5 ingredients to avoid if you have dry skin

Some products that promise to restore radiance may actually be drying your skin out because of these ingredients

Dry skin is one of the worst things winter brings and all of us desperately turn to products that promise to restore softness and radiance to our skin. However, some of these products could contain ingredients that may actually strip your skin of moisture.



Dermatologist Jamie Davis gives a list of five such ingredients that you should keep an eye out for when buying skincare or make-up products if your skin is dry:

1. Retinoid

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This ingredient is popular for its effectiveness in treating acne, wrinkles, psoriasis etc, but Davis says it can be too harsh for people with dry skin, leading to irritation along with dryness.



2. Benzoyl Peroxide

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Another ingredient popular for treating acne, Benzoyl Peroxide also causes irritation and itchiness to dry skin and can cause the skin to turn red and even peel.



3. Alcohol

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Alcohol is one of the most commonly used ingredients in skincare and make-up products, especially lotions and gels, because it helps the product penetrate the skin better. However, it has the power to extract moisture out of your skin so Davis suggests using thicker creams that contain little or no alcohol instead of gels and lotions.



4. Salicylic Acid

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Though it can soften skin because of its exfoliating properties when used correctly, salicylic acid can be harmful for dry skin if purchased over the counter without a dermatologist’s recommendation. Only a specific percentage of the powerful ingredient is safe for use so go to the dermatologist and find out the number for your skin if you want to start using something that contains salicylic acid.



5. Fragrances and Preservatives

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According to Davis, these are the primary cause of skin allergies. Fragrances and preservatives can irritate and dry out your skin if it’s sensitive. Go for fragrance-free and preservative-free creams and makeup to avoid this risk.

This article originally appeared on Women’s Health.