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Photo-Oxidation

Meaning

Photo-oxidation is a chemical process involving the degradation of a substance through the combined, synergistic action of light, typically ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and oxygen, which results in the formation of damaging free radicals. In human physiology and hormonal health, this reaction is particularly relevant to the degradation of light-sensitive molecules like Vitamin D precursors in the skin and the breakdown of dermal structural proteins like collagen and elastin. Excessive or chronic exposure to UV radiation can initiate photo-oxidation, contributing significantly to cellular damage, accelerated skin aging, and increased systemic oxidative burden. Minimizing unnecessary UV exposure is a direct strategy to mitigate this specific form of oxidative stress.