Abstract: This invention relates to the use of topically applied thyroid hormone compounds and thyroid hormone-like compounds which are receptor binding ligands, either agonists or antagonists, to improve the appearance of the skin and underlying subcutaneous fat and improve certain medical conditions when applied topically. These compounds can be used to treat skin conditions such as stria, cellulite, roughened skin, actinic skin damage, intrinsically aged skin, photodamaged kin, lichen planus, ichthyosis, acne, psoriasis, wrinkled skin, corticosteroid atrophy, collagen deficient skin, and to diminish the size and improve the appearance of skin scarring from surgical or naturally occurring wounds, and to reduce the incidence of hyperkeratotic scarring. The thyroid agonists and antagonists may also promote differentiation and amelioration of dedifferentiated skin in premalignant lesions.