Hot or cold air, low humidity, frequent contacts with water or cleansing solutions ruin protective layer, and skin loses its natural ability to hold moisture. When water level in skin drops by 10%, skin becomes dry, itchy and flaky.

As we age, skin's protection mechanism slows down and skin becomes dry. In some people dry skin is inherited genetically.

Even though outermost skin layer is made of dead cells, we have to take care of it. The primary function of horny layer is protection of deeper skin layers, where new cells are born. Regular use of hydrating creams helps to prevent water loss, restore moisture balance and elasticity of outer skin layer and help it do its job.

Oils, mucopolysaccharides, and fatty acids are widely used in cosmetics to prevent water loss. The most effective cosmetic ingredients for this purpose are liposomes, ceramides and sphingolipids.

Liposomes are microscopic spheres that can be used to encapsulate water, vitamins or other beneficial ingredients. Because these elements are similar in structure to cell membrane, they are easily utilized by skin. They can penetrate skin surface, bind with it and release substances they carry.

Ceramides and Sphingolipids are elements that hold skin cells together so that environment can not get in and moisture can not get out. Lipids are lost with age, and moisture barrier is weakened. Research shows that applying ceramides topically has effect of generating ceramide production in skin, thereby increasing lipid content and reinforcing protective barrier.

Look for creams with above ingredients to keep your skin in its best condition and defy aging.

If you'd like to add any type of seating in your front yard or porch area, let it be practical but also let its materials and design speak to your soul. Think about making a more natural seat out of materials you have on hand or can inexpensively obtain. One of more memorable seats I recall was simply made out of a tree trunk that had been laid down horizontally and placed strategically within owner's landscaping plan for use as a natural log bench.

Windchimes can be a memorable addition to your outdoor decor too because they add both a visual element as well as an auditory memory. The more of our five senses that are activated, more likely we are to remember something. You'll find that sounds of windchimes can vary greatly due to different materials, shapes, and sizes that they are available in.

If you'd like a personalized and memorable novelty for your front yard consider getting a custom engraved rock! You can now personalize stones with an image, your family name engraved within rock, your address and/or an important word or quotation on it. Engraved garden stones, such as these, are among some of newer ways some homeowners are using to decorate their front yard to create memorable first and long-lasting impressions.

Copyright 2003 Elizabeth Hekimian-Williams