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Too Much Sugar Causes Wrinkles

Jun 25 11:43am

I love sweet treats as much as the next person so it pains me to say this, but eating too much sugar causes wrinkles. Sugar triggers a natural process called glycation, which is the same chemical reaction that turns meat brown when you cook it. The sugars bind with tissues to form harmful molecules, called advanced glycation end products (ironically known as AGEs), which damage elastin and collagen -- two substances your skin needs to stay supple and elastic. AGEs also damage the kidneys, brain and other essential organs.

A 2007 study in the British Journal of Dermatology found that sugar's effects on the skin begin to show at about age 35 and become more pronounced as you get older. And it's not just the obvious culprits, like soda and candy, that cause damage; other foods with a high glycemic index, like white bread, pasta and potatoes also cause the formation of AGEs, because they are quickly converted to sugar in the bloodstream. To make matters worse, AGEs also make the skin more susceptible to sun damage, which in turn accelerates the glycation process.

It's hard to resist the lure of chips, cookies and french fries, but cutting down on sugary and starchy foods is the first step toward repairing AGE damage and preventing further glycation from occurring. The GI Database, maintained by the University of Sydney in Australia, is a handy tool that will help you determine the glycemic index of your food and includes many well-known brands and products. (Turn tonight's dinner into tomorrow's great skin.)

Antioxidants are another ally in your fight against glycation. These substances fight free radicals that are caused by sun exposure and can prevent new wrinkles from forming. Excellent sources of antioxidants include tomatoes, red grapes, dark green and orange veggies, acai, pomegranate and tomatoes. They can also be used topically and should be applied twice daily or 30 minutes before sun exposure -- I layer mine under my sunscreen. Try Revaléskin CoffeeBerry Night Cream, Topix Replenix Caffeine Enhanced Green Tea Cream or Kiehl's Lycopene Facial Moisturizing Lotion.

Finally, you can make up for lost collagen by using a prescription retinoid, like Retin-A, Differin or Tazorac. Retinoids are the only products proven to increase collagen production and diminish existing wrinkles. (Learn more: Six great reasons to use a retinoid.)

Wishing you great skin!

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Dr. Baumann is author of the best-selling book, " The Skin Type Solution." To learn more about her revolutionary skin typing system, visit her Web site, SkinTypeSolutions.com.

All of Dr. Baumann's recommended skin care products are available online, and a portion of proceeds goes to The Dermatology Foundation.

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140 Comments Report Abuse

1. montellna - Jun 25 11:35pm

Foro sure, sugar is a toxin really, it just happens to taste good. Useless calories with no nutritional value at all!.
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2. dearmisha - Jun 26 04:19am

Great article. Thanks!

3. dia91082 - Jun 26 08:10am

Another helpful article. But do you mean that it is only at age 35 that you have to worry about sugar affecting your skin's appearance, or that at that age your cumulative exposure to sugar catches up with you?
Also, could you post about your favorite hair care products? Your hair in your pic is so pretty. I have a similar curly texture.

4. sophia4jesus - Jun 26 07:12pm

Comments are made in so much areas of life, health inclusive just like messages of salvations are being preached but the great Q is how many believed this report? Sad to sa Micheal is gone leaving behind memories, what do we the living benefit from his life time acheivements and woes?
Lets not forget that Jesus is Lord.

5. elainee1207 - Jun 27 05:41am

sure it does... it leaves fat wrinkles

6. edes_cica - Jun 27 05:55am

I don't necessarily believe that you can equate a definite outcome that if you eat sweets you will get wrinkles. My brother is 51. He loves sweets and his skin is still very youthful. In fact, his daily regimen is Pepsi and Recess chocolate.He could pass for 38 years old. Even myself, I am 40 years old and believe me...I have a sweet tooth. My skin looks very youthful. In fact, I still get carded and I do not have any wrinkles. I think it is a combination of many factors, including genetics, sun exposure, overall diet and many other things that contribute to our overall physical appearance. Making comments that eating sweets will give you wrinkles will send the wrong message out to the public and contribute to young teens and children going to vast measures so that they can taste sweets but not absorb it in their bodies.

7. angelgidadu - Jun 28 11:45am

Wow that's good to know. Sugar also causes tooth decay.

Angel
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8. jlaydbak - Jul 01 07:24am

A study for how long? Of how many? Was it cross-correlated? Did it specify different types of sugars? Are we talking about refined foods? This article is pseudo-science. However, the advice isn't bad - eat fruits and veggies and whole grains. We can agree on that, even if I think the actual article is crapola.

9. cbcrooney - Jul 01 07:32am

i think this is basically true, and i agree that we shouldnt load up on simple sugars, but so much has to do with genes. my aunt on my mom's side looks freakishly young, and she eats like the rest of america. my aunt on my dad's side has been less fortunate, and she is a health nut. staying out of the sun seems like the best idea.