The present invention relates to pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions comprising at least one agonist ligand, which is specific for receptors of the RAR-.gamma. type, which are characterized as inducers of apoptosis in at least one cell population in which apoptosis can be induced by activating receptors of the RAR-.gamma. type. In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of combating photoinduced or chronological ageing of skin, said method comprising administering an effective amount of at least one agonist ligand which is specific for receptors of the RAR-.gamma. type to combat photoinduced or chronological aging of skin, wherein the agonist ligand has a ratio R which is equal to or greater than 10.