Influence of oral antioxidants on ultraviolet radiation-induced skin damage in humans

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) causes a range of acute and chronic adverse cutaneous effects, in addition to some beneficial effects. In present times, the skin is generally exposed to higher levels of UVR, such that inherent defence mechanisms become overwhelmed. Complications, notably skin malignancies, show a serious rise in incidence. Since many effects of UVR are mediated through generation of reactive oxygen species, antioxidant supplementation provides a strategy to combat their excess generation, and hence reduce the clinical consequences. Human supplementation studies examining the potential of a range of oral agents to protect against UVR-induced skin effects show mixed results; further studies should examine whether certain subgroups of the population may show augmented benefit.