oils. This prepares you for problems. But the other causes, listed below, you can do something about. If you find you have this problem, there are several things you can do, to prevent or lessen it.
Water removes oils on the skin.
Dish water not only removes oil from the plates, but also from your hands. As you do this, some of the water is absorbed by the dry skin. Then pat dry and gently rub a little vegetable oil on your hands. What you place on your skin is absorbed into your body, so beware of all the creams and lotions on the market. Put oil on your hands at night, and then slip cotton gloves over them.