Glycation: How Sugar Ages Your Skin (FutureDerm Video)

Hi @Brenna,

That’s a tricky question.

The vast majority of signs of aging is attributable to photoaging, i.e., excess sun exposure. Vitamin C as L-ascorbic acid in concentrations of at least 15% in combination with vitamin E at 2% has been shown in numerous studies to boost UVA/UVB protection by as much as 400%. For this reason, for areas that are exposed to the sun regularly, use of vitamin C and vitamin E in these concentrations or higher is recommended to prevent further signs of photoaging.

Glycation is another beast. You’re probably looking at 10% or less of the total signs of aging that are attributable to excess sugar rather than excess sun, but it’s a fair amount. Glycation is contributing to loose, hanging skin, the parts of the body that don’t “spring back” when impacted.

The #1 thing you can do to prevent signs of aging on the body is to keep your weight as stable as possible. By that same token, the #1 thing you can do to prevent glycation on the body is to consume only as many calories as you need from nutrient-dense foods that are ranked low on the glycemic index. You don’t want peaks and valleys in your blood sugar levels. Keep it nice and steady — and low.

So does applying antioxidants topically to the body hurt anything? Absolutely not. Vitamin C, for one, is lightening and brightening and even a bit (just a tiny bit) tightening as it stimulates collagen production. But I want to be honest, the greatest effects for your body’s skin as far as glycation goes stem from what you are feeding it — and what you are not feeding it — internally.

Hope this helps,
Nicki