Tis the season and I have substantially increased my practice time. Now I have a big finger skin dry-cracking at the last joint.  Want to avoid previous year where it became a deep cut. 

Currently using vaseline to attempt to soften the skin, and super glue during league play to 'armor it up'.    Anything better out there to protect and/or treat that joint?

I don't hit the ball that hard; form changes would not be a good adjustment though finger insert changes might. 

Ideas?

I had the same issue for years until I started taping my fingers with the flexible tapes from vise or storm etc.  You may have to increase finger grips up a size due to increased width of fingers with tape on them.  It solved my issue.

I have had skin cracking and cutting up during bowling on the pads of my 3rd digit and posterior part of my 1st and 5th digits. It was caused by Chemical reaction from glue while working on my RC trucks.

For lotions, which really worked best for me, was the GOLD BOND Ultimate Healing with Aloe. I use hada patches with this lotion underneath and I don't get cuts on my finger. In fact, I bowled 5 games without tape to protect my skin and I didn't get cut!! With the HADA tape on my finger, I had to slowly remove them with warm water to prevent the adhesive pulling up on my skin.

I"ve tried Aquaphor and it is also good too, but not great for bowling and it's easily removed with hand washing. The GBUH lotion last longer, softens skin, not too greasy, and works well with bowling tape.

Also, I was able to use the GB without tape to protect my skin and I didn't have any slippage while bowling. Both middle and ring finger stayed snug.

I've never tried it, but have read good things about Corn Huskers Lotion.  --  JohnO