Uses of topical compositions comprising a 2-hydroxycarboxylic acid or related compound to alleviate or improve signs of
skin, nail and hair changes associated with intrinsic or extrinsic aging are disclosed. 2-Hydroxycarboxylic acids and their related compounds include, for example, 2-hydroxyethanoic acid, hydroxypropanoic acid, 2-methyl 2-hydroxypropanoic acid, 2-phenyl 2-hydroxyethanoic acid, 2-phenyl 2-methyl 2-hydroxyethanoic acid, 2-phenyl 3-hydroxypropanoic acid, 2,2-diphenyl 2-hydroxyethanoic acid, 2-hydroxybutane-1,4-dioic acid, 2,3-hihydroxybutane-1,4-dioic acid, 2-carboxy 2-hydroxypentane-1,5-dioic acid, 2-ketopropanoic acid, methyl 2-ketopropanoate, ethyl 2-ketopropanoate, and
gluconolactone. Topical application of compositions comprising 2-hydroxycarboxylic acid and / or related compounds has been found to alleviate or improve
skin lines; blotches; blemishes; nodules; wrinkles;
pigmented spots;
atrophy; precancerous lesions; elastotic changes characterized by leathery, coarse, rough, dry and yellowish
skin; and other skin changes associated with intrinsic aging or skin damages caused by extrinsic factors such as
sunlight, radiations,
air pollution, wind, cold, dampness, heat, chemicals,
smoke and
cigarette smoking. Topical applications of such compositions have also been found to improve the overall qualities of nail and hair affected by intrinsic aging or damaged by extrinsic factors.