You’ve already made great strides in kicking your soda habit (mostly), and you wisely reserve sweet treats for special occasions since you understand that too much sugar can harm your health. But did you know that sugar can also take a toll on your skin?

When you consume sugar, its molecules bond with fats and proteins through a process known as glycation. This reaction leads to the formation of advanced glycation end products, or AGEs. In response, your body produces antibodies to combat AGEs, which triggers inflammation in your skin and leads to the stiffening and deformation of protein fibers. Regrettably, the proteins in your skin that are most susceptible to glycation are collagen and elastin—those essential building blocks that help maintain plump, youthful skin. Over time, these proteins become discolored, weakened, and less elastic, resulting in wrinkles, accelerated aging, and a diminished glow. Furthermore, the presence of AGEs makes your skin more susceptible to other aging factors, such as sun exposure and cigarette smoke.

So, what can you do to combat this internal threat?

Your strongest defense lies in maintaining a balanced diet. Avoid refined white sugar and high fructose corn syrup—research indicates that these can boost the rate of glycation by as much as 10 times! Additionally, steer clear of refined carbohydrates.

Enhance your diet with green tea, which has been shown to significantly disrupt the glycation process while offering numerous other health benefits.

Your final line of defense is your skincare routine. Seek out a reputable anti-aging cream that contains ingredients specifically designed to combat AGEs. Products that promote collagen synthesis can also be beneficial.

Regular professional facials and thorough skincare assessments are essential for maintaining healthy skin. At Privy Skin Care, I pride myself on providing unparalleled personal service. Contact me for a consultation or conveniently book your appointment online today!

www.privyskincare.com 702-496-2066.