Winter in Colorado means dry skin, and that’s no fun for anyone in the family. Latanya Benjamin, a pediatric dermatologist and board member of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology, offers these tips and tricks to help care for your child’s dry skin and bring relief during the colder months.

Bathe regularly.

Bathe your child daily or every other day in warm, not hot, water. Limit a bath or shower to less than 10 minutes, preferably three to five, in order to prevent drying out the skin. Make sure to wash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser that does not strip away natural oils and cause further dryness.

Moisturize after washing, and regularly.

 Apply moisturizer to your child at least two times per day. The most important time to moisturize is immediately after bathing or washing hands, while the skin is still slightly damp. This provides a seal to hold existing water in the skin.

Use thick creams or ointments.

Ointments are more effective than creams, and creams more so than lotions. It is best to avoid lotions, which are thinner and may contain alcohols that are drying or irritating. Generally, the thicker the moisturizer, the better the barrier it provides.

Select gentle skincare products that your child will tolerate.

 A general rule of thumb for choosing products for little ones with dry skin is to look for terms such as “fragrance free” or “for sensitive skin.” Finding a cream or ointment that your child can tolerate is important. Remember, the best products are often the ones your child will actually use!

Use lip balm.

 Choose a lip balm that can be applied easily to help prevent lips from drying out in cold, dry air. Keep it handy so you can apply it often throughout the day.