[quote=BingleyWhat happens if you do that? Does the lotion freeze on your face before it gets absorbed? [/quote]

Several things happen. One is that most of the lotions (not the vasoline) contain water. The evaporation removes a hugh amount of heat. Some also have a high heat transfer rate and increase heat loss. The lotion or petrolium based products add or stop removal of water from the skin, increasing heat loss (think wet insulation) and increasing the amount of frozen water which increases damage. The most insideous and possibly the most important is that many make the body feel warmer and decrease concern and attention to frostbite. Because of the lack of attention, it is not noticed and corrected before it causes serious problems.

Respectfully,

Jerry