We all know how bad excess sugar is for our waistline and overall health
but did you know that excess sugar can cause wrinkles and other signs of skin aging?
The process which leads to accelerated skin aging is called "glycation". Simply stated, the sugar molecules attach themselves to proteins like collagen and elastin to form advanced glycation end products or "AGEs" which destroy the elasticity and structure of these proteins. Collagen and Elastin are two of the most important skin proteins responsible for skin elasticity and firmness. The deformed AGEs result in skin sagging, excessive wrinkling and poor surface texture.
For most people these signs start to show up in their 30's and the severity depends on other aging factors such as environmental toxins, sun exposure, hormonal balance and genetics etc.
While refined sugars are the worst, all carbohydrates get converted into sugar and contribute to glycation. High glycemic index carbohydrates such as pasta, rice, potatoes and white bread are worse than low glycemic index carbohydrates
Here are a few things you can do to reduce glycation:
DIET:
Lower total intake of carbohydrates and choose low glycemic index carbohydrates whenever possible. Eliminate simple sugar and high fructose corn syrup from your diet which according to some studies increases rate of glycation 10 fold
EXERCISE:
Regular exercise, aerobic and strength training reduces blood sugar levels and lowers rate of glycation
SUPPLEMENTS:
Carnosine is an amino acid which protects against glycation due to its anti-glycation properties. In fact carnosine topically reduces skin glycation as well.
Green tea also helps reduce glycation.
SKINCARE:
A comprehensive skincare should repair existing skin aging signs and prevent further skin aging by addressing all three processes of aging
REPAIR EXISTING SKIN DAMAGE:
Look for skincare with ingredients that repair the existing skin damage due to glycation, oxidation and inflammation. Fibroblasts are the skin's collagen producing factory and ingredients like peptides stimulate fibroblasts to repair wrinkles and improve skin texture and firmness. Plant stem cells have shown good results in repairing aging skin also
PREVENT FURTHER AGING:
Look for skincare with the three "A"s of anti-aging: Anti-glycation, Anti-oxidant and Anti-inflammatory ingredients that fight all three aging processes to slow down further aging at all three levels
Naila MD AGELESS anti aging skin treatment system contains advanced peptides, stabilized Vitamin C and Swiss apple extract (plant stem cells) to repair aging and the Three "A"s of anti-aging, potent anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory ingredients and anti-glycation ingredients like carnosine
Naila MD Luxury medical Skincare is Physician formulated targeted anti-inflammatory skincare for management of common skin needs.
Naila MD Luxury medical Skincare is Physician formulated targeted anti-inflammatory skincare for management of common skin needs.
ACNE | Anti-inflammatory acne treatments for teen and adult acne
AGELESS | Wrinkle Treatment with Cellular Repair Complex
CALM | Gentle Skincare for Sensitive Skin and Rosacea Prone Skin
SUNCARE | Mineral Tinted BB Cremes SPF 20
SKINGEAR | For Men- Clinical Skincare to Minimize Wrinkles, Pores and Shave Bumps
