Understanding Acrylic Headlight Oxidation

[Gojirr]

I find a unusually large amount of people whose concept of oxidation is based on the misunderstanding of cavern dwellers, who believed " bad plastic" is something that happens naturally to Acrylic headlights.
They're understanding of acrylic oxidation is based on what they know about iron oxidation. Two completely different processes with completely different results.
When Iron oxides it rusts and the rust could be considered as " bad metal". It weakens the iron where it forms and has to be abrasively removed.
Acrylic is the opposite, It does not deteriorate Oxidation has no physical effect on the Acrylic it is more like dust, it is a opaque film that bonds itself to the lens and rests only on the surface. It is not a part of the plastic, it is foreign matter that has a separate molecular structure and does not permeate the plastic lens.
Oxidation therefore is topical.
The term "bad plastic" is misleading and diverts attention away from the real problem, oxidation, There is no such thing as "bad plastic" when referencing headlight oxidation.
Plastic is weakened and made "bad" when there is or physical damage, the kind commonly caused by user applied abrasive contact.
While UV damage is a natural form of damage, Headlights with this type of damage cannot be restored to clarity. this type of damage is the worst.
UV protection is critical in blocking harmful yellowing Ultra Violet rays, it does not deteriorate, However it is commonly destroyed under the guise of removing "bad plastic".