Tis the season for lots of Holiday sweets. We all deserve to indulge and enjoy. . . . in Moderation.
A diet heavy in refined and added sugars usually results in medical issues as well as skin problems.
Sugar causes your blood sugar level to surge which triggers inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation will cause breakouts on the skin surface. It can also aggravate skin conditions such as acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. Ultimately avoiding refined sugar will help reduce inflamed skin. Also, a diet high in sugar can damage Elastin and Collagen in the skin increasing fine lines and sagging skin especially in the neck and chin areas.
Sugar causes wrinkles by affecting the type of collagen your skin is composed of. There are 3 types of collagen, types 1, 2, and 3. 3 is the most stable, most plump, and wrinkle-resistant. Excessive GLYCATION transforms Type 3, that we are born with, into types 1 or 2, thinner and more fragile collagen, creating more wrinkles.
Aging skin has the most changes in the dermis, where collagen and elastin fibers reside. Sugar basically binds with the collagen to form GLYCATION. It is the binding that causes collagen fibers to become stiff, brittle, tougher, and more wrinkled, leading to Premature Aging.
It is impossible to completely avoid consuming sugar. You should pay attention to where it derives from. There is a difference between added sugars and the sugars that are naturally found in fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods are good to consume because they provide nutrients and nutritional value to your diet.
For clear and healthy skin processed sugars and Simple Carbohydrates should be Avoided, however, a moderate amount of sugar is unlikely to have clinically-evident effects on the skin.
Sugar is also a dehydrating agent which will increase oil production. It also affects water binding so your skin looks less perky and doesn’t appear as oxygenated. Skin becomes sallow and lackluster, and unwanted dark circles will be noticeable around the eyes. Alcohol also dehydrates skin with the same results.
Visiting Kiki Skin & Body Spa for treatments to add Radiance and Youthfulness will have your skin feeling and looking better. The at-home skincare products will reinforce the treatments between visits.
Don’t wake up to “Sugar Face” but do enjoy Healthy, Happy Holidays!