The invention relates to the use of compounds of formula (I) R&mdash；N1-spermidine, i.e. 1.4-butanediamine,N-(3-aminopropyl)-N1&mdash；R, (I) H2N &mdash；(CH2)3&mdash；N1(R)&mdash；(CH2)4&mdash；NH2, as such or in the form of pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives, as active principle in a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition for resisting the effects of skin ageing through an anti-inflammatory action, by topical administration. Such compounds also have an antioxidant activity against oxygen free radicals (ROS) comparable with that of &alpha；-tocopherol.
