We invest time and money into skincare products and routines to maintain healthy, youthful skin, but if you’re doing all the right things and your skin is still struggling, you may want to take a closer look at your eating habits for one of the chief saboteurs of glowing skin…sugar. Through a process called glycation, your sweet tooth may be hindering all the good work you are doing with your skincare routine.
Understanding Glycation and Its Impact on Skin
Glycation occurs when excess sugar molecules in our body bind to proteins, including collagen and elastin, which are crucial for maintaining the skin's firmness and elasticity. This binding process forms harmful new molecules known as Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs). Over time, AGEs accumulate, leading to stiffness and brittleness in the skin's structural proteins, resulting in premature wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of youthful radiance.
The Main Sources of Glycation
The primary source of glycation is our diet, specifically the consumption of high-sugar foods and beverages. Processed foods, soft drinks, and even seemingly healthy options like flavoured yogurts and granola bars can be high in added sugars, contributing to the formation of AGEs. It's not just about the obvious sweet treats; hidden sugars in sauces, breads, and processed meats also contribute to the glycation process.
Combating the Effects of Glycation
Modify Your Diet
Reducing sugar intake is the first and most crucial step in combating glycation. Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods that are low in added sugars. Incorporating more vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains can help minimize the formation of AGEs.
Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Antioxidants can neutralise the harmful effects of AGEs. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and green tea, can provide your skin with the protection it needs to combat glycation.
Skincare Products
Look for skincare products specifically formulated to fight glycation. Products containing ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide and ferulic acid can help stimulate collagen production and repair skin damaged by glycation. Our AM SERUM is an antioxidant powerhouse combing Vitamin C, Ferulic acid, vitamin E, and Ectoin to work on the oxidative effects in skin.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is key to maintaining skin elasticity and resilience. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help flush out toxins and support overall skin health.
By understanding the impact of our diet on skin health, we can make informed changes that will be more effective in keeping our skin looking youthful and radiant for longer.