Dealing with dry skin is enough to leave anyone frustrated, frazzled and, well, flaky. Even worse, chronic dryness is associated with a disrupted skin barrier. “Without an optimal barrier function your skin becomes more vulnerable to minor trauma and infections, and it will take longer to heal,” says Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York. The best remedy to restore your skin’s barrier—and keep your complexion smooth and supple—is, without a doubt, a moisturizer made to nourish dry skin types.

The Best Ingredients for Dry Skin

“Moisturizers help to keep the skin looking and functioning at its best and help ensure the strength and resilience of the skin barrier,” says Dr. King. She recommends reaching for products that contain hydrating and nourishing ingredients—specifically moisturizing creams or ointments that contain oils such as olive or jojoba. “Shea butter also works well,” she adds. “Other ingredients that help soothe dry skin include lactic acid, urea, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil and petrolatum.” To best absorb all the hydration your moisturizer contains, she recommends applying immediately after washing.

Ready to arm your skin with the protective barrier it needs to remain healthy and hydrated? Read on for the best moisturizers that are guaranteed to do the job and leave you with that desirable dewy glow.