A method is provided for improving skin condition through a system whose steps include applying to the skin separately on a plurality of days a first composition that incorporates a C.sub.2 -C.sub.28 .alpha.- or .beta.-hydroxy carboxylic acid in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Once the skin has acclimated to any irritation induced by the first composition, a second composition is applied to the skin daily for a subsequent period of time. The second composition will also include hydroxy carboxylic acid but at a level at least about 10% higher than that employed in the first composition. Once the skin has acclimated to the second composition, subsequent progressive increases of the active hydroxy carboxylic acid can be applied over subsequent periods of time Finally, a maintenance level composition is utilized with the highest level of hydroxy carboxylic acid in the progressive program to minimize potential irritation.