Sugar and Skin Ageing
Glycation - Sugar and Skin Ageing
We are all used to hearing how sugar damages our teeth, waistline, and health. However, few realise its contribution to premature skin ageing.
High-sugar diets lead to excess glucose (sugars) in the body. This glucose binds to our collagen and elastin, creating Advanced Glycation End-products (or AGEs), and causes collagen and elastin fibres to become stiff and brittle. It also degrades collagen from Type III (the strongest form) to Type I, the weakest form. The end result is an increase in fine lines and wrinkles, and lax and sagging skin, especially around the jowl area.
Excess glucose in the body can also deactivate our natural anti-oxidant enzymes, leaving the skin vulnerable to free-radical damage, and reduces the skin’s lipid (oil) content. This impairs the skin’s barrier function, and further accelerates premature ageing of the skin.
Glycation damage typically appears in our mid-30’s, but with high-sugar diets becoming common at ever younger ages, some are displaying signs of glycation in their 20’s.
The most obvious sign of glycation ageing are deep cross-hatch lines appearing around the crows-feet, lip, and chin area. When we think of ‘normal’ wrinkles they run in a linear fashion, and are parallel to one another. However, glycation wrinkles cross over each other and create a pattern similar to the photo below:

How to Fight Glycation:
- Cut back on sugar, keeping it to no more than 10% of your daily calorie intake. Look out for sugars hidden in foods and drinks!
- Cut down on smoking and UV exposure, both of which can speed up AGE formation, and wear an SPF to protect against UV.
- Try to get enough sleep, as this is when the skin repairs and regenerates itself. Lack of sleep can lead to wrinkles, poor skin tone, and loss of elasticity.
- Drink enough water, which the body needs to carry out the functions supporting healthy skin, including the production of collagen and elastin.
- Make sure your diet includes plenty of antioxidants, which protect against the damaging effects of free radicals and helps prevent sugar from attaching to proteins. Examples include berries, leafy greens, and green tea.
Skincare
We recommend Sentéales Anti-Ageing Cream, which contains:
- Flavonoid-rich Black Orchid and Cherry Blossom extracts, which are potent antioxidants and help inhibit protein glycation.
- Collagen and elastin boosting extracts of Everlasting, Beech Buds, Cherry Blossom and Soy Glycine.
- Peptides to help reduce wrinkle-depth.
- Hyaluronic Acid to replenish the skin’s moisture, smooth the complexion, and plump fine-lines and wrinkles.
- A nourish blend of Raspberry Seed Oil and Shea Butter, which are rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids, helping to replenish the skin’s natural barrier.
Why not book in for a facial at the Rowan Tree for expert help with your skin care, and to begin your journey towards a healthy skin








