Skin, hair and nails are treated by topical application of compositions containing an alkanolamine such as dimethylaminoethanol to increase smoothness and surface uniformity. Application to the skin visibly decreases pore size, treats or prevents acne, diminishes or prevents cutaneous scar tissue, and/or provides a pretreatment prior to applying electrical pulses sufficient to contract subcutaneous muscles underlying the skin. Application to the hair, fingernails or toenails increases elasticity, enhances shine, and provides emolliency to keratin. Alkanolamine compositions contain at least one other adjunct ingredient such as tyrosine, lipoic acid, an alpha -hydroxy acid, or a fatty acid ester of ascorbic acid in most embodiments.