Sunscreening compositions and methods of using the same to protect human skin from erythema-causing radiation by applying to the skin compositions containing a cosmetic carrier, at least one ultraviolet absorbing material which has a maximum absorption peak between 280 millimicrons to about 320 millimicrons and a polyamide resinous material which is capable of forming a film and is alcohol-soluble. Sunscreening compositions containing the polyamide resinous materials, when applied to the skin, form a long lasting protective film which resists removal by water and perspiration.