Does Sugar Age Your Face?

You might have heard that increased sugar intake is bad for your heart. Also, sometimes it may lead to type 2 diabetes. Well, several scientific references and research studies have results that prove the above statements. How about sugar affecting your aging process? Of course, there are enough studies that elaborate in detail on the effects of increased sugar on the aging process and other skin conditions. 

 

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), a male can consume no more than 9 tablespoons (~36 grams) of added sugar per day. A female can consume up to 6 tablespoons (~25 grams) of added sugar per day. 

 

Does sugar age your skin?

In this May 2023 Healthline article, they have listed around 11 foods that speed up your body's aging process. And among these 11 foods, synthetic sugar ranks at the top. This answers your question, ‘Does sugar age your face?’.

 

However, you have to understand the fact that increased consumption of only added or synthetic sugars daily results in aging, heart problems, and diabetes. And not the intake of natural sugars found in fruits and dairy products.

 

What does abnormal aging look like?

Apart from the natural aging that your body undergoes, if you encounter unusual dryness, sagginess, thinness, bruising, etc., in your skin, then you have to take immediate action to control your added sugar intake. These are solid signs of aging. 

 

How does sugar affect your skin and face?

Added sugar is a form of carbohydrate that your body can readily convert into glucose for energy needs. When you consume higher amounts of added sugar than the required levels, and if your body fails to store them as fat, then the total glucose level in the bloodstream gets elevated. As a result, the insulin hormone that regulates blood glucose levels increases its activity. Ultimately, your body will become more prone to inflammation.

 

In other words, protein or fat substances combine with increased sugar levels in the body and produce AGEs (advanced glycation end products). As per a study published in ‘Clinics in Dermatology’ by F. William Danby, these AGEs tend to affect the collagen and elastin substances that protect the dermal cells (skin). Thus, your skin is susceptible to breakouts, acne, and premature aging. 

 

These added sugars, along with the influence of sunlight, accelerate aging. Facial tissues are the first ones to get affected, as they receive more sunlight than other parts of the skin.

 

Treatment for aging: The Best Choice

With the most recent advancements in aesthetic medicine, we can see a bunch of skin treatments for the aging problem today. However, the best of all, and that is most preferred by the patients, is the chemical peels skin lightening treatment. This treatment uses a mix of compounds or solutions that help peel off the damaged or aged outer layer of the skin. As a result, the skin looks lighter, smoother, younger, and wrinkle- or acne-free. Other skin exfoliation treatments are explained here.

 

Conclusion

We hope this post has cleared up your doubts about what added sugars are and what their role is in your body and skin health. So, be aware of them and control their intake starting today.