Photoaging refers to cutaneous damage caused by light, especially ultraviolet radiation exposure, in the process of skin aging. Photoaging can be complicated by many kinds of cutaneous diseases, and even results in cutaneous neoplasms. Thus it is necessary to prevent and treat skin photoaging. With further understanding of photoaging,many corresponding developments have been made in its prevention and treatment approaches. In this review a variety of topical drugs used in the prevention and treatment of skin photoaging, including sunscreen agents, retinoids and green tea, etc, are discussed about their mechanism of action, clinical use and curative effects.