The invention relates to 1-(R<;SUP>;1<;/SUP>;)-2-(R<;SUP>;2<;/SUP>;)-3-(Y-X-NH-A- or Z-A-)-4,5,6,7-R)<;SUB>;0-4<;/SUB>;-indoles, and their acid addition salts where the compounds are basic, wherein A is C<;SUB>;1-4 <;/SUB>;alkylene, X is >;CH<;SUB>;2<;/SUB>;, >;C-O or >;C-S, and the other symbols have various defined values, and to pharmaceutical, skin-protective and cosmetic compositions which comprise them.