How long can you boulder for?
I depends on how rough the rock is and how much you slide off it. I try to not pull too hard until I have figured out a sequence. If it's a slap, don't hold the catch unless you know you have hit the hold right, if that makes any sense. Use your skin wisely, don't go on skin grinders when conditions are crap, don't thrash about on stuff you have no chance of doing.
And what do you do to toughen ye olde skin up?
Climb regular so you have a rapid turnover of good skin. Use sandpaper so you get even regrowth or if if you can't get out climbing to stimulate regrowth. Avoid deturgents which will strip oils from your skin (eg use rubber gloves for washing pots). Use moisuriser and Climb-on after climbing sessions when skin is dry from chalk.
