Ultraviolet radiation causes increase of production of the reactive oxygen species in the human skin, which are responsible for oxidative stress and damage of many important cellular components in the target tissue. The complex of antioxidants represents the major protective system against the oxidative damage of the skin. Many antioxidants, namely vitamin E, can be succesfully used in photoprotection.

        Key words: ultraviolet radiation, free oxygen radicals, antioxidants, photoprotection.