Sugar is Not Always Sweet: Glycation and Your Skin
We all know that sugar has a negative effect on our waistline and teeth, but what most of us don’t realize, is that sugar also has an effect on our skin – and it’s not so sweet. Glycation is a process where excess sugar molecules in the blood bind to collagen and elastin fibers making the skin more vulnerable to sagging and wrinkling.

According to statistics in Canada, the average person eats the equivalent of 23 teaspoons of refined sugar daily, compared to the World Health Organization‘s recommendation of 10 teaspoons. Avoiding excess sugar will keep your skin looking better, longer. It is important to know that our bodies need moderate amounts of sugar for energy; however, cells can only handle so much. Therefore moderation is a wise path. The key here is to avoid hidden sugars in all foods including coffee sweeteners, breads and pastries, juice, etc. Many of these hidden sugars end with “ose,” such as dextrose, maltose fructose and glucose. Corn syrup and fruit juice also appear in many foods. Processed foods are loaded with fructose, which is the strongest glycation agent. Checking nutrition labels and avoiding added sugar are healthy habits.

I have removed all sugars from my diet and notice that I look and feel more youthful. It’s all about self-discipline and wanting to make the change. Small changes can and do add up to big results. If you have a sugar craving, try setting a timer for 10 minutes and see if the craving passes. Chances are it will. Then you can have a healthy snack and drink a refreshing glass of water.

How does excess sugar age my skin?
During digestion, carbohydrates are broken down into sugars and absorbed by the body, bringing harmful end products to skin cells. These then adhere to cell membranes, triggering inflammation and breaking down collagen, another contributing factor in premature aging.

Should I avoid sugar altogether?
No. Your body needs moderate amounts of sugar for energy; however, cells can only handle so much. Remember, anything in excess is too much! Loss of elasticity is one of the main problems of aging skin - consuming excess sugar will stiffen fibers, which causes the skin to lose elasticity, contributing to sagging and wrinkling skin.

How will Lineless® Anti-Glycation Serum help my skin?
Healthy skin is composed of strong and resilient elastin fibers, which tone and firm the skin. By incorporating Lineless® Anti-Glycation Serum into your regimen you will strengthen collagen and elastin fibers, keeping them strong. Elastin is often overlooked and ignored in skin care products, but without strong and resilient elastin fibers you won’t have a desirable, firm tone to your skin; it can’t “snap” back. Protecting your skin on a daily basis is very important to further delay the breakdown of collagen. Repairing collagen and elastin back to its original state will enhance your complexion, giving it a supple and healthy appearance.