Want younger skin? Say no to sugar

Want younger skin? Say no to sugar

Here's another reason to say no to sweets — excess sugar not only leads to weight gain, it can also make you age faster. Cosmetologist DrRashmi Shetty says, "Sweets cause damage to the skin. 

They break down the good proteins in a not-so-good way (i.e. without the participation of any enzyme), leading to Advanced Glycation End products (very aptly abbreviated AGE). This makes the proteins in the collagen of skin and hair stiff and hard, thus making the skin age faster and hair brittle."

Dermatologist Dr Rekha Sheth advises moderation and says, "Excess sugar will lead to darkening of the skin, growth of skin tags and pigmentation. It will also stimulate oil glands, thus making your skin oily and sticky. If you already have sensitive skin with acne, it will worsen."

What is glycation?

It is one of the main contributors to wrinkles, deep lines and sagging skin, says Dr Shetty, adding, "It's led by excess glucose in your blood and because of sugar and other high-glycemic carbohydrates present in popular foods like breads, pastas, desserts and soda. An overload can cause a reaction called glycation, in which the excess sugar molecules attach themselves to collagen fibres. Glycation occurs when glucose binds to protein without the influence of any enzyme. This causes the skin to lose its strength and flexibility, and it becomes less elastic and more vulnerable to sun damage." Glycation can harm every tissue in your body.

Sugar and your skin 

Dermatologist Dr Satish Bhatia says, "Excess sugar is hazardous for the well-being of the skin. When sugar levels in the body remain high (a condition of diabetes), it leads to bacterial infections."

People with Type 2 diabetes should be careful and guard themselves against rare conditions like Diabetic Dermopathy and Diabetic Corum, he says. "These conditions lead to the thickening of the skin near upper neck or at the back of the neck, causing damage to the natural texture of the skin," says Dr Bhatia.

Another condition called Acanthosis leads to the darkening and thickening of skin in underarms, back of the neck, upper neck, under the breasts, etc. "Everyone should control their sugar levels with a healthy diet and lifestyle," states Dr Bhatia.

Sugar and infections

High sugar levels make your skin vulnerable to boils, fungal infection, viral infections like warts, herpes, etc. Dr Sheth says, "Immunity weakens and the skin becomes more susceptible to reactions and allergies. Also, healing will be slower. If you are overweight or obese, sugar will have a doubly adverse effect."

Dr Shetty adds, "Sugar suppresses the activity of our white blood cells and makes us more susceptible to colds, flu etc. It also worsens allergies."

Non-invasive treatments

New-age treatments like fillers offer miraculous relief, say experts. "Hyaluronic acid-based fillers work on the natural principle that hydration is one of the prime requirements for healthy skin. When injected into the upper layers of the skin, they take away the fine lines and wrinkles and rejuvenate it," says Dr Sheth. Experts say these fillers also reduce the damage done by acne to a great extent.

Top causes of ageing (skin, hair, rest of the body)

Tips for radiant skin

Follow a healthy diet

Avoid white sugar

Increase your intake of fluids

Always apply a sunscreen

Apply an anti-oxidant cream like vit A,C,E or Q10 and consume prescribed vitamins

Remove makeup, apply a nourishing cream at night

Avoid hair products and chemical treatments

Remember that blow dry with low heat is better than ironing

Cardio for half-an-hour every day is a must

Excess sugar may lead to

Darkening of skin

Growth of skin tags

Pigmentation

Signs of ageing, wrinkles

Vulnerability to skin infections

Warts herpes

Bacterial infections in underarms, under breasts, neck

Loss of skin elasticit
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