What should i look for in an over-the-counter skin care product?

Depends: Depends on what your skin care needs are... Do you have problems with acne? Dry skin? In general, products that are fragrance-free and lack unnecessary ingredients are preferred. Some safe choices are cerave & cetaphil products. You should see your physician or be evaluated by a dermatologist for more specific recommendations given your skin type.

Skin Care Routine: Best skincare routine includes 1) cleansing (with or without a physical exfoliation); 2) toning; 3) chemical exfoliation (glycolic); 4) other active products such as retin-a, skin lighteners, salicylic (acne), benzoyl peroxide (acne), anti-oxidants (vit c, others); 5) moisturizer; 6) SPF with zinc. Make sure that you pay attention to individual product directions and prescription guidelines.

Skin care: Non-comedogenic means it is not prone to cause acne but it doesn't gurantee it. Luxurious labels do not mean it works well or is worth a lot of money. Dermatologist tested doesn't mean it passed the test! don't over exfoliate, it's not good. Use a separate sunscreen, not one mixed in with another product.

OTC products: To be totally honest, most otc stuff does not work if you have problem skin. If your skin is fine, neutrogena, cetaphil are fine. If you have problem skin, neostrata/glytone are great for acne and wrinkle prevention, obagi is more skin & wrinkle correction, and if you have sensitive skin try the avene line. They are a little more expensive but you will get better results.