compositions are disclosed which have as a component thereof an inhibitor of the enzymatic production of 3 - deoxyglucosone from fructoselysine and / or an inactivator of 3dg , and which are useful for the treatment or prophylaxis of a condition or disease state that is alleviated by inhibiting such 3dg production . methods of using such compositions , e . g ., for improving the appearance , texture and / or elasticity of aging skin , are also disclosed .