ABSTRACT
Introduction 333
Acute UV-Induced Skin Damage 334
Chronic UV-Induced Skin Damage 336
Reactive Oxygen Species Generated by UV Irradiation and Skin Damage 336
Superoxide Anion, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Hydroxyl Radical 337
Singlet Oxygen 338
Nitric Oxide 339
Prevention of Skin Damage by Scavenging of Reactive Oxygen Species 341
Antioxidants 341
Iron Chelators 343
Conclusion 345
References 346
INTRODUCTION
Living organisms are protected from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and UV
irradiation by the ozone layer surrounding the earth. However, depletion of the
ozone layer, which plays an important role in shielding the earth from UV
rays, and an increase in the amount of UV rays in sunlight reaching the earth’s
surface have been recently reported. As a result, social concerns over the effects
of UV on living organisms have been increasing year by year. Especially, an
increase in skin cancer incidence has emerged as a serious problem.
