Sugars in the bloodstream bind to proteins and produce harmful radicals called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These AGEs accumulate and damage the proteins around them.
Eating too much sugar can damage the skin.
Sugar damages your skin through a process called glycation. Sugars in the bloodstream bind to proteins and produce harmful radicals called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These AGEs accumulate and damage the proteins around them. Dr. Shilpa Patil, MD Dermatologist, Director, Ethoski Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. shares everything you need to know.
Collagen and elastin, which are responsible for making your skin strong, elastic and giving it a plump, healthy complexion, are particularly affected by AGEs. Glycation damages collagen and elastin, causing them to become stiff, dry and brittle. This damage shows up as fine lines and wrinkles on your skin.
Glycation also affects the type of collagen in your skin. There are three types of collagen in the skin: type I, type II and type III. Type I is the weakest, and Type III is the strongest. Due to glycation, type III collagen becomes as weak as type I, reducing the overall strength and texture of the skin.
Additionally, glycation inactivates natural antioxidant enzymes, making the skin more vulnerable to oxidative stress.
Here are signs that sugar is making your skin worse:
- Color
- Firm and shiny skin surface
- Cross stitch lines along the lip line
- Deep cracks and sagging skin
Prevention:
- Reduce sugar intake.
- Increase water consumption.
- Ensure adequate sleep
- Add supplements rich in vitamin B1 (found in green peas, spinach) and vitamin B6 (found in chickpeas, sunflower seeds).
- Add antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E.
- Detoxify the skin regularly.
- Follow a consistent and healthy skin care routine.