Glycation 101: Sugar Cravings Are Giving You Wrinkles
Did you know that sugar consumption is a major cause of premature signs of aging, like sun exposure and smoking? When blood sugar levels are high, a process called glycation occurs, which damages the collagen in your skin. Once damaged, the normally springy collagen hardens, leading to wrinkles and sagging.
What is glycation?
Glycation is a natural process where sugars in the bloodstream react with proteins, forming harmful molecules called advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). In the context of skin, glycation can lead to the degradation of collagen and elastin, essential proteins responsible for skin's firmness and elasticity.
What are the longterm effects of glycation on the skin?
Glycation is known to cause breakage of collagen and elastin, the same proteins that provide youthful plumpness. It’s similar to how hair can have breakage with too much heat or damage. Glycation is also known to cause free radical damage, inflammation, and dehydration. Over time, this process can contribute to premature aging, causing wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of skin's youthful appearance. You're most likely to see these effects appear first around the thinnest areas of skin, such as the delicate eye area.
What causes glycation?
The main trigger for glycation is the presence of excess sugars (glucose and fructose) in the bloodstream. When these sugars are not adequately metabolized or utilized by the body for energy, they can react with proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, forming advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). These AGEs can accumulate and cause damage to various tissues and organs, contributing to several age-related diseases, including diabetes complications, cardiovascular issues, and skin aging.
How can I help prevent glycation?
It's impossible to avoid glucose altogether, since it is an essential element of our diet and survival. Managing sugar intake and maintaining a balanced diet are crucial in reducing glycation and its adverse effects on the body. Cut back your consumption of foods containing high-fructose corn syrup, white sugar, simple carbohydrates, and processed sugar. Instead, focus on foods that help skin glow.
How can my skincare address signs of glycation?
Carnosine is an ideal ingredient to combat glycation when applied topically due to its ability to neutralize and break down harmful advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) that lead to collagen and elastin degradation. Carnosine is a key ingredient in our Edelweiss Extrême™ Intense Repair Eye Cream, synergizing with our AI-farmed and firming to specifically target the reduction of crow’s feet, fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness around the delicate eye area.
Sometimes, you'd like to have your cake and eat it, too... and that's okay! Your Intense Repair Eye Cream will always be here for you when you're done.