Can Diet Affect Wrinkles?

Most people today know that a diet high in sugar, especially refined sugars, can cause weight gain and other serious health problems. However, most people don’t know that a diet high in sugar can drastically advance the skin’s aging via a chemical process known as glycation. Glycation occurs when sugar molecules stick to protein fibers. This process usually happens when sugars are cooked with proteins at high temperatures. When enough sugar molecules stick to enough protein fibers, new molecules known as advanced glycation end-products, or AGEs, are formed.

When consumed in foods, AGEs are digested into the body and cause inflammation and damage at the cellular level, resulting in a breakdown of collagen and elastin, the two entities responsible for the skin’s tone, elasticity and texture. When the collagen and elastin break down, the skin loses its bright, youthful appearance, and wrinkles and sags. Foods that are known for high levels of AGEs include: Browned or caramelized foods, like baked goods; Fast-food French fries; Dark-colored sodas; and Barbecued meats. There is no a magic amount of sugar that causes glycation and the breakdown of collagen and elastin to occur. The process happens when high amounts of sugar are consistently consumed in the diet.

It’s advisable that people try to avoid these types of high-sugar, high-fat foods. This will help the skin preserve its natural collagen and elastin for as long as possible, and slow down the natural aging process. There are skin care products that can help protect the skin’s collagen and elastin from the effects of glycation. One such product is Dr. Brandt’s Lineless Anti-Glycation Serum, available on our website, LovelySkin.com.