Lotion is a smooth, creamy liquid you rub on your skin to keep it soft and moisturized. When your hands feel dry and rough, especially in winter, lotion helps them feel smooth again. It works by adding moisture back into your skin and creating a thin layer that keeps the moisture from escaping.

Most lotions are made from water mixed with oils and other ingredients. When you squeeze lotion onto your palm and rub it in, it should absorb into your skin fairly quickly without leaving your skin feeling greasy. Sunscreen lotion protects your skin from the sun's harmful rays, while hand lotion focuses on keeping your hands from getting chapped and cracked.

You'll find different lotions for different purposes: some are designed for your face, others for your whole body, and some are made specifically for very dry skin. People who work with their hands a lot, like mechanics or gardeners, often need lotion to help with the dryness caused by their work.