Abstract: Provided herein are methods of improving one or more symptoms of a dermatological condition in a patient. The methods comprise topically administering a topical composition to the patient comprising a branched chain amino acid, and an enzyme activator. Also provided are kits comprising the topical composition and optionally a topical steroid.

Abstract: Increased production of skin lipids, increased barrier function, hydrogen peroxide neutralization, prevention of loss of the natural moisturizing factor from the stratum corneum and moisturization of the skin is provided by a topically applicable composition which includes one or more components selected from the group consisting of branched chain amino acids, derivatives of branched chain amino acids and mixtures thereof, which one or more components are capable of being catabolized in epidermal cells to form lipid precursors for epidermal lipid synthesis. The composition can also include one or more enzyme activators which increase the rate of catabolism of the one or more components.