The present invention relates to a novel use of compounds having the general formula (I): CH3(&mdashCH&boxHCH)n&mdashR&emsp&emsp(I) where n=from 2 to 7, and R is chosen from among: CHO, CH2OH, CH2O&mdashCO&mdashR&prime, CO&mdashOR&prime, CO&mdashO(&minus), where R&prime is chosen from among H, the alkyl from C1 to C22, each compound of general formula (I) being used as such or in a mixture, as an active principle in a pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition to improve the human epidermal cell repair activity by means of the production of keratin mediated by the cytokeratins cK-19.