A method for protecting mammalian skin against photodamage caused by an exposure to a damaging radiation. The method includes irradiating the mammalian skin before the exposure to the damaging radiation with a protective radiation, the protective radiation including radiation having a wavelength larger than the wavelength of the damaging radiation, the protective radiation being irradiated onto the mammalian skin under conditions suitable for reducing photodamage to the mammalian skin caused by the damaging radiation.