UV exposure is a major factor of premature skin aging. Sun rays are able to penetrate deep into skin, dehydrate it and damage collagen tissues. Free radical damage may not stop there. Free radicals, unstable molecules that appear during sun exposure, can damage healthy cells and lead to cancer.

Skin has a wonderful ability to repair itself and fight off damage, but it needs proper nutrition to be able to do it effectively.

To help your skin repair itself more successfully, use products that contain antioxidans able to halt destructive activity of free radicals.

Vitamin C, when applied topically, not only neutralizes free radicals, it boosts skin's ability to repair itself after sun damage (American Academy of Dermatology, 2002 meeting). It is also shown to reduce appearance of wrinkles and help to maintain an even skin tone.

Coenzyme Q10 is another powerful antioxidant. It is found in beef, fish, grains, eggs, beans, and spinach. Human body makes its own CoQ10, but production declines with age. Coenzyme Q10 has exceptional antioxidant properties. Studies show that it can effectively counteract free radical damage and provide significant protection against UVA-induced depletion of cell membrane. In other words, it will prevent damage to collagen and elastin production and help you avoid wrinkles.

Omega-3 fatty acid (alpha-linolenic acid) is essential for healthy looking skin. Some studies suggest that it may inhibit cancer. Fish oil and many plant oils (canola, flaxseed, hemp, soybean) are rich in this acid. In cosmetics it is present either as a constituent of another ingredient (for example: Emu oil) or by itself.

Vitamins E helps to prevent skin dryness and protects against environmental factors and free radical damage. It is used in creams and lotions that relieve skin redness after sun exposure.

So stock up with skin armoring lotions, enjoy your summer and keep your skin safe and beautiful. And if you would like to have a bronze tan all over, get one in a bottle.

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.