Petrolatum and oil feel slick and so fight the tight feeling of very dry skin.

Ceramides form a Saran Wrap-like coating around individual cells.

Niacinamide encourages skin to build up natural ceramide levels.

It may lighten brown spots as well.

In general, the more of the ingredients at left a product has, the more moisturizing it is.

(Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Vitamin Complex hits all categories.)

Caveats to keep in mind:

If you live in a dry climate,avoid hyaluronic acid.

It could take water from skin when there’s none in the air.

If your skin is oily or acne-prone,use glycerin or dimethicone; petrolatum and oil can feel heavy.

Try Biotherm Healthy Difference Moisture Lotion.

Pimples are like bad days: Usually it’s not only one thing that causes them.

That’s why you need more than one treatmentand the right combinationin your arsenal.

Benzoyl peroxideis a multitasker.

But if your skin is very oily, that can be a good thing.

Sulfur is mildly antibacterial, although it’s not as effective as BP.

Try Clearasil Pore Cleansing Pads.

If pimples pop up,you’ll probably need a stronger treatment, Dr. Dover says.

Apply the latter on top and all around the pimple.

(Bacteria don’t stay only on the zit.)

Dab on a few light layers, which penetrate better than a big dollop.

Heal red, swollen zits with salicylic acid and sulfur.

(Mario Badescu Drying Lotion contains both.)

PIMPLE PROFILEYou often have clusters of zits, whiteheads or inflamed, red blemishes.

Treatthe bacteria, the biggest problem for you, plus clogged pores and oil.

Cleanse with triclosan and salicylic acid.

Rub in a 2.5 percent strength BP like Proactiv Repairing Lotion all over, twice a day.

To stay clearwhen acne subsides, continue with the wash and BP lotion.

Like cleaning dust off a mirror, removing these skin cells reveals the glowing surface below.

Pigmentation (brown spots) can also lighten.

Don’t believe the hype that an over-the-counter glycolic can build collagen (skin’s support system).

Only a strong peel from a derm can reach those live cells under skin’s top layer.

Both also lighten pigmentation, smooth skin texture and help repair sun-damaged cells to actually prevent future wrinkles.

Nonprescription retinol doesn’t have as big an impact on acne.

Look for your specific skin issues, then what to use.

Try a peel pad if you want a more noticeable, instant glow.

Therapy Systems Glycolic Cleansing Gel is 10 percent glycolic.

Avon Anew Clinical Advanced Retexturizing Peel soothes skin with aloe.

If you’re not irritated, try an 8 or 10 percent after you finish the first bottle.

Go with the same brand when possible to know you’re truly getting a stronger concentration.

(See below for an explanation.)

Glycolic acid may be buffered, which can weaken its strength, Dr. Dover says.

Go for milder B. Kamins Glycolic-6 Treatment, then graduate to Glycolic-10.

DDF Glycolic 10% Exfoliating Moisturizer hydrates with glycerin.

Look for retinol on the ingredient list, not the weaker retinyl palmitate.

Apply a pea-sized drop all over every other night for the first two weeks, then every night.

It’s not a moisturizer; skin should not be slick.

Wait five minutes for it to absorb, then apply lots of plain moisturizer.

Biomedic Retinol Cream 30 and 60 specifies concentration.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream also comes in an intense version.

Endure for two weeks and glowing, smooth skin will replace the dry flakes.

Also try using a lotion with niacinamide (see softer-skin section) for two weeks before and during treatment.

Doing so may help minimize side effects, according to a study in the journalCutis.

Photo Credit: Troy Word