What we eat has a determining impact on our health, and also on the appearance of our skin. Although there is no miracle diet or food that can slow aging, there are some that we should avoid or at least limit. One of them is the sugarbecause its excessive consumption, in addition to being associated with health problems, causes glycationa degenerative process that accelerates skin aging.
What is glycation?
The doctor Carolina Beltraspecialist in aesthetic medicine at the Enea Clinic, tells us that “glycation is a natural process that occurs in the body when the sugar we consume binds to proteins, such as collagen and elastin in the skin, and ‘hardens’ them. This is a problem because these proteins are what give us firmness and elasticity, and when they are ‘glycated’ they become rigid and less functional. Imagine it as if the collagen fibers caramelized: they lose flexibility, and that translates into less firm skin, with wrinkles and a less smooth texture.
Although glycation is a natural process that occurs in the body from the age of 20-30, it can be accelerated by diets rich in sugar, as the pharmacist explains. Gema Herrerías in his book ‘The definitive guide to skin care’: “diets that provide high Concentrations of refined sugar in the blood can predispose the skin to premature agingthrough the formation of a chemical reaction that causes AGEs (advanced glycation end products). “Glycation is linked to the appearance of wrinkles and loss of dermal density.”
Can it be avoided?
Glycation is a natural process, and not reversible, but it can be delayed. Glycation, like solar radiation, is part of the group of factors that accelerate skin aging, but, unlike genetics, we can act on them. Dr. Carolina Beltrá comments that «making dietary adjustments can reduce glycation. Limit the consumption of refined sugars and choose low-glycemic carbohydrates, such as fresh fruits and vegetableshelps keep blood sugar levels stable and slows down this process. The good quality proteins and the antioxidants “They are allies: foods rich in vitamin C, E and omega-3 help combat the damage of glycation, strengthening the skin from within and helping to maintain elasticity.”
And can antiglycation cosmetics help?
Although diet is essential when it comes to delaying and preventing glycation, cosmetics can also be a good ally. Pharmacist Gema Herrerías points out in ‘The definitive guide to skin care’ that «antiglycation ingredients delay the formation of AGEs and prevent the rigidity of collagen and elastin fibers. “In addition, they reduce this reaction in proteins so that they do not bind to glucose molecules and prevent them from binding to collagen fibers.” The expert mentions some of the anti-glycation ingredients: the dGlyage patent, blueberry extract, carosine or Alistin, a pseudopeptide derived from carnosine.
Endocare Cellage High Potency Anti-glycation Serum from Cantabria Labs (50 euros); Isdinceutis AGE Revese Day cream from Isdin (99.95 euros); Skinceuticals AGE Interrupter Advanced anti-wrinkle cream (195 euros); Change Anti-Glycation & Clear Skin from eiralabs (€50.60, 60 capsules).
Dr. Beltrá, for her part, clarifies that “although cosmetics do not eliminate the effects of glycation from the root. Ingredients like antioxidants —carnosine, green tea extract, or vitamin C—can neutralize some of the free radicals that damage collagen and give the skin a boost. “In combination with a balanced diet rich in nutrients, they can be a good support to keep skin firmer and more luminous.”
Besides, Claudia Popachemist, expert in dermocosmetics and formulation and founder of Eiralabs, believes that Glycation can be addressed from the inside with nutricosmetics. «We are looking for a solution that acts from the inside, protecting collagen and elastin from glycation to prevent and reverse the signs of premature aging. By combining advanced ingredients like Glycoless® and Belight³, we offer a formula that fights not only wrinkles and sagging, but also blemishes and dull skin.
#glycation #affect #skin #aging
