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What is Skin Glycation? The Effects of Sugar on Skin

Ever wondered about the effects of sugar on your skin and how you can adopt anti-glycation skincare? Learn more about the process of skin glycation and care you can take to minimise its effects.

What's in this article:

Understanding Skin Glycation

WHAT IS SKIN GLYCATION?

Glycation is a natural process in the body where sugars, particularly glucose, bind to proteins in skin such as Collagen and Elastin. This binding leads to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that are molecules that form when sugars react with proteins or lipids (fats) in the absence of enzymes. Glycation is a significant cause of damage to the skin as we age, leading to the development of wrinkles and a loss of elasticity.

In the context of skin health, AGEs play a significant role in the ageing process. They can accumulate in the skin over time, leading to the cross-linking and stiffening of proteins such as Collagen and Elastin.

In simple terms, glycation affects the skin's elasticity and suppleness, leading to advanced signs of ageing. Understanding this process is important for adopting preventive measures and maintaining more youthful looking skin.

6 CAUSES OF SKIN GLYCATION

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Causes of skin glycation include factors such as diet, genetics, lifestyle choices, high blood sugar levels, oxidative stress, and age. Here are the main causes for the advancing of skin glycation:

  1. Diet
    High sugar diets can increase the rate at which AGEs form, accelerating skin glycation.
  2. Genetics
    Genetics play a role in an individual's susceptibility to glycation, affecting how their skin responds to elevated sugar levels.
  3. Lifestyle Decisions 
    Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental pollutants can increase glycation.
  4. High Blood Sugar Levels  
    Elevated blood sugar directly catalyses glycation, leading to the formation of AGEs that compromise skin structure.
  5. Ageing
    The natural ageing process reduces the body's Collagen regeneration ability, making the skin more susceptible to the effects of sugar.
  6. UVA rays
    Exposure to UV rays increases the accumulation of AGEs and their effects on the body.
Effects of Sugar on the Skin

IS SUGAR BAD FOR YOUR SKIN?

Sugar can directly impact skin health by binding onto and forming glycated proteins, resulting in increased signs of ageing such as: wrinkles, sagging and a loss of firmness. Sugar molecules can attach themselves to both Collagen and Elastin, causing them to stiffen and making it difficult for them to keep skin strong and supple, resulting in glycated skin.

Excessive sugar, especially refined, increases insulin and inflammation, worsening the impact on your skin. Mindful sugar intake isn't just for health but also preserves skin's youthful appearance and resilience.

Reducing sugar intake is a powerful tool for positively influencing skin appearance, as it can also impact processes like glycation. Picture it as a personalised skincare routine you control through your food choices. When you cut back on sugars, you're essentially giving your skin a breather from the glycation process. Less sugar means fewer chances for those sugar molecules to disrupt Collagen and Elastin. It's a subtle yet effective way to support your skin's natural resilience and maintain a radiant complexion. 

5 SIGNS OF GLYCATED SKIN:

The following are a few signs that sugar may be impacting your skin:
young woman applying Nivea Q10 eye cream
  1. Wrinkles and Fine Lines 
    Glycated skin may age prematurely, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles
  2. Loss of Elasticity 
    Collagen and Elastin both help to give skin its bounce, sugar impairs their ability to do this
  3. Uneven Complexion
    By reacting with proteins, sugar has the potential to activate inflammation which in turn could lead to redness and an uneven tone
  4. Dull Skin
    Glycation can affect the skin's ability to regenerate and repair itself. As a result, the skin may appear dull, and the natural radiance may reduce. 
  5. Dry Skin
    Glycated proteins are less able to retain moisture, resulting in a dehydrating effect on skin, leaving it feeling tight and dried out

Early intervention allows for more effective strategies to counteract the effects of glycation, preserving the skin's natural vitality.

How to treat skin glycation

HOW TO PREVENT SKIN GLYCATION AND SUGAR DAMAGE TO SKIN

Regulating your sugar intake is the simplest step to prevent accelerating skin glycation. Taking preventative measures is a proactive approach to maintaining youthful and healthy looking skin. Here are a few ways to prevent skin glycation or its effects on premature skin ageing:
young woman applying Nivea Q10 Wrinkles cream
  1. Balanced Diet
    Opt for a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Include colourful fruits and vegetables, which are packed with nutrients that help oxidative stress.
  2. Regular Exercise
    Exercise promotes healthy circulation, delivering essential nutrients to your skin cells. It also helps manage stress, a factor linked to accelerated ageing.
  3. Sun Protection
    Shield your skin from harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen daily. Sun protection is a fundamental step in preventing premature ageing.
  4. Mindful Sugar Intake
    While it's challenging to eliminate sugar entirely, being mindful of your intake can make a significant difference. Opt for whole foods over processed foods rich in refined sugars when possible.
  5. Blood Sugar Regulation
    There are various nutritional approaches to regulating blood sugar levels. The most common method, and the one most recognised by scientists, is based on eating foods with a low glycaemic index, which contain less sugar or mainly slow sugars and are rich in fibre. 
A more recent approach involves implementing strategies such as eating foods in a particular order (starting with vegetables and proteins and ending with starchy foods) to minimise variations in blood sugar levels. According to this theory, based on individuals personal experiences, it would be possible to slow down the absorption of starches and sugars by eating them at the same time as proteins, fibre and healthy fats.
FACTS OVERVIEW

Skin Glycation

What is Glycation: Glycation is a natural process where sugars react with skin proteins, leading to the formation of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs).

Effects on Skin: AGEs contribute to visible signs of ageing, causing wrinkles, fine lines, and a loss of skin elasticity.

Preventive Measures: Reducing excess sugar intake and adopting anti-glycation skin care practices can help reduce its effects.

Antioxidants for Anti-Ageing Skincare: Antioxidants, found in certain foods and skincare products, may help combat the oxidative stress associated with glycation, providing an additional layer of defence against premature ageing.

How to treat skin glycation

NIVEA ANTI-GLYCATION SKINCARE ROUTINE:

To date, glycation is unfortunately an irreversible phenomenon, but it is possible to help prevent the formation of glycated proteins and reduce their effects. Getting rid of all signs of glycated skin can be very tricky, after all they are the same as signs of ageing which is a natural process that cannot be avoided. The following routine could help you to minimise the effects of sugar damage on skin:
Anti-Glycation Skincare Routine Steps

1. Cleansing

Aways start both your AM and PM routine with a thorough cleanse to remove impurities and prepare the skin to absorb the nourishing ingredients of your care products. In the morning you may opt for a more refreshing cleanser to awaken your skin, whilst in the evening it is more suitable to use a product suited to removing makeup and impurities that have accumulated throughout the day.

NIVEA Face Cleansers
Anti-Glycation Skincare Routine Steps

2. Exfoliation:

Incorporate exfoliation 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells. Exfoliating helps maintain an even skin texture and promotes the turnover of new skin cells. 

NIVEA Face Scrubs
young woman using Nivea Q10 products
Anti-Glycation Skincare Routine Steps

3. Anti-Glycation Serum:

Serums are concentrated solutions that deliver potent ingredients deep into the skin. The new NIVEA Q10 Dual Action Serum with breakthrough GLYCOSTOP® and Q10 is designed to inhibit the glycation process from within the skin*.

*in vitro tested

 

Anti-Glycation Skincare Routine Steps

4. Moisturiser:

Day creams help to lock in hydration, helping skin to feel supple and supported throughout the day. Try the NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Power Firming Day Cream, enriched with Dual Action Coenzyme Q10, Creatine and SPF 15, to reduce wrinkles and help prevent them. The combination of this day care to the NIVEA Q10 Dual Action Serum intensifies its effectiveness on 4 skin parameters**! This two pronged approach ensures that your skin can reap the full benefits of NIVEA's targeted anti wrinkle and anti glycation technology.

In the evening, swap out for the NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Power Revitalising Night Cream to intensely nourish your skin whilst you sleep. The carefully created formula with Q10 and Creatine helps to support skin's natural regeneration and repair process as you sleep, effectively acting on signs of ageing.


**The combined usage of the NIVEA Q10 Dual Action Serum and NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Power Firming Day Cream SPF15 has been scientifically proven to increase the effectiveness on 4 skin parameters (regeneration, elasticity, hydration and concentration of Q10 in the skin) vs. use of the Day Cream alone.

NIVEA Anti-Wrinkle Creams
Anti-Glycation Skincare Routine Steps

5. Sunscreen:

Protect your skin from UV radiation by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. The 'Which? Best buy June 2024' NIVEA UV Face Anti-Age Q10 Cream SPF 50, provides immediate high protection against UVA/UVB rays. Its Q10 formula hydrates and helps to prevent the appearance of sun induced fine lines and wrinkles.

NIVEA Face Sunscreens

NIVEA Q10 AGAINST SKIN GLYCATION

The new NIVEA Q10 Dual Action Serum helps to protect the skin against the effects of glycation* and helps prevent wrinkles from within the epiderm. This light and fast absorbing serum includes the breakthrough GLYCOSTOP® ingredient, which is your first line of protection against the effects of sugar on your skin’s collagen and the resulting wrinkles.

Coenzyme Q10 serves a dual purpose: powering cellular energy production and combating oxidative stress linked to glycation and ageing.


*in vitro tested

NIVEA Q10 Products
How to treat skin glycation

Simple Habits to Limit the Effects of Glycation for All Ages:

As we embrace the notion that skincare is a lifelong journey, here are simple and timeless habits that individuals of all ages can incorporate into their daily routines to reduce the effects of glycation and promote overall skin health:

  1. Eat a Balanced Diet and Stay Hydrated:
    Make sure you eat a balanced diet, low in sugars and rich in antioxidants, and drink an adequate amount of water daily to keep your skin hydrated from within, supporting its natural resilience.

  2. Adequate Sleep:
    Quality sleep is a rejuvenating elixir for the skin. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to support the skin's repair and regeneration processes.

  3. Stress Management:
    Chronic stress can contribute to glycation and premature ageing. Incorporate stress-management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into your routine.

These simple habits, when woven into your daily life, contribute to a holistic approach to skincare.

SUMMARY

Skin Glycation At a Glance

Understanding and addressing skin glycation is crucial for maintaining youthful looking skin as much as possible. By regulating sugar intake, staying hydrated, following a balanced diet, protecting against, and using anti-glycation skincare like NIVEA's Q10 range, individuals can mitigate glycation's effects. Simple habits like adequate sleep and stress management also support skin health. Embracing these practices can help to promote radiant, youthful looking skin throughout the years.

Skin Glycation FAQs

What are the visible effects of glycation on the skin?

The visible effects of glycation on the skin include the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and a loss of firmness. Skin may appear dull, and the overall complexion may be affected.

How does glycation contribute to skin ageing?

The chemical reaction between the sugar and Collagen or Elastin in skin can accelerate the ageing process. The end result of sugar glycation is known as Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs), which is when wrinkles can appear and skin loses its firmness and elasticity.

Are there lifestyle factors that contribute to glycation?

Smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol or sugars and exposure to UV radiation have been linked to increased glycation. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including sun protection, adopting a balanced diet and avoiding smoking, can contribute to skin health.

What ingredients should I look for in anti-ageing products?

Effective anti-ageing ingredients include Q10, Bakuchiol, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, and Peptides. These ingredients help reduce wrinkles and promote skin elasticity.

What role does sugar play in skin ageing?

Excessive consumption of sugars can accelerate glycation in the body. Diets high in refined sugars and carbohydrates may contribute to premature ageing of the skin.

Can you reverse skin glycation?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to reverse the glycation process, but it can be slowed down by adopting a healthy lifestyle and a suitable skincare routine. Following recent advancements, in vitro tests carried out on GLYCOSTOP®, an essential ingredient of our NIVEA Q10 Dual Action Serum, have shown a reduction of 68% of glycation. Combining the use of this serum with sun protection and dietary measures to limit sugar consumption helps to significantly prevent and reduce the signs of ageing.

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