as used herein , the phrases “ selected from the group consisting of ,” “ chosen from ,” and the like include mixtures of the specified materials . tunis such as “ contains ” and the like are meant to include “ including at least ” unless otherwise specifically noted . where a numerical limit or range is stated , the endpoints are included . also , all values and subranges within a numerical limit or range are specifically included as if explicitly written out . the various embodiments and compositions described herein are typically used by persons desiring to protect their skin from harmful environmental factors , or to repair skin that has been previously damaged by such factors . for example , persons using those compositions may seek to prevent damage to the skin caused by lack of hydration , inflammation or infrared radiation . benefits of using the compositions of the present invention include retaining and / or restoring and / or improving physical and mechanical properties of the skin which includes smoothness , taughtness , resiliency and radiance . the present invention is directed to a topical skin care composition containing a combination of an aloe leaf extract , a stable , oil soluble form of vitamin c , a palm tocotrienol / tocopherol complex , a bioengineered biofunctional peptide to boost the natural endogenous synthesis of coq10 , a glutathione - biomimetic antioxidant peptide , a peptide inhibitor of elastase and mmp - 1 , an exopolysaccharide , a knotgrass extract , a phyto - complex , an oat avenanthramide extract , an oat β - glucan , a soy based complex , and an extract from dried apples . the combination promotes rejuvenation of the skin and inhabits damage to skin caused by dehydration and environmental factors . as a result , the composition provides surprising performance benefits in reducing or removing fine lines and wrinkles , firming the skin , hydrating the skin and promoting a younger appearance . the aloe leaf extract used in the compositions of the present invention may be obtained from commercial sources or harvested according to known collection and extraction procedures . the aloe leaf extract may be an extract of the leaves of aloe barbadensis . this extract provides a combination of vitamins , minerals and amino acids that has been found to hydrate and soothe skin irritations . one source for such an extract is aloe barbadensis leaf extract 200x , sold by concentrated aloe corporation ( ormond beach , fl .) according to one embodiment or composition of the invention , the aloe leaf extract is present in an amount ranging from 0 . 01 % to 0 . 50 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and preferably from about 0 . 09 % to 0 . 11 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and most preferably in an amount ranging from 0 . 05 % to 0 . 10 % by weight of the topical skin care composition . the stable , oil based source of vitamin c ( ascorbic acid ) used in the compositions of the present invention may be obtained from commercial sources . the stable , oil based source of vitamin c has been found to provide anti - oxidant protection along with promotion of collagen synthesis to normalize uneven skin tone an diminish age spots . one source for such a stable , oil based source of vitamin c ( ascorbic acid ) is bv - osc , sold by barnett products corporation ( edgewood cliffs , n . j .) according to one embodiment or composition of the invention , the stable , oil based source of vitamin c ( ascorbic acid ) is present in an amount ranging from 0 . 01 % to 10 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and preferably from about 0 . 095 % to 3 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and most preferably in an amount ranging from 0 . 10 % to 0 . 11 % by weight of the topical skin care composition . the palm tocotrienol / tocopherol complex used in the compositions of the present invention may be obtained from commercial sources . the palm tocotrienol / tocopherol complex is comprised predominately of four tocotrienol isomers ( alpha , beta , gamma and delta ) together with tocopherols . the palm tocotrienol / tocopherol complex has been found to maintain healthy skin especially by preventing oxidative stress and providing protection against uv - induced skin damage . one source for such a palm tocotrienol / tocopherol complex is tocomin 50 % c ( l ), sold by carotech inc . according to one embodiment or composition of the invention , the palm tocotrienol / tocopherol complex is present in an amount ranging from 0 . 05 % to 3 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and preferably from about 0 . 05 % to 2 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and most preferably in an amount ranging from 0 . 09 % to 0 . 11 % by weight of the topical skin care composition . the bioengineered biofunctional peptide used to boost the natural endogenous synthesis of coq10 used in the compositions of the present invention may be obtained from commercial sources . the bioengineered biofunctional peptide has been found to boost the natural endogenous synthesis of coq10 which helps to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines , and to retard the appearance of aging . one source for such a bioengineered biofunctional peptide is peptide q10 biofunctional , sold by ashland , inc . according to one embodiment or composition of the invention , the bioengineered biofunctional peptide is present in an amount ranging from 0 . 05 % to 1 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and preferably from about 0 . 50 % to 1 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and most preferably in an amount ranging from 0 . 45 % to 0 . 55 % by weight of the topical skin care composition . the glutathione - biomimetic antioxidant peptide used in the compositions of the present invention may be obtained from commercial sources . the glutathione - biomimetic antioxidant peptide has been found to protect against glycation damage to the skin , to protect the skin from environmental stresses , and to prevent loss of skin resiliency . one source for such a glutathione - biomimetic antioxidant peptide is quintescine is , sold by ashland , inc . according to one embodiment or composition of the invention , the glutathione - biomimetic antioxidant peptide is present in an amount ranging from 0 . 20 % to 2 . 5 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and preferably from about 0 . 2 % to 0 . 5 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and most preferably in an amount ranging from 0 . 225 % to 0 . 275 % by weight of the topical skin care composition . the peptide inhibitor of elastase and mmp - 1 used in the compositions of the present invention may be obtained from commercial sources . the peptide inhibitor of elastase and mmp - 1 has been found to defend the skin collagen and elastin network against deleterious damage caused by aging and environmental factors such as uv radiation , pollution , and cigarette smoke . the peptide inhibitor of elastase and mmp - 1 has also been found to reduce the symptoms of actinic aging and helps to increase the elasticity and firmness of the skin . one source for such a peptide inhibitor of elastase and mmp - 1 is ecm - protect bfg 100 , sold by lucas meyer cosmetics . according to one embodiment or composition of the invention , the peptide inhibitor of elastase and mmp - 1 is present in an amount ranging from 0 . 5 % to 10 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and preferably from about 4 . 0 % to 6 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and most preferably in an amount ranging from 4 . 5 % to 5 . 5 % by weight of the topical skin care composition . the exopolysaccharide used in the compositions of the present invention may be obtained from commercial sources . the exopolysaccharide has been found to chelate heavy metals and to protect skin cells from uv and pollutants , thus decreasing premature aging and skin damage , and reducing skin sensitivity caused by urban pollution . one source for such an exopolysaccharide is exo - p , sold by lucas meyer cosmetics . according to one embodiment or composition of the invention , the exopolysaccharide is present in an amount ranging from 0 . 3 % to 5 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and preferably from about 0 . 5 % to 3 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and most preferably in an amount ranging from 2 . 7 % to 3 . 3 % by weight of the topical skin care composition . the knotgrass extract used in the compositions of the present invention may be obtained from commercial sources . the knotgrass extract is rich in flavonoids which have been found to protect dermis fibers from damage caused by uv and infrared radiation from the sun . it has also been found to increase skin firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and to prevent premature photo - aging of the skin . one source for knotgrass extract is ilix - ir , sold by lucas meyer cosmetics . according to one embodiment or composition of the invention , the knotgrass extract is present in an amount ranging from 0 . 5 % to 2 . 2 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and preferably from about 0 . 5 % to 2 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and most preferably in an amount ranging from 1 . 8 % to 2 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition . the phyto - complex used in the compositions of the present invention may be obtained from commercial sources . the phyto - complex has been found to protect and improve skin radiance through the transformation of uv rays into a source of visible light . this helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles , making skin to appear more radiant and youthful . one source for such a phyto - complex is luminescine , sold by tri - k industries , inc . according to one embodiment or composition of the invention , the phyto - complex is present in an amount ranging from 1 . 0 % to 5 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and preferably from about 3 . 0 % to 5 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and most preferably in an amount ranging from 0 . 9 % to 1 . 1 % by weight of the topical skin care composition . the oat avenanthramide extract used in the compositions of the present invention may be obtained from commercial sources . oat avenanthramide extract has been found to be a natural anti - oxidant and anti - irritant that protects from uv exposure and reduces redness , inflammation and itching of the skin . one source for such an oat avenanthramide extract is cp oat avenanthramide extract 902 - 3043 , sold by ceapro , inc . according to one embodiment or composition of the invention , the oat avenanthramide extract is present in an amount ranging from 0 . 1 % to 3 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and preferably from about 0 . 3 % to 2 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and most preferably in an amount ranging from 0 . 45 % to 0 . 55 % by weight of the topical skin care composition . the oat β - glucan used in the compositions of the present invention may be obtained from commercial sources . the oat β - glucan has been found to penetrate and moisturize the skin , and to promote procollagen formation . one source for such a oat β - glucan is colloidal oatmeal irradiated , sold by oat cosmetics or charkit chemical corporation . according to one embodiment or composition of the invention , the oat β - glucan is present in an amount ranging from 0 . 05 % to 2 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and preferably from about 0 . 1 % to 2 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and most preferably in an amount ranging from 0 . 225 % to 0 . 275 % by weight of the topical skin care composition . the soy based complex used in the compositions of the present invention may be obtained from commercial sources . the soy based complex has been found to improve hydration , clarity , and firmness of the skin . the soy based complex has also been found to provide anti - flakiness and anti - wrinkle benefits . one source for such a soy based complex is allosteris , sold by barnet products corporation . according to one embodiment or composition of the invention , the soy based complex is present in an amount ranging from 0 . 1 % to 3 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and preferably from about 1 . 0 % to 2 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and most preferably in an amount ranging from 0 . 9 % to 1 . 1 % by weight of the topical skin care composition . the extract from dried apples used in the compositions of the present invention may be obtained from commercial sources . the extract from dried apples is a moisturizing saccharide complex that has been found to moisturize and smooth skin texture . one source for such an extract from dried apples is botanimoist ams , sold by botanigenics , inc . according to one embodiment or composition of the invention , the extract from dried apples is present in an amount ranging from 0 . 5 % to 10 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and preferably from about 0 . 5 % to 5 . 0 % by weight of the topical skin care composition , and most preferably in an amount ranging from 0 . 9 % to 1 . 1 % by weight of the topical skin care composition . other components may also be included in the compositions of various embodiments of the present invention . for example , purified water may be used as a diluent . carpobol ultrez 30 20 , available from lubrazol , which is a mixture of acrylates / c10 - 30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer , may be used as a thickener and carrier . ammonium acryloydimethyltauratenp copolymer , sold by clariant as aristoflex avc may be used as an emulsifier . trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate , sold by innospec as natriquest e30 , may be used as a chelating agent . propanediol dicaprylate / caprate , sold by phoenix chemical as pelemol p - 810 , may be used as an emollient , and proanediol , sold by dupont as zemea , may be used as a humectant . a preservative , such as linatural mbs - 1 , sold by lincoln fine ingredients , may also be used . a ph modifier , such as aminomethyl propanol , sold as amp ultra pc 2000 by angus , may also be used . the invention is now more fully illustrated using the following example , which is not to be understood as limiting the invention to the embodiments described . a topical cream for day use was prepared using the ingredients set forth in table 1 below . the day cream was prepared by mixing ingredients 1 through 21 in a sanitized stainless steel processing tank using moderate agitation until a homogenous cream suitable for application to the skin of a user is obtained . mixing was performed at 30 - 50 hertz with propeller and side sweep agitation . after 1 hour of mixing , a top and bottom sample was evaluated for uniform polymer dispersion . the resulting topical day cream was an opaque , viscous emulsion , off - white in color . the ph at 25 degrees centigrade was between 4 . 95 - 5 . 25 , the viscosity was between 2000 - 6500 cps as measured by a brookfield viscometer , and the specific gravity at 25 degrees centigrade was between 0 . 982 - 1 . 022 . a topical cream for day use was prepared using the ingredients set forth in table 2 below . the day cream was prepared by mixing ingredients 1 through 21 in a sanitized stainless steel processing tank using moderate agitation until a homogenous cream suitable for application to the skin of a user is obtained . mixing was performed at 30 - 50 hertz with propeller and side sweep agitation . after 1 hour of mixing , a top and bottom sample was evaluated for uniform polymer dispersion . the resulting topical day cream was an opaque , viscous emulsion , off - white in color . the ph at 25 degrees centigrade was between 4 . 95 - 5 . 25 , the viscosity was between 2000 - 6500 cps as measured by a brookfield viscometer , and the specific gravity at 25 degrees centigrade was between 0 . 982 - 1 . 022 . the examples presented above provide a process for making and using the various embodiments of the invention to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the same . it will be understood that the various examples may be used to protect a user &# 39 ; s face and other skin areas from the harmful effects of various environmental factors . it will also be understood that the various embodiments of the invention may be used in concert with other topical liquids , creams , sprays and the like without departing from the intended scope of the invention . in another embodiment , the invention includes a method of treating skin comprising applying the topical skin care composition such as is described above to the skin . typically , the topical skin care composition is applied to the skin , often the face , which may , for example , but not limited to , have wrinkles , fine lines , uneven tone , loss of firmness , surface roughness , dark circles , under - eye puffiness , sun damage , redness , dryness , irritation , enlarged ports and combinations of all or some of the above . alternatively , the topical skin care composition may be applied to the skin to prevent the occurrence of the various problems described above . the novel compositions of the present invention are used by subjects desiring to obtain the benefits noted above , including the hydration of their skin , increasing the skins resiliency and radiance , and proving protection against inflammation - related signs of aging , such as fine lines and wrinkles . use of the various compositions of the invention may decrease the size of skin pores , even out the tone of the skin , and improve the texture of the skin . typically , a person using the compositions of the invention apply them to the their skin in amounts that obtain one or more of the noted benefits . for example , the compositions of the invention may be applied to a skin area so as to improve the texture of the skin , reduce pore size , or hydrate dry skin . alternatively , the compositions may be applied to prevent damage to the skin caused by environmental facts that sunscreen cannot protect against , such as , for example , damage caused by inflammation and infrared radiation . the amount used is typically sufficient to obtain coverage of a desired area of the skin , such as the face , with a single application . the compositions of the various embodiments of the present invention may also be used over the course of a period of time , with the amount of the compositions used including the amount used during repeated applications . for example , the compositions of the various embodiments of the present invention may be applied to a desired area of the skin on a daily basis , either once a day or several times per day , over the course of days , weeks , months or any time period desired by the user . the various compositions of the embodiments of the invention are typically considered to be light - weight , easily absorbed and layer cleanly under makeup or other substances applied to the skin without pilling or feeling heavy . the skin care compositions of the various embodiments of the present invention may be formulated to be used on an “ as needed ” basis , or they may be formulated for application at specific times of the day , or multiple times during the time the user is awake . they may also be formulated for use on an every other day , weekly , monthly or other basis . the compositions of the various embodiments of the present invention may also be formulated for application by the fingers of the user , or they may be formulated for application by some application means , such as , for example , a soft pad or other applicator well known in the art . the compositions of the various embodiments of the present invention may also be used as part of a skin treatment regimen , and may also be used in conjunction with other skin creams and makeup . in one embodiment , a user of a skin care composition in accordance with the present invention cleanses his / her skin and gently pats the skin dry . a thin , even layer of the skin care composition in accordance with the present invention is applied to the face , neck , or other portions of the body . the skin care composition is then gently massaged into the skin . this process may be performed every morning , for example . while particular embodiments of the present invention have been described , it is understood that various different modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention are possible . the invention is limited only by the scope of the appended claims .
topical skin care composition for day use containing a combination of stabilized antioxidants , oat derived avenanthramide and biofunctional peptides and other optional ingredients for topical application for the treatment and prevention of skin damage due to environmental factors .