We've all felt that sting of tomato soup against chapped lips, or the uncontrollable itch of a body starved of TLC during the colder months. So imagine what it feels like for young skin, that's so much more delicate than our own?

"A child's skin is still developing, so it's much more sensitive to dryness," acknowledges Joanna Jensen, founder of Childs Farm, who produce a range of award-winning products for babies and children.

"Skin is the first line of defence against infection and dehydration. Newborn and young children's skin absorbs and loses water more quickly than a grown up's. It also has a thinner 'stratum corneum' - the outermost layer, which shields everything beneath."

Young or old, the drop in temperature brings challenges to skin, as we move in and out of the cold to very dry, heated areas, Jensen continues. "Actively keeping skin hydrated becomes a necessity, to prevent dry flakes or eczema. Moisturisation of all skin areas - even forgotten feet - is important, to ensure skin cells remain hydrated and plump, keeping irritation out."

SOFT SKIN STARTS FROM WITHIN

"The key to skincare starts from inside," says Jonna Jalkanen, founder of Sophie La Girafe Cosmetics. "If our stomachs feel well, the rest follows, so focus on clean, basic food that's not processed. Pure, organic produce can be a real benefit to children in terms of wellbeing."

The next step is skincare. "We believe the most essential thing is products which respect the natural lipid bilayer (that protects cells)," she adds. "If your skin feels dry after you shower and it craves moisture immediately, something is wrong. Use a mild cleanser and avoid over-washing children's delicate skin, and moisturise as often as needed."

Jalkanen advises opting for gentle organic products when possible, and Jensen steers clear of anything containing mineral oils (petrochemical derivatives), SLSs, parabens or artificial colours. She also recommends giving skin and health a natural boost by increasing Vitamin C intake (which helps boost the production of collagen), keeping up the intake of omega-3 fatty acids (through walnuts, oily fish, avocado and olive oil) and eating wholegrains packed with selenium (which helps maintain skin elasticity).

For an additional skincare boost, both the Sophie La Girafe Cosmetics founder and Liz Earle, co-founder of the renowned skincare brand, advise combining a cream with an oil for a super-nourishing skin treatment, which can then be used on any part of the body that's affected.

MOISTURISE

"Apply a moisturiser all over your and your little one's face, body and hands once or twice a day, to keep skin in good order," advises Jensen. "Apply more to face and hands before going outside; red cheeks don't only mean it's cold, but that skin is getting dehydrated."

It's also worth popping an SPF on children's faces before they go outside, especially if it's cold or windy.

:: Childs Farm Hand & Body Lotion, £3.99 (childsfarm.com)

:: Weleda Calendula Weather Protection Cream, £8.95 (www.weleda.co.uk)

HELPING HAND

"Hands are very susceptible to getting dry and chapped during winter months, as they're often exposed to the harsh wind and cold," says expert dermatologist Dr Emma Wedgeworth. "Use an emollient wash instead of your normal soap and a good dermatological hand cream, as often as possible, with cotton gloves at night if necessary."

:: E45 Emollient Shower Cream, £5.50 (www.ocado.com)

:: E45 Repair & Protect Overnight Hand Cream, £3.99 (www.boots.com)

KEEP BATHING BRIEF

Hot baths are really dehydrating, so try to keep the temperature less hot than normal, make them short, use a moisturising bubble bath and apply a moisturiser to skin within five minutes of getting out.

:: Sophie La Girafe Baby Bubble Bath, currently on offer at £7.36, reduced from £10.99 (www.ocado.com)

:: Childs Farm Bubble Bath For All The Family, £3.99 ( www.boots.com)

:: Origins A Perfect World Creamy Body Cleanser, £23 (www.origins.co.uk)

:: Aveda All Sensitive Body Formula, £22 (www.aveda.co.uk)

HAIR REPAIR

The scalp can also be prone to dryness at this time of year, so use a shampoo which is suitable for sensitive skin, and a really thick moisturising conditioner. It's best to avoid the hairdryer if at all possible, too.

:: Green People Organic Babies Scent Free Baby Wash & Shampoo, £7.25 (www.greenpeople.co.uk)

:: Ojon Rare Blend Moisture Therapy Conditioner, £23 (www.ojon.co.uk)

AND IF ALL ELSE FAILS...

There are always products designed to soothe and smooth parched skin. Here are three I've tested out on my own children and highly recommend...

:: Green People Mum & Baby Rescue Balm, £9.95 (www.greenpeople.co.uk)

:: Grahams Natural Kids Eczema Cream, £18.99 (www.grahamsskincare.co.uk)

:: Chuckling Goat Break-Out Magic Bath Melts, £6.95 (www.chucklinggoat.co.uk)

TRIED AND TESTED

Our testers put three repairing balms to work on chapped lips...

:: Benefit Posiebalm, £14.50 (www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk)

This tinted lip balm is a really pretty colour and contains mango butter to help with hydration. It's great for adding a hint of moisture and colour to lips which aren't especially dry.

3/5

:: Philosophy Kiss Me Tonight, £16.50 (www.philosophyskincare.co.uk)

This lip balm treatment feels thick and luxurious, instantly getting to work on my dry, flaky lips - and I'm delighted to hear it helps fade fine lines and wrinkles too.

5/5

:: Jo Malone Vitamin E Lip Conditioner, £23 (www.jomalone.co.uk)

This product gets to work from the first application and glides on beautifully, leaving a pleasant sheen on honey-kissed lips, smoothing away any dry edges.

4/5

BUY IT NOW

How much would you pay to have beautiful nails? Winter dries out every part of the body - talons included, so Ciate London has brought out a range of repairwear varnishes. The brand new Treatment Collection consists of 16 products (though four are yet to launch), each designed for different nail woes. So whether you suffer from short, dry or thirsty nails, there's a product that will treat your talons and have them ship-shape for spring, £12 each (www.ciatelondon.com).

BEAUTY BULLETIN

:: RUSH TO M&S FOR MORE BEAUTY LAUNCHES

Fast becoming a one-stop-shop for all our favourite brands, Marks & Spencer's beauty offering is going from strength to strength. Hot off the heels of an exclusive collaboration with Rush salons (the hair products, sold in selected M&S stores are brilliant, particularly the Rush Ultimate Blow Dry Lotion, £6, and the Rush Survive & Revive Dry Shampoo, £5), you can now buy brilliant Burts Bees products next time you're stocking up on underwear. Available online now at www.marksandspencer.com and in stores later this month.

STEAL OF THE WEEK

If February hasn't been all hearts and flowers, Kiss It Better with a Clinique limited edition bag, containing a mini Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief and a Chubby Stick Baby Tint Moisturising Balm. Available from House of Fraser counters throughout February and online at clinique.co.uk, the set costs £20, with 50% of profits going to the Kiss It Better appeal, ran by Great Ormond Street Hospital for children with cancer.