Skin cancer incidence is increasing in the US. Non-melanoma skin cancers result from chronic exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun. We are studying how ultraviolet light interacts with skin cells to cause the outgrowth of mutant, sun-damaged skin cells that give rise to skin cancers. We are developing new strategies to intervene in the process of ultraviolet light induced outgrowth of sun-damaged skin cells. These strategies include the use of topical applications of natural products or small molecule inhibitors of the ultraviolet light induced signaling pathways.