[Premature skin aging by ultraviolet radiation and other environmental hazards. The molecular basis].

The study of the molecular basis of aging is becoming increasingly important for environmental and dermatological research. In addition to ultraviolet radiation, there are other environmental influences which play a significant role in premature aging processes of the human skin. These include tobacco smoke and, according to recent results, also infrared radiation, ozone and other environmental hazards. Based on our current understanding of the molecular biological basis of the effects of environmental hazards, this overview aims at listing the most important findings which contribute to aging of the skin.