Oxidize is a verb meaning to combine or become combined chemically with oxygen.
For example:
- when coal is burned any sulfur is oxidized to sulfur dioxide;
- burning fats and oils in food turns them rancid.
In each case, a reaction occurs in which electrons are lost to another species.
When this reaction occurs, the electrons (which are normally "stable") become unstable and seek to regain their balance by robbing other molecules of their electrons.
In humans this cascade of reactions leads to free radical damage and is implicated in a wide variety of diseases and conditions, including aging.
Examples of the effect of skin oxidation/free radical damage include skin cancer, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and textural irregularities.
By supplementing the skin's reservoir of antioxidants, defense against oxidation can be heightened.
Also see the definition of oxidative stress and free radical damage discussion in general.
[Oxidize is the opposite of reduce.]
27/7/08 — Effects of Oxidized and Denatured Ascorbic Acid on Skin.