PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an external preparation for skin which increases an enzyme activity associated with the skin condition, and improves the skin condition.SOLUTION: The invention provides an external preparation for skin containing a production acceleration component of heat shock proteins and polyethylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of 2000-5000. The external preparation for skin of the invention can increase the enzyme activity in a horny layer, and can improve the skin condition. The external preparation for skin of the invention is preferred not to contain an oil solution substantially, and can be used as cosmetics. As a production acceleration component of heat shock proteins, specifically, extract of Curcuma longa, Paeoniae Radix, Salix alba, Glycyrrhiza, and Prunus persica can be illustrated. The root, stem, branch, leaf, seed of the plant having these production acceleration components of heat shock proteins, and a single part of the whole plant may be used, or two or more parts of the whole plant also may be used. Pulverized as it is or dried materials may be used. The extract using a polar solvent as an extracting solvent can be illustrated preferably.
