Sunscreens and their use in the preventive treatment of sunlight-induced skin damage.

In this brief review, clinically relevant practical aspects of topical protection against the harmful effects of solar radiation on human skin are discussed. The article covers information in the following areas of photo-protection: nature of solar radiation; classification of normal individuals into sun-reactive skin types I-VI; minimal erythema doses of UVB and UVA radiation for individuals of skin types I-VI; classification of sunscreens and SPF values of brand-name sunscreens; a list of UVB- and UVA-absorbing chemicals used in sunscreen formulations in the USA; guidelines for recommending topical sunscreens for the prevention of sunburn, skin photoaging, and skin cancer; and concerns about the harmful effects of UVA radiation and tanning parlors on human skin and the methods used to minimize the potential damaging effects of UVA.