Natural lotions can treat your hands, face and body to some tender loving care from all winter long. Here are my favorite lotion types and ingredients for protecting my skin during winter weather.

My Favorite Hand Creams for Cold Weather

During winter, I always keep three kinds of hand treatment close by. First, I have an intensive-care hand cream for deep moisturizing at least once a week. This will be your go-to at the first signs of knuckles that look red or cracked. Look for something with hyaluronic acid, a natural ingredient that can hold 1,000 times its weight in water! It sinks deep into your skin and holds moisture there longer.

My other mainstay is a nourishing hand lotion for applying several times every day. This type of lotion isn’t as thick, so it absorbs more quickly when you’re in a hurry. It’s designed to protect your hands against chilly weather. Some women use moisturizing lotion every time they wash their hands during winter. Here are some good natural ingredients for this:

• Mango butter: Soothing and light, this smooth moisturizer also has antioxidants to block UV rays.

• Coconut oil: This gentle oil hydrates and brightens skin, but that’s not the only reason I love it. It makes your hands feel amazingly soft and supple.

• Glycerin: This is a fantastic natural humectant for keep your skin moist.

• Ceramides: These are basically healthy fats that lock in moisture.

The Best Face Lotions for Winter

Winter can dry out your face quickly. That means finding a good facial moisturizer that isn’t greasy or irritating. Almond oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, avocado oil and shea butter are all excellent choices. I also recommend trying essential oils (a few drops diluted with some of the carrier oils above):

• Frankincense

• Lemongrass

• Chamomile

• Lavender

• Rose

• Sweet orange

• Sandalwood

• Sage

These aromatic oils can help you relax while soothing reddened skin. They’re a perfect fit for pampering your face in winter. Essential oils have important healing compounds, such as vitamin A, vitamin C and other nutrients.

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Heavenly Body Lotion for Snuggling the Cold Away

It’s not just your face and hands that can feel rough during winter. Hot showers can do a number your whole body. That’s why it’s important to hydrate every time you get out of the shower. Here’s one of my favorite DIY recipes:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup beeswax

• 1 tsp vitamin E oil

• Several drops of vanilla bean fragrance oil

Use a double boiler to melt the beeswax and mix the other ingredients over low heat. Whip them well to get a nice texture. Put this mixture into a jar and let it cool, then viola, delicious-smelling body lotion!

These days, you can also find wet-skin moisturizers that you can apply directly in the shower. They’re a breeze for staying hydrated because you don’t have to wait for your skin to dry after toweling off.