Sugar attacking your skin?
- Posted on: Nov 15 2020
We all know that sugar is not healthy for us, by causing unnecessary weight gain and health issue like diabetes. But do we ever think about the impact it has on our skin?. The consumption of sugar causes glycation. This is the process whereby sugar molecules attach itself to proteins and fat molecules. This attachment affects the collagen protein leading it to become stiff and inflexible. This results in a loss of elasticity. Sugar also produces free radicals, inflammation, and oxidative stress which all increases the rate at we age. Therefore, not being good for our skin.
Can glycation cause breakouts and wrinkles?
Since we know that sugar damages collagen in the skin through the process of glycation. It is clear that this damage would lead to development of wrinkles, due to loss of elasticity. Whereas, consumption of sugar leads to increase production of sebum, leading the rise of inflamed acne. Glycation prevents skin from staying hydrated by preventing water molecules from binding. Therefore, giving the skin a dull, greyish appearance and darkness around the eyes.
Even sugar alternatives such as refine carbohydrate causes an increase production of insulin. This surge of production leads to increase of testosterone leading to acne. As sebum production causes the pores to become blocked and inflamed. Thus, increase your chances of breakouts and inflammation.
How to avoid glycation caused by sugar?
- Increase your intake of sleep. Depriving yourself of sleep is not good for you, this weakens insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Thus, increasing ageing and so it’s important to have at least 6-8 hours sleep.
- Reduce your stress. Stress is a major factor of ageing, which causes the increase production of free radicals and oxidative stress. As stress increases the cortisol hormone that degenerate collagen.
- Be aware of sugar. This means becoming aware that they are in cakes, sauces, salad dressing and soup. So that you can avoid the unnecessary intake and reduce the damage it does to the skin.
- Stop munching through the day. Often we are told that we should eat small portions so many times a day. However, snacking throughout not only keeps your sugar level high. But also increase the rate at which you age due to this high sugar level in the blood. Thus, it is best to avoid unnecessary snacking to maintain youthful skin.
- Eat a low glycemic diet is better for the skin.
Posted in: Uncategorized