In recent years, the depletion of ozone from the stratosphere and increase in outdoor activities has lead to an increase in the exposure of human skin to environmental ultraviolet radiation (UVR), a minor component of the solar radiation. UVR has myriad biological effects on skin and the consequences are proportional to the exposure time, incident light’s intensity and the individual’s inherent susceptibility. Low-level exposure stimulates formation of vitamin D, which is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphoros, while high-level exposure causes sunburns. At doses in between these UV causes gene mutation, suppresses immunity and promotes inflammation, all of which are requisites for mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. UVR-induced cancers include melanomas and two types of malignant keratinocytes, the basal-cell carcinomas (BCC) and squamous-cell carcinomas (SCC). In addition to malignancy, solar keratoses (benign tumors), immunosuppression and photoageing of skin are some of the clinical manifestations attributed to UVR. Sun-protection products reduce the risk for erythema and DNA damage. However, even products with a high sun protection factor (SPF) may not prevent UVR-induced ill effects and immune suppression. Therefore, novel mechanism based approaches for management and prevention of UVR provoked cutaneous damage and disease is to be pursued. Plants are of relevance in skin care for their beneficial effects and virtually all cultures worldwide have relied historically, or continue to rely on medicinal plants for primary health care. Some of the naturally occurring dietary botanicals possessing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenging and immune modulation properties provide substantial protection against the development of cutaneous damage and tumors in both animal and cell culture models. Many such agents are now receiving considerable attention and have found a place in skin care products. Although this is more common in oriental countries, its popularity is significantly growing in western countries. This article reviews the literature on some of the nonvitamin botanical antioxidants and immune stimulants in preventing the photodamage in the recent past.