The first consideration to take into account when shopping for hand and body lotions is the state of your skin- are you prone to irritation and breakouts? Is your skin usually dry, oily, or what is known as “combination skin,” comprising both in different areas?

For people with sensitive skin, hand lotions with heavy perfumes and potential irritants such as lanolin and formaldehyde can do more damage than good. The best choice for lotions are those that are formulated specifically for sensitive skin, and are non-comedogenic (or non-occlusive) in case you have acne.

A few trusted brands for hand and body lotions that pamper sensitive skin are Eucerin, Aveeno and Kiehl’s. Sensitive skin can also be moisturized with baby products, as they are generally much milder than adult products. Mustela offers baby skin care as well as options for mothers who have sensitive skin, as pregnancy and childbirth are accompanied by hormonal changes that often change the needs of women’s skin.

If you do not have sensitive skin, there a wide variety of other options to choose from as you search for the best hand lotion. People whose occupations involve regular hand washing, such as nurses and doctors, will especially need to commit to regular moisturizing to prevent painful, raw skin.

Aveda hand relief is a highly recommended, all-natural lotion filled with antioxidants and emollients to nurture and protect your skin. Another popular choice is L’Occitane Shea butter hand cream, which derives its rich moisturizing power from shea butter. When using a thick moisturizing cream, it is a good idea to use the lotion at night, so that it does not rub off on door handles and other items you use throughout the day.

For ultra-intense moisturizing, slather on cream at night and wear cotton gloves over your hands to seal in the effects. The same technique, used with socks, is also an effective way to soothe the skin on your feet.

If you are interested in a perfumed hand body lotion, you may want to look into retailers like Bath and Body Works, or websites like bathroomsinkonline.com, which offer a variety of uniquely scented lotions, creams and body butters. Body lotion can be a good substitute for perfume, as the scent will be more subtle and linger on your skin rather than overpower any hapless people within your immediate surroundings. Many stores offer lightly scented lotions as an alternative to their perfume lines, allowing you to wear your favorite fragrance in a more subdued manner. Whichever hand lotion you choose, be sure to use it regularly to gain the full benefits.