It has been a very chilly start to the New Year! With cold weather comes dry skin. Chapped lips, red noses, and flakey patches can affect everyone in your household. And while some members of your family may scoff at skin care, when it comes to keeping everyone healthy this season, it’s important to not only wash hands but also to keep them hydrated.

The good news is that you don’t have to make sweeping changes to your family’s normal routines to combat dry skin. Simple tricks like having a bottle of hand lotion next to the soap in the bathroom, switching out bar soap for moisturizing body wash in the shower, and when the heat is on full blast, using humidifiers at night can help get your family on the path to better skin. Of course, like brushing teeth and making beds, you may have to remind them. How gentle or harsh you relay that reminder is up to you.

As to the types of moisturizers to have on hand, standard drugstore products work best. Curel, CeraVe, Dove, Aveeno, and, of course, Vaseline, are all time and tested go-tos for winter skincare. I’m a big fan of Vaseline lip therapy, both to combat chapped dry lips, and to soothe irritated noses. Travel-sized versions of these products are also great to keep in your purse, put in backpacks, and diaper bags. Avoid products with strong scents, as fragrances can irritate sensitive skin. Also, stay clear of oil-based products, as they can cause breakouts and take longer to absorb.

Taking a long, soothing hot shower may seem like a great idea on frigid days, but doing so will cause your skin to be even dryer. Keep showers short and not too hot. Also, since we tend to sweat a lot less during the winter, consider showering every other day. Of course, this may not be an option for everyone, but if you’re staying home, especially on the weekend, give your skin a break and forgo a shower.
For little ones, be sure to apply lotion after bath time. If your child has extra sensitive skin, you may also need to grease them up daily, either before bed or as part of their getting ready routine in the morning. This is easier said than done. My two-year-old hates anything that slows her down, especially when it’s time for her daily dose of CeraVe. Lately, I’ve been trying to get her more involved in this chore, by putting a bit in her hands and having her rub it in herself. So far, it’s a work in progress.

For yourself, this winter, swap lipsticks for a tinted balm, double down on nighttime care with a heavier night cream and hydrating serum and don’t neglect your feet and hands. A thick foot cream and fuzzy socks are a great over-night treatment for calloused feet. And, follow your own reminder and use hand cream after washing your hands, doing the dishes, etc.

Lastly, don’t forget your hair. Like skin, hair can also dry out during the winter. Dryer hair is more likely to attract static, which no one likes. Opt for moisturizing shampoos and don’t forget the conditioner. Well-conditioned hair is less likely to stand on end.

Moreover, like showers above, if it is an option for you, try not to wash your hair every day. Better yet, wear a shower cap to keep your hair dry. You can still spruce up your locks with spray products, like leave-in conditioner and dry shampoo. This will keep your hair healthy and save you some time in the morning.

True, it may seem like an uphill battle to get your family in line with skincare this winter, but, if you make it part of your daily routine, everyone will reap the benefits of feeling much more comfortable. Just keep reminding them that hydrated skin will keep them warm, while dry skin will make them itchy.