Abstract: This application relates to a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and treatment of skin conditions in a patient having a sugar compound that is converted to a glycosaminoglycan in the patient in an amount sufficient to thicken the skin, a primary antioxidant component in an amount sufficient to substantially inhibit the formation of collagenase and elastase, at least one amino acid component in an amount sufficient to assist in the thickening of the skin, and at least one transition metal component in an amount effective to bind collagen and elastic fibers and rebuild skin. In one preferred form, the composition further includes a catechin-based preparation, a glucosamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, and a chondroitin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof. In a more preferred form, the invention further includes a vitamin E source, a cysteine source, a vitamin B.sub.3 source, quercetin dihydrate, pyridoxal 5 phosphate-Co B.sub.