Glycolic Acid

Found naturally in sugarcane and fruits, glycolic acid is a popular dry skin ingredient because it’s effective on all skin types. You'll usually find this ingredient in cleansers designed for dry skin like Wrinkle Revenge Antioxidant Enhanced Glycolic Acid Facial Cleanser, a soap-free, oil-free, pH balanced, buffered glycolic acid face wash. Glycolic acid exfoliates and helps attract moisture to your skin which can keep your face feeling hydrated throughout the day.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is most commonly used to treat sunburn, but it can also be used to moisturize dry skin. It tends to soak in quickly, even in its natural form, and is ideal for sensitive skin. Since it also helps to reduce redness and soothe irritation, it's also safe for acne prone or sensitive skin. You’ll find aloe as an ingredient in Calm Cool & Corrected Tranquility Cream, a daily moisturizer that deeply hydrates, while soothing red and sensitive skin.

Lactic Acid

If you have very dry skin, look for skin care products with lactic acid. Many prescription moisturizers contain lactic acid due to its effectiveness in relieving and healing dry skin. You'll often see this ingredient in products labeled as anti-aging as well. Try Ain't Misbehavin' Healthy Toner with Glycolic & Lactic Acid after a gentle wash to seal in moisture and restore suppleness to the skin.

Urea

Urea is one of those special, little-known ingredients used by dermatologists to dramatically soften the crustiest of skin concerns. Urea is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air to hydrate the skin. It is an awesome additive in improving the appearance of Keratosis Pilaris. KP Duty Dermatologist Formulated AHA Moisturizing Therapy for Dry Skin contains urea to help restore moisture to the skin.

A Cup of Tea

Tea not only tastes great and provides a bit of relaxation during a stressful day, it can also do wonders for your skin. Calm Cool & Corrected Tranquility Cream contains chamomile extract to protect and nourish delicate, sensitive skin, while white tea combined with Vitamin E produces a potent, yet non-irritating antioxidant to aid in rejuvenating skin.

To make the most of your skin care purchases, make sure to read the labels thoroughly to see that your skin is getting the ingredients it needs. The best products will likely have more than one of these ingredients or you can mix products such as cleansers and lotions that contain different ingredients on this list for even more healing power and protection.

By Jen Mathews
DERMAdoctor Staff Writer

This content is sponsored by DERMAdoctor. The author receives compensation for its creation. All content is the legal copyright of DERMAdoctor, Inc, and it may not be used, reprinted, or published without written consent. The information provided is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to provide medical, legal or other professional advice.