How to Care for Your Child’s Skin in Winter: 5 Tips Parents Should Know

Winter can be tough on children’s skin. Cold winds, central heating, and constant handwashing at school or nursery can leave little ones with dry, itchy and uncomfortable patches — often on exposed areas like their hands and cheeks.

From my years working as a nursery nurse and later within a health visiting team, I’ve seen so many families struggle at this time of year. The first signs are usually red cheeks, cracked knuckles and the inevitable cycle of lip licking that leads to soreness — and it’s heartbreaking to see children feeling irritated or distressed when you just want them to feel comfortable.

And as parents, winter is already a lot. If you have a child who loves all the layers — hats, gloves, scarves — keeping their skin protected can feel easier. But if you have a coat-refuser (I do!) or a child who finds anything on their hands uncomfortable? Their skin can take the brunt of the weather.

The good news is that with some small daily tweaks — and the right products — parents can make a real difference.

I’ve teamed up with Consultant Dermatologist, and spokesperson for Doublebase Once, Professor Tess McPherson from Oxford University Hospitals, to share five simple and effective ways to protect your child’s skin this winter.

Tip 1: Keep the Routine Simple & Consistent

“One of the most important things is to keep the routine simple and consistent. A once-daily routine is usually enough and far more achievable than trying to apply products multiple times a day.”
— Professor McPherson

This is great news for busy families. Children don’t often want to sit still to have creams applied — and who has time for a routine that becomes a battle several times a day?

A predictable, calm moment — after a morning wash or as part of a bedtime wind-down — works wonders.

Tip 2: Switch to Gentle Washing Products

“Use gentle wash products both at home and, if possible, at school, particularly for handwashing. Avoiding harsh soaps helps prevent flares.”
— Professor McPherson

If gloves are a struggle in your house too (mine come home stuffed in pockets… untouched!), gentle products can help protect little hands from dryness without adding extra stress.

Tip 3: Choose Products with Textures That Children Will Tolerate

“Find a texture that works for your child… Trying different formulations, such as lighter creams or gels, can help find one they tolerate better.”
— Professor McPherson

Quick to apply, easily absorbed, and not staining clothes is a must in our home — particularly when school uniform is involved!

Tip 4: Make Skincare Positive and Child-Led

“Make it positive. For younger children, turning it into a game, using rewards, or applying the gel together can help make it less stressful.”
— Professor McPherson

A few ideas that have worked well for us and many families I’ve supported:

• Keep special toys for “cream time” so it feels like a treat. Having toys that only come out at cream time will instantly make these toys more interesting and will hopefully keep your child more entertained and (more importantly) still so you can apply the cream quickly and easily. Toys like figit toys can work well here.
• Let children apply some themselves – Letting your child be involved in the process can help it go more smoothly, even if it does take a bit longer. You can even get your child to stand in front of a mirror to apply their cream so they can see what they are doing.
• Give time warnings. I am often guilty of running the morning routine in my own time, so when I’m ready to apply something like cream I want to do right away, whereas my child might be right in the middle of something and this can cause an instant battle. To combat this I try and give time warnings, so 10 minutes before cream time, then 5 minutes and 1 minute. Even if your child has no concept of time they will understand that they need to wind down what they are doing so they are ready to stop and have their cream on.
• Let independent kids choose the routine order. Again, it’s easy for us to decide which order the routine goes, but giving some control to your child may make them more will participants. If it doesn’t really matter which order brushing your teeth, having your breakfast and having your cream on goes in, let your child decide how they want to do it.

Anything that reduces the feeling of being rushed or “grabbed” really helps.

Tip 5: Try a Once-Daily Emollient to Lock In Moisture All Day

“Use a once-daily emollient. One that can provide long-lasting hydration and simplify routines for busy families.”
— Professor McPherson

This is where Doublebase Once can be a game-changer for families this winter.

Why parents are loving Doublebase Once:

• Just one application in the morning provides 24-hour hydration
• Helps protect skin through school, playtime, and winter weather
• Less fuss with children who dislike creams
• Suitable for the whole family, including sensitive or eczema-prone skin
• Can also be used as a soap substitute to prevent further dryness

Parents can find out more about Doublebase on their website, including ingredients and product formats.

You’re Doing Great, Even on the Tough Days 

If you’re caring for a child with dry or eczema-prone skin, please know this:

• You’re not doing anything wrong
• Winter skin flares are incredibly common
• Small steps really do help

Sometimes it takes a little trial and error — and that’s okay. Stick with a routine for a couple of weeks to see the benefits, and don’t hesitate to try something new if your current approach isn’t helping.

Final Thought

Every parent wants their child to feel comfortable in their own skin — literally. By simplifying routines, choosing textures children tolerate, and supporting the skin barrier daily, you can help soothe dry skin all winter long.

And if there’s a product that keeps little hands soft and protected with just one application? I’m all for that.