Guide to Winter Lotions

Every year around this time, the cold, dry weather sets in and it seems as though all the moisture in your skin is zapped immediately after putting lotion on.

If you have sensitive skin, you have probably tried just about everything and perhaps have found that miracle product that does the trick to soothe your skin. But if you've just discovered that your skin has become susceptible to the patterns of the changing weather and don't know what product to turn to, you may want to turn to some of the suggestions listed below to calm the effects of a cold winter and beginning of spring.

The following products can all be found at most drug stores. There's no need to go to a fancy cosmetics counter or beauty supply store and everything is under $10.

On the Cheap: It's called Vitamin E Skin Cream. It is not a brand name and comes in a jar with a pink screw top lid. The packaging is dated and it looks like a version of cold cream that your grandmother would put on, but it works! A friend gave me a jar of this telling me she found it at a 99 Cent store and has been using it ever since. And I'm now hooked on it. The cream is good for your face, arms, shoulders, everywhere. It is pretty thick, but once on your skin, it is absorbed and doesn't leave a filmy, gunky mess. Plus, the lotion is virtually scent-less, and you can't beat the price. The manufacturer is called Products Inc. and it comes in 8 oz. containers for 99 cents. I've only seen it at the 99 Cent store, but there may be other discounters that sell it too.

Secret Ingredient - Oatmeal: I love Aveeno skincare products because they are meant for people with sensitive skin or other skin ailments (such as eczema). If you are prone to certain skin conditions, Aveeno's Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion with oat essence has the secret ingredient of oats in it to bring relief to itching or redness caused from dry skin. A bottle of this costs about $7 at any Walgreens or CVS. The upside to anything from Aveeno is that there is no abrasive scent on these products (which can sometimes only compound a skin irritation problem).

Note to those who are turning to this lotion after realizing they have a rash on their skin from excessive scratching, this will not immediately stop the itching. If you want, try Aveeno's hydrocortisone that also moisturizes. It should stop the itching. However, do not use this continuously as cortisone is known to thin the skin, which would make you more susceptible to the cold weather. Instead, apply the cream as necessary followed by lotion. This cream can also be found for around $6 or $7 at a drug store.

Not sold on Aveeno? Try Lubriderm's Intense Skin Repair with Itch Relief lotion, another type of lotion that is meant especially for situations where a rash has resulted from dryness. The cost is about $7.

For the Hands: If you're lucky, and it's only your hands that are taking a beating this winter, try Cetaphil's Therapeutic hand Cream. It costs about $6 and has shea butter, which prevents chapping. I'd also suggest the common trick of buying a pair of cheap, knit gloves and applying this lotion on at night and then sleeping with the gloves on. I'd also suggest buying a second pair of gloves for regular use on cold days when the air is especially dry.

Ointments: Some people like the feeling of a lotion that has the same consistency and texture of an ointment. I, personally, do not, because you tend to have a film on your skin that may last for several hours. It's not the most practical application. However, there are times when ointments make the most sense. If you like that sort of feeling, try Eucerin's line called Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy. This can be found for under $7 and is similar to Vaseline. The difference is that, unlike Vaseline, which can make your skin crack, this moisturizes. Vaseline only provides a coating that shields your skin from something like cold winds. However, it does nothing to moisturize.

A lot of people use this in skin areas prone to cracking or excessive dryness such as elbows or knees.

If you don't like ointments all over your skin, I suggest using this as a really great ointment for your lips. It's now the only product I use all year long. It gives you a glossy finish and immediately relieves pain, itching or redness from chapped lips. It's also a good product to use on your cuticles.

In addition to using one or some of these products, everyone knows that drinking a lot of water also helps your skin fight the battle against the cold. While people tend to overload themselves with hot drinks such as coffee or tea around this time of year, don't forget regular water. If it seems too cold to drink water, then store your water at room temperature rather than the refrigerator. It will make it easier for you to grab a glass or bottle of water because it won't make you more cold.

Also, most people are inclined to take long, hot baths when the temperatures drop. But the hot water sucks moisture from your skin, which leads to excessive drying and redness. So, keep your water lukewarm and if you absolutely have to take a hot bath, keep your time down to a minimum. You'll not only be saving your skin, but you'll be saving water.