Topical vitamin E applied to skin protected against UV-induced erythema, lipid peroxidation, and photoaging changes in mice. Topical application protected against UV-immunosuppression. Topical vitamin E prevented photocarcinogenesis in mice and UV-induced thymine dimer formation. In addition to its photoprotective effects, vitamin E inhibits melanogenesis; its major effect may be through inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase