If you work hard to keep your complexion soft, wrinkle-free and beautiful, you know how many things can work against you. From summer’s sun and winter’s cold, to air pollution and even hot showers, it seems that there’s no end to the number of ways your skin is under attack from all around.
But there’s one thing that attacks your skin from inside your body too.
How Sugar Damages Your Skin
Tooth decay, obesity, diabetes and heart disease are among the numerous diseases and conditions that excess sugar consumption has been linked to as a contributing factor.
But, even if you’re lucky enough to avoid those more serious conditions, too much sugar can rob you of your healthy looking skin and complexion.
Excessive sugar consumption starts a ‘domino effect’ of changes in your body that ends in skin damage.
- Extra sugar in your body forces it to produce more insulin in an effort to regulate the release of the sugars into your system.
- Excess insulin causes inflammation throughout your body.
- Inflammation, whether caused by insulin or an injury, produces an enzyme that attacks the collagen and elastin in your skin. Collagen gives your skin strength and structure, and elastin, like the name implies, makes your skin more elastic and pliable so that it can stretch and bounce back undamaged.
- Without the support of collagen and the stretchiness of elastin, your skin can sag and wrinkle.
In addition to aging your skin, too much sugar can make some skin conditions worse, including acne and rosacea. It can also increase your insulin resistance, which can cause excess hair growth and dark skin patches on your neck and in body creases.
Here’s something to think about to help you cut down on sugar: you’re already sweet enough!