I did not have the severe you described -- dry flakey legs, dry hands with crack on my finger and thumbs in the winter. I'm in Montana and it is very dry here!!!!
Oh, and today I talked to an old timer here, she claims coconut oil draws moisture from the atmosphere, which is impossible to find here, therefore drew it from my own supply, drying me out more. Who knows???? It was a nice idea. Maybe right, maybe not. But I am still not willing to try another brand, no matter how wonderful it may be for others. I am not back to normal yet and it has been several weeks.
I have found out that Burt's Bee's "Res-Q ointment" is working wonders.