The invention relates to a carotenoid for use in the treatment or prevention of stress induced conditions, and in particular it relates to the treatment or prevention of a disease mediated by glucocorticoid receptor activity. The invention also relates to a cosmetic method for preventing premature-aging of skin in a subject which comprises administering a carotenoid to said subject. Finally, the invention relates to a method for modulating the activity of a glucocorticoid receptor comprising contacting the receptor with a carotenoid.
