Skin Protection and Aging

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation accelerates skin aging by triggering oxidative stress, degrading collagen through enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases, and accumulating DNA damage that can progress toward skin cancer. Dermatologists studying these processes aim to understand exactly how photoaging unfolds at the cellular level and how interventions—ranging from broad-spectrum sunscreens to topical antioxidants—can slow or partially reverse that damage. Active research is working to clarify which antioxidant compounds most effectively neutralize reactive oxygen species in living skin, and how protection strategies might be optimized across different skin types and cumulative sun exposure histories. The stakes are substantial, given that skin cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers globally and that much of its burden is considered preventable.

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73,305

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907,287

Keywords

UV RadiationOxidative StressSkin CancerPhotoagingAntioxidantsCollagen Production