The Best Over-the-Counter Skin Care Products

You don’t need a prescription to get effective skin care products. Some skin conditions may require prescription-strength treatments, but if your skin has no serious issues, over-the-counter products may be right for you. These products range from cleansers to moisturizers to special treatments. Look for products designed with your skin type and care in mind, and be sure to ask your doctor before you begin using new products if you have allergies or skin problems.

You should wash your face every day with a cleanser formulated for your particular skin care needs. For dry or combination skin, Essence suggests Weleda Iris Cleansing Lotion, which the magazine recommended in a 2009 article on adopting a spa-like skin care routine. This product promises to provide moisture balance to dehydrated skin, and it claims that its creamy formula will rid your skin of impurities without drying it out. It contains iris root extract to help your skin stay moisturized, as well as to help regulate excess oil. It also uses jojoba oil to increase skin’s elasticity; and witch hazel to act as a mild astringent. The cleanser promises to leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and comfortable.

Moisturizing your skin daily will help keep it healthy and vibrant. But if you have sensitive skin, finding a product that will not cause irritation can be a challenge. Allure magazine suggests Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion SPF 15 Sensitive Skin, which it rated as the top facial moisturizer for sensitive skin in 2009. This lotion contains a blend of vitamins and other ingredients that are intended to both nourish your skin and help protect it against sun damage. Free of oil and PABA, this moisturizer claims to soak quickly into your skin without leaving a greasy residue. It contains no dyes or fragrances to make it safe for those with sensitive skin.

If you like natural or organic products, consider using Aubrey Organics Herbessence Makeup Remover to remove your makeup and prepare your skin for washing. Makeup artist Jenn Jorge Nelson, who does makeup for the show "30 Rock," claims that this product removes makeup without leaving any residue. In 2008, it was also rated as a top natural beauty product by Elle magazine. The makeup remover contains a blend of herbal oils, like sweet almond and jojoba oil, to dissolve makeup and nourish your skin. It also contains lavender oil to refresh skin and aloe vera and primrose oil to calm it. This is also a vegan-approved product, and it has not been tested on animals.