The present invention relates to methods for regulating the condition of mammalian keratinous tissue wherein the methods comprise the step of topically applying to the keratinous tissue of a
mammal needing such treatment, a safe and effective amount of a composition comprising: a) a safe and effective amount of one or more phytosterols selected from the group consisting of beta-sitosterol,
campesterol, brassicasterol,
Delta5-avennasterol, lupenol, alpha-spinasterol,
stigmasterol, their derivatives, and combinations thereof; and b) a dermatologically acceptable carrier for the
phytosterol. In additional embodiments, the above composition is suitable for thickening
skin and preventing, retarding, and / or treating
atrophy of mammalian
skin, preventing, retarding, and / or treating the appearance of dark, under-eye circles and / or puffy eyes, preventing, retarding, and / or treating sallowness of mammalian
skin, d) preventing and / or retarding tanning of mammalian skin, regulating and / or reducing the size of pores in mammalian skin, desquamating, exfoliating, and / or increasing turnover of mammalian skin, regulating oily / shiny appearance, preventing / retarding post-inflammatory
hyperpigmentation in mammalian skin, and preventing and / or treating the appearance of
cellulite in mammalian skin.