It's winter in Wisconsin, and my hands have been chapped and dry. Hand lotion and body creams are essential winter equipment no matter where you live. If you have a dog that needs washing or spring cleaning starts a little early, you will find yourself applying the cream over and over.

Winter seems to be the time when I get on a step stool and give the top of my refrigerator a good bath with some serious detergent. And this is the time when I find out my rubber gloves have sprung a leak. As if the air wasn't dry enough already, exposure to water with even the mildest soap adds insult to injury. I can hardly keep enough lotion around.

And the lotion is not just for me, but for other people in my life. Do you buy skincare for a grandparent? Or an older aunt or uncle? Keep in mind their arms and legs as well as their hands and face need moisture. That tube you gave at Christmas may be almost gone by now. How about a Valentine's gift to show you're thinking of them.