The present invention provides for a method for treating a skin disorder in a mammal inflicted with a skin disorder. The present invention also provides for a method for retarding or reversing the loss of collagen fibers, abnormal changes in elastic fibers, or deterioration of small blood vessels in sundamaged mammalian skin. The present invention also provides for a method for exfoliating the skin surface of a mammal. The present invention also provides for a method for treating or preventing acne or a pimple in a mammal in need thereof. The methods include topically administering, to a mammal in need of such treatment, a composition that includes xanthophylls in a nontoxic amount, effective to treat the skin disorder.