How to look younger by avoiding sugar

June 11, 2021 2 min read

How to look younger by avoiding sugar

There are so many studies now telling us how bad sugar is for our health and especially our skin!  

  • Can sugar prematurely age our skin?
  • What does sugar do to our skin?  

After eating sugary treats or refined carbohydrates like white bread or potatoes, our blood sugar levels rise, and as a result the sugar molecules attach to collagen under the surface of our skin, damaging it from within. This process is known as glycation. During this process, the collagen fibres become more rigid – which leads to older looking skin. 

According to the British Journal of Dermatology, the visible effects of glycation usually begin for women around age 35. 

What are the signs of ageing and how do we stop them?

Signs that sugar has damaged your skin

As we get older, multiple factors have started to age our skin. Unable to create enough collagen and elastin replacements to counteract the damage done, skin begins to lose its youthful appearance. Here are some indicators that that sugar is aging your skin:

  • premature ageing increasing wrinkles
  • reduced skins firmness
  • increased dark spots or hyperpigmentation
  • your neck and chin are beginning to appear saggy

Preventing sugar damage

If all this sounds concerning, and you’re thinking maybe I’ve done the damage, is it too late? Don’t worry – it’s never too late to work on helping to prevent the visible signs of ageing.  Here’s how you can minimise further damage to your skin and even improve the appearance of your skin:

Minimise your sugar intake

Everyone loves a sweet treat from time to time but remember that sugar is the enemy of youthful skin. Try to make healthier choices in your diet wherever possible and check product labels to see how much sugar you’re really getting.  Nowadays there are so many sugar alternatives that you can swap to when you do need something sweet such as products like Erythritol and Xylitol.

Drink less alcohol and caffeine and more water

Water is essential to the production of collagen and elastin and keeping your body hydrated can help counteract the effects of glycation. To keep hydrated sip water regularly throughout the day. Alcohol dehydrates our body and caffeine can cause insomnia and anxiety causing stress to our body and skin. So, this is why it is important to reduce consumption of alcohol and caffeine.

Get some sleep

While you’re asleep, your skin works to repair any damage done during the day. Studies show that a lack of sleep can contribute to fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and a reduction of the elasticity that helps keep skin looking youthful.

Reduce your stress

Stress makes us reach for sugary foods. There are many ways you can help improve stress, such as exercising, practicing yoga, or meditating.  

Consider taking a supplement

Look for a high strength collagen skin supplement, ideally with hyaluronic acid which holds moisture in the skin and vitamin C, which contributes to normal collagen formation. Our Dermacoll™is the ideal supplement to maintain your collagen levels in your skin.


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