[Prevention of ultraviolet ray damage: external and internal sunscreens]

Acute and chronic exposures to non-physiological doses of UV-light lead to a variety of changes of the skin. The most significant of these changes are a premature aging of the skin, UV-induced hyperkeratosis or atrophy, provocation of skin diseases and neoplasms of the skin. Furthermore, the local and systemic immune response can be negatively modulated. As long as society views tanned skin as a sign of beauty and success, and provided no behavioral changes occur, it will be required to emphasize prevention through education and the use of external and internal sun protection products. It is presently customary to use only sunscreens which can block UVB and UVA light to varying degrees. It could also be shown that presupplementation with beta carotene combined with topical sunscreens are more effective than sunscreen cream alone. Therefore the use of such a combination for the general health of population at risk e.g. before UV-exposure would seem advisable. There are no acceptable alternatives of protection against UV-radiation except suitable clothing and avoiding skin exposure to direct sun light.