Crisco makes for fabulous pie crusts and fried chicken, but can it actually moisturize your skin? Multiple dermatologists uphold that Crisco is in fact a good moisturizer for dry skin and bloggers have taken to creating their own recipes that combine the infamous crusting good with oil to plump and relieve dry hands. Crisco is not a hand cream though and shouldn't be used as a replacement for the diagnosis of dry skin by a dermatologist. However, if you're running low on hand cream or lotion and need a quick fix, Crisco may be your answer.

Celebrity dermatologist and beauty expert Dr. Jessica Wu, author of "Feed Your Face," told Good Morning America anchors that if you have dry skin and nothing around to use, Crisco is a good alternative. It is made out of soybeans and adds moisture to dry, rough areas such as the hands, knees and elbows. While Crisco may provide relief, it is only temporary. According to the authors of "Dry Skin and Moisturizing," Crisco should not be recommended by dermatologist as it only temporary relieves the issue. Medicated hand creams work much better for serious dry skin issues. For the common case of dry hands, though, Crisco works.

For some, simply grabbing a dab of Crisco and rubbing it over your hands as you would hand cream or lotion, and then washing it off after about five minutes is enough. For others, diluting the Crisco with vegetable oil and then scrubbing the mixture onto your hands for about five to 10 minutes works better. Some people also put gloves over their hands to let the Crisco seep in without getting their remotes, sheets or computers greasy. Either way, after you apply the Crisco, you will need to wash and dry your hands to remove the product. Your skin will soak up what it needs and the rest will need to be removed.

Wondering why to opt for Crisco instead of hand creams, lotions or other oils? For most, the answer is simple: price. Most Crisco cans cost anywhere form $4.50 to $7 for 48 ounces. In addition, Crisco is made of soybean and cottonseed oils, which provide a scent-free, relatively natural alternative to creams or lotions containing silicones and perfumes.

Crisco is greasy. That's the plain and simple truth. You do not need to use much, but applying any will show you just how greasy the product is, especially if you apply it after a shower to wet or damp skin. Again, it is necessary to remove the Crisco after five to ten minutes by washing and drying your hands. If your hands are extremely dry, you can wear gloves overnight with the Crisco on, but be sure to wash and dry your hands thoroughly in the morning.