Photoprotective effect of topical anti-inflammatory agents against ultraviolet radiation-induced chronic skin damage in the hairless mouse.

Albino hairless mice (Skh:HR-1) exposed chronically to suberythemal doses of ultraviolet (UV) radiation display visible and histological alterations in the skin. One alteration is an increase in dermal cellularity, including inflammatory cells. This suggested a role for inflammation in chronic photodamage. We evaluated the photoprotective effect of topical hydrocortisone, ibuprofen, and naproxen against photodamage. All 3 agents protected against UVB radiation-induced visible wrinkling, tumor formation, and histological alterations. Hydrocortisone and naproxen were also evaluated for protection against UVA radiation-induced visible skin sagging and histological alterations. Both were very effective. These data indicate that chronic topical application of anti-inflammatory agents provides broad solar UV spectrum photoprotection.