Here the inventors provide a composition for topical application to the skin of animal comprising stearidonic acid in combination with one or octadecatrienoic acids (CODTAs). Preferably the composition comprises echium oil as a source of the stearidonic acid, and a plant lipid as a source of octadecatrienoic acid, such as borage oil (Borago officinalis), wheat germ oil (Triticum vulgare) rosehip oil (refined； Rosa mosqueta), jacaranda oil (Jacandra mimosi folia), and/or calendula oil (Calendula officinalis). The composition of the invention increases collagen I secretion and thus has particular utility for promoting collagen production in skin.
