Yes it is dyed through and what is cracking is a kind of plastic touch coat. It's an old excelled jacket, maybe after many years the leather has not be able to breathe.. And cracked the coat. I already applied conditioner but it just passed through the cracks... Maybe let it like that till it becomes not wearableI would be afraid that would crack and peel off. Is the hide dyed through? I would try rubbing in some leather conditioner first.