It’s this time of year when we put our moisturizers to the test — to see if they can truly go the extra mile. If you are like me, every winter your skin gets dry and flakey. No matter how thick you coat your skin or how much money you spend on a particular product, you can’t stop the vicious cycle. Until now.

My quest to find the best moisturizer led me to Dr. Beckman, MD. Through research in combination with the education provided by Dr. Beckman, I rediscovered an ingredient that truly has magical powers. Lanolin. I know what you are thinking (especially if you were a nursing new mom). I challenge you to think again. See, skin care product companies turn to vegetable oils or mineral oils as the foundation elements in skin moisturizers. However, waxy mineral or vegetable oils cannot penetrate the skin. They simply coat the surface with a comedogenic, non-breathable and non-absorbable coating. And though this coating does prevent evaporation, it falls short of restoring suppleness, pliability, breathability and stretchability (movement between the layers of skin).

All lanolins are not the same. I learned that there are actually 32 commonly accepted grades of lanolin. Only the top two grades are classified USP Superfine. Extracting this grade lanolin is expensive and laborious, which is why larger skin care manufacturers do not utilize this ingredient. USP Superfine grade lanolin is both hypo-allergenic and hydrophilic, allowing superb penetration throughout the entire epidermis. It leaves no oily residue, has minimal sensitivity, yet provides maximum pliability. In addition, USP Superfine lanolin contains no heavy oils or waxes and is therefore non-comedogenic. Subsequently, it provides a superior vehicle for carrying other ingredients to deeper levels of the epidermis (such as alpha hydroxy acids, humectants, vitamins).

So, what should you look for in a moisturizer? Stay away from products with mineral oils, petroleum, or cocoa butter in their ingredient list. To be certain of the lanolin used in any formulation, call the manufacturer and confirm that only USP Superfine grade lanolin is used. In making the switch to Theraderm’s Enriched Facial Moisturizer, my skin has been completely restored and is soft, supple and hydrated. I haven’t been dry for even one day since using this product.

It’s time to ditch what isn’t working and focus on the future of your skin’s health. Masking dry skin won’t get you anywhere. Solving the problem at hand will provide healthy, vibrant and beautiful skin for a lifetime.