Who doesn’t like the sweet taste of sugar and the uplift it provides you…for a while. For most of us, consuming refined sugar every day can easily develop into a sugar habit similar to that of a habitual drug user. Research tells us that the consistent overconsumption of sugar can ruin your health and, unfortunately, your skin. In fact, refined sugar has the ability to cause actual damage to your skin, making you look older than you are!
According to Dr. Carl Thornfeldt, a dermatologist with over 30 years of skin research experience, sugar has two major effects on the skin—it activates inflammation and binds to the collagen to make the skin stiff. Dr. Thornfeldt also says that any processed sugar is too much and can eventually cause long-term damage due to chronic inflammation. And since sugar can weaken your immune system, it cannot efficiently fight off bacteria that clog pores and create pimples.
If all of the above is insufficient to rid your pantry of refined sugar, sugar is also considered a dehydrating agent, meaning it will increase oil production. And it also affects water binding, causing your skin to look less firm. Read: Secrets to Giving Up Sugar Addiction
“Giving up sugar could make you look younger by ten years.”
Dr. Frederic Brandt
Advanced Glycation End (AGE)
Glycation occurs when sugar metabolizes in your system. It’s a process where the sugar attaches to proteins, forming new molecules called advanced glycation end (AGE) products. These glycation end products destroy proteins like collagen and elastin, making your skin thinner, discolored, and even saggy.
Your dermis, the layer of skin that supports the epidermis (our outer layer of skin), is made up of the proteins collagen and elastin, both of which keep your skin looking plump, firm, and youthful. The dermis also regularly manufactures new skin cells that replace old ones. Because of glycation, glycated collagen doesn’t regenerate effectively, slowing down new skin cell growth and making your skin wrinkle. To make things even worse, AGEs make your complexion more vulnerable to skin attackers such as UV light and cigarette smoke.
Though you can’t completely stop glycation because even good carbs like brown rice and whole grains get converted into sugar, you can avoid white refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and other simple carbs like white flour. All of these increase glycation 10 times more than good carbs.
Refined Sugar Can Cause the Following
- Inflammation
- Immune Function Issues
- Premature Aging
- Wrinkles
- Blood Sugar Imbalance
- Free Radicals
- Redness & Rashes
- Dark Patches
- Hirsutism
- Dehydration
- Digestion Issues
There are 600,000+ processed foods
in the marketplace, 80% of which
have added hidden sugar!
So what can you do other than avoid those scrumptious brownies, holiday treats, and soda? Green tea. Whether you drink it or use a green tea-infused moisturizer, it helps disrupt the glycation process and stimulates collagen production. Olive Oil fights cancer-causing free radicals and can also tighten skin by stimulating the natural production of collagen and elastin. Internally, replacing that daily fizzy soda with iced or hot green tea, daily adding some foods high in Vitamin A, and making your own salad dressings with olive oil can help to avoid the havoc sugar can wreak on your skin.
Of course, great skin comprises a combination of genetics, skincare routine, and environmental and lifestyle factors. Also included would be things like stress levels, sleep habits, and now – too much refined sugar. Removing excess sugar found in junk food, desserts, sugary drinks, and bread can go a long way in helping your skin to look young and fresh. And the best news is that once you remove sugar, you will begin to notice skin improvement in a matter of days!
Research & References
Danby, FW. Nutrition and Aging Skin: Sugar and Glycation. Clin Dermatol. 2010 Jul-Aug;28(4):409-11. DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2010.03.018.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace your doctor’s advice. Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician of choice.
