Does Sugar Age Your Skin Faster?

If the mere mention of chocolate or sweets sparkles your eyes, then this might be quite an insightful article. Be it a post-meal craving or a pick-me-up when we’re feeling gloomy, a bite or two (or the entire bar) of chocolate or your favourite Indian sweet can turn things around. It’s sad to even imagine that something so satisfying can be secretly doing you bad, right? But, it’s true. Sugar has been linked to causing wrinkles and making you age faster. How? Keep reading to know. 

How does sugar affect our skin? 

Consuming excessive sugar in the form or sweet treats or in hidden ways through fresh fruit juices or wine can cause Glycation. This is a natural chemical reaction that occurs in the body when the sugar levels spike beyond what our insulin can handle. What this does is, directly attack the two primary components in our skin – collagen and elastin. Both these are responsible to keep skin firm and youthful and give it that ‘bounce’. If you’ve been consuming unregulated amounts of sugar for a long time, your skin is rapidly weakening these two essential proteins. Even though glycation is a natural process that occurs with age, the changes are accelerated with an increased intake of sugar. 

Another thing to keep in mind: Glycation cannot be reversed. So, it’s better to prevent it in the first place by eating healthy and keeping the blood sugar level in check. 

Sugar not only causes wrinkles and fine lines, but it also makes the skin less elastic, causes acne, skin sagging and dryness. It even makes the overall skin look dull and unhealthy. 

These symptoms are more prominent in people who have diabetes or have a hard time controlling their blood sugar. It has been found that people with high blood sugar levels age faster compared to those with lower or controlled blood sugar. 

How to reduce the effects of sugar on your skin? 

While it is not practical and even advisable to completely cut down all forms of sugar from your diet, making simple swaps can keep your daily intake in check. Ideally, men should consume no more than 9 tbsp or 36 grams of sugar, and women should not exceed 6 tbsp or 25 grams of sugar each day. Here’s how you can keep your added sugar count in check. 

• Opt for healthier sweetening options like honey, date sugar, coconut sugar and maple syrup. 
• Switch fizzy, sugar-y drinks, energy drinks with water whenever you can. 
• Get enough rest. The sleep hormone melatonin can reduce Glycation by upto 50%. 
• Unwind. Whenever you feel stressed, take a step back and relax. Stress is as harmful as sugar and can cause your blood sugar levels to spike. 
• Be mindful of the processed foods you consume. Read the labels carefully and make a wise choice. 
• It’s true that red wine is good for your skin, but limit your intake to only one glass per day. 
• Consume enough water during the day. It helps counter the effects of Glycation and can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. 
• Load up on antioxidant-rich foods. They help neutralize the effect of sugar and free radicals on skin. We’re talking green leafy veggies, berries, beetroot, sweet potatoes etc. 

Quench products that help with wrinkles and acne

Mama Cica Dark Circle Fading Under Eye Cream

An award-winning intensely nourishing eye cream that minimizes wrinkles, fine lines and dark circles. 

Bravocado Skin Repair Sleeping Mask

It’s an antioxidant-rich sleeping mask that makes skin plump and smooth overnight. 

Chialeader Zit Fix Serum

A light-weight, non-greasy serum that unclogs pores, fights acne and reduces oiliness. 

Mama Cica Zit Away Treatment Patches

These are oil-absorbing circular patches that heal, conceal, and calm acne. 

Don’t let your sweet tooth give your skin any bitter experiences! Make a healthier choice and save your skin from all sorts of issues.