Glycation, or what does sugar have to do with ageing!

Sugar is referred to as white death, and there is a lot of truth to that. As it turns out, an excess of it in the diet contributes significantly to the ageing of the body, including the skin. Indulging in chocolate or ice cream, for example, not only means extra calories and kilograms, but also accelerates ageing and the appearance of wrinkles!

Glycation – what is it?

Glycation, for which sugars are responsible, starts to show signs from the age of 20, and becomes seriously noticeable after 35. In very simple terms, glycation is the physiological process of linking glucose molecules with free proteins, such as collagen, which results in the weakening of its structure, hardening of tissues, and skin damage. The process itself is natural and unavoidable, linked to the ageing process of the body. However, the key is to take proper care of your diet and not to consume excess sugars, thereby avoiding the unnecessary acceleration of these processes. Excessive sugar consumption can also lead to diabetes and many serious complications.

Glycation and skin condition

An accelerated glycation process causes proteins to lose their biological functions. This leads to the accumulation of deposits, stiffening of blood vessel walls and tissues. One of the most important proteins in the human body, collagen, is highly susceptible to this process. When collagen fibres undergo glycation, they lose their shape, begin to stiffen, and also become brittle. The structure is weakened by the thickening of fibrils which make up the fibres and an increase in the number of cross-links between its molecules. Repair functions are also weakened. The glycation process itself further influences oxidative stress, also amplifying its undesirable effects. As a result, the skin becomes covered in wrinkles and deeper furrows, which cannot be reduced by any means. This also translates to the skin's ability to retain moisture, which becomes increasingly dry.

How to avoid the effects of glycation?

When choosing mindful eating, it's worth remembering these processes and avoiding sugar, by which I mean not only sweet foods but also those made with white flour. If you want to look good for a long time, you need to remember that your body needs care on many levels, including, of course, diet. After all, you are what you eat! Diet, lifestyle, habits - all these primarily affect your health, and consequently your appearance. Body care and exercises, including face yoga (Here you can see a video of face exercises VLOGThis is not enough for the body to be healthy and maintain a youthful appearance for longer. If you care about it, choose a conscious lifestyle!