Moisturizers That Will Give Dry Skin the TLC It Deserves

Just as your body needs plenty of H2O to keep it healthy and running, your skin has to be hydrated to function properly too. "Dehydrated skin isn't going to perform at its best," explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. "When your skin is dry, it means your skin barrier has been compromised which can lead to inflammation, acne, and redness."

If you suffer from combination or acne-prone skin you may be tempted to skip moisturizer–but don't! "Many people who suffer with acne are afraid to moisturize their face because they're worried it's going to make them breakout more, but that’s not true," explains dermatologist Shari Marchbein. Instead, she says the key is to look for ones labeled "non-comedogenic" which means that it won't clog your pores.

Luckily, moisturizers can help restore the balance again. Dr. Zeichner explains that there are four categories of ingredients to look for in a moisturizer: humectants (like hyaluronic acid or glycerin that attract moisture deep into the skin), emollients (natural oils like coconut that help to soften), occlusives (like petrolatum or dimethicone that help create a barrier so moisture doesn't escape), and skin barrier repair ingredients like ceramides that help to fill in cracks between skin cells. While Dr. Zeichner says that each moisturizer may have more or less of each of these categories, the goal would be to have ingredients from all four.

Washing your face after every sweat session? Don't forget to follow it with your moisturizer to prevent drying out your skin. Ahead, shop 20 of the best moisturizers to quench your parched skin's thirst.