We investigated the vitamin A status and β-carotene 15, 15'-dioxygenase activity in hairless mice with UV exposure to assess the regulation of vitamin A metabolism after UV irradiation. HR-1 hairless mice were irradiated with UV at 3 J/cm² for 5 d. After UV irradiation, the mice were sacrificed and samples were obtained to analyze the retinoid concentration, expression of RXR-a, and β-carotene 15, 15'-dioxygenase activity. After UV exposure, the skin retinoid concentration was significantly lower as well as the expression of RXR-α. Higher skin β-carotene dioxygenase activity was observed in the UV group as compared to the control group. We found no significant differences in the α-tocopherol concentration or acrolein levels in the skins of the two groups. In conclusion, the elevation of β-carotene 15, 15'-dioxygenase activity in hairless mice after UV exposure may be a response to reduction of the skin retinoid concentration.