We all know sugar is not great for your waistline, but what about your skin? It is true—your favorite cupcakes or sugary coffee drink in the morning could be causing a slew of skin problems. Here is why sugar may not be so sweet after all.

Alarming Ways Sugar Can Cause Skin Problems

Sugar Can Cause Inflammation

Sugar can cause inflammation which may make your skin age faster. Sugar attaches to proteins in your bloodstream and creates molecules called “AGEs” (advanced glycation end products). AGEs not only age your skin, but have been shown to do some serious damage to elastin and collagen in your skin.

Sugar Can Cause Glycation

Glycation is the natural process that occurs when sugar is digested and then releases glucose into your bloodstream. Sugar attaches to collagen and can weigh it down, making it inflexible and stiff. And weaker collagen leaves the skin looking less supple and can leave skin more prone to sagging and wrinkles.    

Sugar Can Cause Wrinkles

Sugar can be collagen’s natural enemy. Sugar molecules attach themselves to collagen fibers and eventually cause them to lose their flexibility and strength. That is when deep lines, sagging skin and wrinkles set in. Sugar can “eat” away collagen which leads to dehydrated, dull-looking skin.

Sugar is Dehydrating

Sugar can take all the water out of your skin cells, which can lead to puffiness, under-eye circles and dryness. When your skin is hydrated, it will appear more youthful and glowing.

Keep in mind that it is not always desserts causing skin problems. Here are some tips to avoid hidden sugars in your diet:

• Always read your labels. Look for hidden sugars like fruit juice concentrate, dextrose and barley malt.
• Sip water instead of sweetened drinks. Avoid skin-harming ingredients found in sweetened drinks like juice and soda. And as a bonus, drinking water will help your skin cells plump—you will be hydrated, look and feel refreshed, and your skin will thank you.
• It is not just desserts that can cause skin problems. Simple carbs like white bread and pasta can also hurt your skin. Your body converts carbohydrates to sugar. Simple carbs have a high glycemic index which inflames skin and cause an insulin spike to which your skin reacts. Do not forget that there are quality carbohydrates that you should be eating, like fruits and vegetables. Here are seven great ones from SELF.   

When you cut out sugar you are cutting out a variety of skin problems at the same time. Eliminating sugar from your diet can make wrinkles seem less pronounced, your skin can look brighter and you can toss out your under-eye concealer. You will see a huge difference in about one week without any sugar—clearer skin and a more vibrant skin tone. That is definitely worth passing up that piece of cake!

Keep Yourself Looking Young & Refreshed

In order to keep our skin looking youthful and healthy we need to take care of our skin on a regular basis. At LifeScape Premier, we have created affordable memberships for every skin concern giving you the option to choose from a selection of clinically proven anti-aging treatments every month to achieve glowing, youthful and pigment free skin all year round. KEEP YOURSELF LOOKING YOUNG AND REFRESHED WITH OUR GYM FOR YOUR SKIN MEMBERSHIP.

References: https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/how-sugar-affects-your-body, http://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/tips/a2471/sugar-aging-how-to-fight-glycation-614621/