A topical composition comprising a lipoic acid, a carnitine, and a carnosine in a suitable vehicle for topical application and a method for treating skin is provided. The present compositions are useful in improving the appearance of aged skin characterized by wrinkles and loss of elasticity. Preferred components include R-lipoic acid or R-dihydrolipoic acid, acetyl-l-carnitine, and l-carnosine.
