Final answer:
The best ingredients for treating dehydrated skin are hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which are humectants that help retain moisture. Occlusives like coconut oil and shea butter also aid in moisturizing skin by preventing water loss. Other ingredients, while beneficial for the skin, serve different purposes not specifically targeting dehydration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main types of ingredients that are beneficial for treating dehydrated skin are hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which are effective humectants. These ingredients help to retain moisture in the skin. Humectants, like hyaluronic acid, can absorb water from the air and from deeper layers of the skin, bringing hydration to the epidermis. Glycerin also functions in a similar manner, enhancing skin's water retention. On the other hand, occlusives, such as coconut oil and shea butter, form a protective barrier on the skin that prevents water from escaping. This barrier traps the moisture in the skin, providing a remedy to dry and dehydrated skin.
Ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are generally used for treating acne, not for hydrating the skin. Retinol and vitamin C are known for their anti-aging and skin brightening properties. Although beneficial in their own right, these are not specifically targeted towards the treatment of dehydrated skin.
Moisturizers often include a variety of additional components such as ceramides, which help in reinforcing the skin's barrier, and antioxidants, which protect from environmental damage. To alleviate other skin issues such as itching and inflammation, ingredients with soothing properties, like aloe vera or colloidal oatmeal, might be included in moisturizer formulas.