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.

Abstract: Preventive as well as therapeutic treatment to alleviate cosmetic conditions and symptoms of dermatologic disorders with amphoteric compositions containing alpha hydroxyacids, alpha ketoacids, related compounds or polymeric forms of hydroxyacids is disclosed. The cosmetic conditions and the dermatologic disorders in which the amphoteric compositions and the polymeric compounds may be useful include dry skin, dandruff, acne, keratoses, psoriasis, eczema, pruritus, age spots, lentigines, melasmas, wrinkles, warts, blemished skin, hyperpigmented skin, kyperkeratotic skin, inflammatory dermatoses, skin changes associated with aging, and skin requiring cleansers.