Cosmetic compositions containing substituted azole and methods for alleviating the signs of photoaged skin

A method of alleviating the signs of photoaged skin comprising:

• a. identifying a target UV-exposed skin surface in need of treatment;
• b. applying to said target skin surface a composition comprising:
• i. an effective amount of a substituted azole compound represented by the structure:
• where:
• R1 is an alkyl or phenyl electron donating group,
• R2 is hydrogen,
• R3 and R4 do not form a fused ring, and each is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, and phenyl;
• and
• ii. a dermatologically acceptable carrier;
• wherein said composition is applied for a period of time sufficient to alleviate one or more signs of photoaging.