For skin I like to use either gauze or tissue paper (depending on the type of skin) covered in liquid latex (same kind used to make molds or Halloween masks).
Thanks Man
I used the nitrile because it simulated the covering the creature shop used on the puppet. I was wearing a pair of gloves that was one size too small and my hands got a little sweaty. The nitrile was riding up my fingers and making little ridges and I said to myself, "Hmmmm. That looks like Cane Adiss' necks".
! LIGHTBULB !
I like your idea though, and I just found an inexpensive source for liquid latex. One of the reasons I haven't posted anything lately is that I've been experimenting with it for making molds. If I had to do it again, I'd try another material, like the latex.