Glycation and Aging Skin (Sugar driven aging)

Notice the criss cross pattern?

Glycation & Aging Skin (Sugar driven aging)

Glycation happens when sugar molecules bind to proteins and lipids in the skin leaving it deformed or looking much older than its years.  Exposure to sun will accelerate the process, along with a diet high in sugar.  Glycation interferes with the healthy formation of collagen and elastin.  Whenever collagen and elastin are compromised the skin will age much faster. In addition Glycation will deplete the skin of its natural moisture.  Hyaluronic Acid is made by our bodies naturally but depletes as we age.  A diet high in sugar can speed the process of Hyaluronic Acid loss resulting in older looking skin.

One way to help this skin condition, in addition to changing your diet, mentioned later in this article, is to treat it with Vitamin-C Infusions regularly.  Vitamin-C is essential in the body's production of collagen and is a potent antioxidant. When taken orally it has little effect on skin that is already compromised.  Although it is important include foods high in Vitamin-C to your diet, it is needed topically to help Glycation of the skin. Vitamin-C, when applied directly to the skin will help fight collagen degeneration and oxidative stress from free radicals. 

Basically, Glycation accelerates the body's aging process by greatly limiting the skin's ability to produce and regenerate quality collagen.  Smoking and exposure to the sun along with a diet high in sugar come together as the perfect storm.

So what should you eat?  Eat fresh, less processed foods.  A diet high in all vegetables and low sugar fruits.  Berries are a great fruit, for example.  Berries are high in antioxidants and low in natural sugar.  Sugar is sugar, your body doesn't know the difference.  Eat like a diabetic.  Diabetics need to stay away from all foods that translate to sugar in the blood. Low carb is a good way to go.  For example, if you eat a bowl of pasta with a side of bread, it will translate to higher insulin levels once digested.  Same as if you ate a candy bar.  Stick to low glycemic foods, your skin will thank you, as will the rest of your body.

Fruits to avoid because they're high in sugar are:

Bananas

Apples

Pears

Plums

Apricots

Cherries

Grapes

Figs
Mangos 

Some foods to avoid:

Pasta

Cereal

Oatmeal

Alcohol

Sweetened yogurt

Juice

Chips

Crackers

Milk

All Bread Products

Tortillas

Fried Foods

Processed Foods