The invention relates to the use of molecules, particularly in the fields of human and veterinary health and cosmetics. The inventive compounds are acylated aminopropanediols and the nitrogen- and sulfur-containing analogues thereof and have advantageous pharmacological and cosmetic properties. In particular, the inventive compounds can be used to prevent and/or treat dyslipidemias, cardiovascular diseases, syndrome X, restenosis, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, some cancers, dermatological diseases, and, in the field of cosmetics, to combat skin ageing and the effects of same, in particular the development of wrinkles and the like.