How does sugar affect the skin?
Glycation is a chemical reaction that occurs as a result of the addition of sugars (carbohydrates) to proteins. This reaction then produces glycosylated proteins. This is a natural reaction that occurs in living organisms, for example during aging, but also in foods when they are cooked at high temperatures. Once a reaction occurs, it is irreversible. Indeed, these glycated proteins are quite harmful to the body because they can neither be broken down nor released by the body.
Normally, when we eat, the body breaks down carbohydrates into sugars such as glucose and fructose. It then uses them to fuel everything we do. However, sometimes, especially as we age and when we consume too many sugary or overcooked foods, these sugars interact with proteins and fats in an abnormal way, producing harmful molecules called advanced glycation end products (AGE molecules).
The more AGEs in our body, the faster we age. Scientists have discovered this while studying diabetics. The key here is blood sugar - the higher the blood glucose, the more AGE molecules. Diabetics have the hardest time controlling their blood sugar levels. Scientists have found that as a result, they tend to age faster than people without high blood sugar.
Glycation products lead to skin aging, decreased muscle tone, circulatory disorders, changes in skin color and elasticity, vasodilation, as well as vulnerability to the negative effects of sunlight and hyperpigmentation.
Alcohol abuse damages and alters collagen fibers in the skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Sugar breaks their structure, causing the fibers to lose their elasticity. The functions of collagen also change: it becomes insoluble and poorly binds water, which directly affects the appearance of the skin: it becomes drier and less elastic.
In addition, sugar negatively affects the internal microflora of the body. The thing is that bacteria and microorganisms present in the human body love sweets. As a result of the abuse of sugar, they begin to actively multiply and cause discomfort, manifesting themselves in the form of fungi, digestive disorders and other diseases.
Often the skin can look young and healthy even with frequent use of sugar. This is due to the fact that the processes of glycation in it do not actively develop until 30-35 years. However, after this age they can develop quite rapidly. In adulthood, glucose becomes sticky, which prevents the elasticity of blood vessels. All this causes an inflammatory process, which in turn leads to a deterioration or complete cessation of smooth muscle and vascular cells.
It is important to start the fight against glycation as early as possible in order to prevent damage to the subcutaneous tissues and reduce the elasticity and firmness of the skin. This can be achieved by completely giving up or reducing the amount of sugar consumed. You can replace sweets with dried fruits, fruits with sweets.
What can we do for our skin?
If you can’t completely give up sweets, then you should take better care of your skin. Carbohydrates destroy collagen, which causes wrinkles, the oval of the face weakens and becomes less pronounced, the skin becomes dehydrated. To avoid this, you should add sunscreens, moisturizing tonics, masks, as well as serums and creams to your care. It is important to pay attention to products with a tightening and firming effect, even if you do not currently experience an obvious need for this.