How to treat dry cracks on skin. does drinking water hydrate the skin or is it myth and does showering daily really dehydrate skin?

Hydration: Drinking more water will not repair skin cracks or make skin moister. The act of bathing hydrates the skin while washing but then as the skin dries the stratum corneum ( upper layer) dries and in fact can result in more skin dryness and irritation ( esp if hot water or harsh cleansers). After bathing briefly with gentle soap apply a rich non fragranced cream or ointment to skin to trap moisture.