Uses of topical compositions comprising a 2-hydroxycarboxylic acid or related compound to alleviate or improve signs of skin, nail and hair changes associated with intrinsic or extrinsic aging are disclosed. 2-Hydroxycarboxylic acids and their related compounds include, for example, 2-hydroxyethanoic acid, hydroxypropanoic acid, 2-methyl 2-hydroxypropanoic acid, 2-phenyl 2-hydroxyethanoic acid, 2-phenyl 2-methyl 2-hydroxyethanoic acid, 2-phenyl 3-hydroxypropanoic acid, 2,2-diphenyl 2-hydroxyethanoic acid, 2-hydroxybutane-1,4-dioic acid, 2,3-hihydroxybutane-1,4-dioic acid, 2-carboxy 2-hydroxypentane-1,5-dioic acid, 2-ketopropanoic acid, methyl 2-ketopropanoate, ethyl 2-ketopropanoate, and gluconolactone. Topical application of compositions comprising 2-hydroxycarboxylic acid and/or related compounds has been found to alleviate or improve skin lines; blotches; blemishes; nodules; wrinkles; pigmented spots; atrophy; precancerous lesions; elastotic changes characterized by leathery, coarse, rough, dry and yellowish skin; and other skin changes associated with intrinsic aging or skin damages caused by extrinsic factors such as sunlight, radiations, air pollution, wind, cold, dampness, heat, chemicals, smoke and cigarette smoking. Topical applications of such compositions have also been found to improve the overall qualities of nail and hair affected by intrinsic aging or damaged by extrinsic factors.