Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing: Why Sugar Is Destroying Your Skin

By now, we all know that sugar is bad for us. When we think of the bad effects that sugar has on our body, most of us immediately think of the extra kilos eating a high-sugar diet often brings.

However, as well as increased risk of obesity, consuming even low to moderate amounts of sugar can also lead to diabetes, heart disease, impaired immune function, tooth decay , increased stress hormones and a lack of essential nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin B (to name just a few).


But Did You Know That Sugar Is Super Bad For Your Skin Too?

Sugar causes insulin levels to spike, in turn creating a burst of inflammation throughout the body. Once it reaches the skin, glucose sets off a chemical reaction called Glycation, forming destructive molecules called Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs).

AGEs attach themselves to collagen strands, making them stiff and inflexible, while also allowing free radical formation and oxidative stress to develop. With time, AGE molecules accumulate in the skin, ultimately destroying the support matrix that gives skin its firmness and suppleness, leading to premature ageing as well as worsening inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema and rosacea.

Glycated skin appears as a rough, hardened area of deep and superficial, criss-crossing lines, often seen around the eyes and the mouth.


How To Counteract Glycation:

Besides doing your best to cut down or avoid simple carbohydrates such as white and brown sugar, white bread, fried foods, packaged snacks and sugary drinks (including fruit juice) - you can support your skin by using skin care products that contain anti-inflammatory ingredients and nourishing your skin with targeted treatments that aim to stimulate collagen and elastin formation while recalibrating your skin’s natural cell turnover.


At Home Use:

Rejuvenating Foaming Cleanser with restorative vitamin C, calming Chamomile and stimulating Citric Acid - 3 superstar anti-inflammatory ingredients that will cleanse away oil and impurities while stimulating cell regeneration.

Multi Peptide Serum with Bio-Placenta, Pepha-Tight, Matrixl Synthe6 and Hyaluronic Acid - all highly active peptides and growth factors that work to stimulate collagen and elastin production, boosting skin hydration and reducing oxidative stress.

Purifying Hydration Mask enriched with detoxifying Volcanic Clays, hydrating Sodium Hyaluronate and an advanced Perfection Peptide will detoxify the skin by absorbing impurities and toxin build up, while allowing oxygen and beneficial minerals to heal, hydrate and enhance skin clarity.

Vitamin A,C and B3 are a powerful combination of skin correctors that will support your skin’s function at a cellular level to encourage collagen and elastin production while regulating oxidative stress and skin hydration.

Rejuvenating Day Cream, full of soothing Chamomile, Sodium Hyaluronate and Macadamia to help restore and replenish a depleted skin and featuring natural zinc for added sun protection.

Rejuvenating Night Treatment with Retinol; designed to change the structure of the skin to actively repair damage from glycation, while you sleep.


In-Clinic:

Advanced Skin Resurfacing Facial utilises a combination of Hydra-Microdermabrasion with a customised chemical Pro-Peel and anti-ageing peptide infusion to exfoliate, refresh and deeply hydrate the skin while targeting specific skin concerns.

Suitable for all skin types and tones, the Advanced Skin Resurfacing Facial will reset and recondition your skin deep down at a cellular level. Speeding up skin cell turnover and encouraging the production of collagen and elastin, while boosting circulation and oxygenation of the skin.

LED Light Therapy, a pain-free, non-invasive rejuvenating skin treatment that reduces inflammation caused by glycation, helping to improve fine lines and wrinkles, control and minimise acne breakouts and soothe inflammatory skin issues such as eczema and rosacea.

Beauty Booster Treatment, A hydrating cocktail of hyaluronic dermal filler, vitamins, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and skin brighteners. This advanced skin treatment will nourish and renew dull, tired and dehydrated skin while promoting new collagen formation and increasing elastin levels to firm, plump and correct skin imperfections.

Nutrient Wellness with NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine nucleotide – derived from vitamin B3), a coenzyme naturally produced by every cell of the human body. A significant contributor to a wide range of cellular functions, NAD+ is essential for converting the food we eat into energy (ATP) that fuels our body’s cells and helps maintain our metabolism, cognitive function and support the immune system.


Believe in Beautiful Is Here To Treat and Help You Manage Your Skin:

If you suspect you have Glycation, then the team at Believe in Beautiful would love to help.

Simply book a complimentary consultation at one of our 9 South East Brisbane locations to get started. Our friendly team of experienced Dermal Therapists will assess your skin and talk to you about all your treatment options as well as suggest the perfect home routine using ASI’s range of cosmeceutical skin care products.

You can also download the Believe in Beautiful App and instantly earn $20.00 in loyalty points to use towards your skin treatment or ASI product purchase the next time you visit a Believe in Beautiful clinic.