Sugar and Aging

Don't be a Sugar Face.

Read on for details on how you can slow aging with some simple lifestyle and skincare modifications.

Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) are a family of compounds produced by the nonenzymatic reactions between sugars and proteins, lipids, or nucleic acids, particularly due to roasting and broiling food at high temperatures but also simply from a high glycemic index (high sugar) diet. These compounds are associated with a diverse array of pathologies due to the resulting pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidative state. Formation of cross-links between key molecules and fragmentation of collagen fibers alters cellular structural and mechanical properties within the skin, ultimately impairing wound healing, disrupting barrier function, and destroying cells within the dermis and epidermis. Promotion of melanin production also results. These inflammatory pathways are believed to start as early as in your 20’s and the resulting damage is irreversible.

So how can you combat this process leading to reduced skin elasticity and wrinkle formation, yellow and dull looking skin, and other skin problems? Lifestyle choices and judicious selection of topical skincare products are your keys to combating the problem.

First - limit UV exposure, avoid excessive alcohol, stop smoking, and start exercising, those are important. Consume a diet of less sugar and limit your intake of grilled and browned foods (baked and fried), as these contain AGEs. Eat antioxidant-rich foods, and consider adding a supplement containing pyridoxine (B6) and other antioxidants.

In skincare, ingredients with high antioxidant potential, such as rosmarinic acid, tannins, flavonoids, curcumin, pomegranate fruit extract, phenolic acids, superoxide dismutase, and asiatic acid are the stars. Here are a few products that hit the mark.

iS Clinical Super Serum Advance + $95. Contains powerful botanical antioxidants and safe skin brighteners.

iS Clinical Youth Complex $155. Youth Complex is the first cosmeceutical formulation to offer immediate, intermediate, and long-term visible improvements to aging skin.

iS Clinical Youth Intensive Creme $235. Clinically proven, Youth Intensive Crème smooths the skin, revealing a firmer and more radiant, youthful complexion.

Jan Marini Regeneration Booster $225. Brightens skin and reduces the appearance of under eye circles, crepey skin and fine lines and wrinkles.