The present invention is directed to methods of using extracts of Vernonia cinerea to impart benefits to skin and/or improve skin conditions resulting from aging or damaged skin, by increasing glycosaminoglycan production and/or content. The present invention is further directed to a composition for providing an aesthetic improvement of the skin comprising an effective amount of a second aqueous extract of a butanol/water extract of Vernonia cinerea and a cosmetically acceptable vehicle, in the form of a water-in-oil, oil-in-water, silicone-in-water, water-in-silicone, polyol-in-silicone, or silicone-in-polyol emulsion.
