(NC)-The human body has an enormous capacity to repair itself, and that includes the ability of your skin. Every day, 300 million new cells are produced for you, and indeed, every month, you have a totally new layer of skin. This means it's up to us to take care of it.

Natural processes cause the skin to age, with hormone levels changing as we grow older. In between, the chance of over exposure to sunlight, poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and even the air we breathe contributes to an aging appearance of the skin. From time to time, it will crack and flake with too much sun, or wind, dry air and pollutants- all of which is uncomfortable, unhealthy and unsightly.

Do lotions help?

"If you apply a good-quality moisturizer after showering every day, combined with a nutritious diet and regular exercise, you establish a regimen for effective skincare," says Adriana Izquierdo of Johnson and Johnson. "Lotions and moisturizers soothe, nourish, and protect our skin. Look for lotions containing glycerin, mineral oil, petrolatum and dimethicone. When combined, these agents strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier to keep it hydrated."

The Lubriderm line of fragrance-free products is a case in point, she says, targeting hydration and skin replenishment.

"Lubriderm UV SPF 15 contains a sunscreen with powerful moisturizers," Izquierdo explained. "Or for dry skin healing, the Intense Dry Skin Repair Body Lotion rejuvenates constantly through the day with a gradual time-release technology. It not only retains natural moisture levels in the skin, but is enriched with soothing emollients and vitamins to provide itch relief too."

Here are a few more tips for healthier spring and summer skin:

[ ] Shower quickly. Keep showers under 10 minutes. Water hydrates, but too much will strip your skin of natural oils.

[ ] Use warm water. Hot water robs your skin of essential oils.

[ ] Use a mild soap. Choose natural cleansers suited to your condition, without detergents and fragrances.

[ ] Use a puff. Each day you have millions of dead skin cells to slough off. A body puff assists the process, leaving you with more glowing younger looking skin.

[ ] Moisturize immediately. Towel dry and apply. A good replenishing and repair lotion will trap water in the skin. If you're outdoors frequently, use a moisturizer with a sunscreen factor of at least SPF 15.

- News Canada