When we see new wrinkles in the mirror, the first thing we look at is the sun, stress, or genetics. However, modern nutritionists point to a less obvious enemy that accelerates skin aging every day: refined sugar. Its effects can be much more destructive than we imagine: sugar not only adds empty calories, but also triggers chemical processes that destroy skin elasticity.
The key problem is the process of glycation. Excess sugar in the blood chaotically “glues” proteins, including collagen and elastin — the main “springs” of the skin. As a result, they become fragile, the skin loses elasticity, wrinkles become more noticeable, and tissue repair slows down.
This process accumulates over the years, and the first signs can be noticed after the age of 30. Additionally, excess sugar provokes chronic inflammation, swelling, dull complexion, and rashes.
Real danger often lurks where we least expect it:
-
Sugary drinks: soda, packaged juices, iced tea and coffee drinks with syrups.
-
Industrial baked goods and desserts: cookies, cakes, pastries — a double whammy of sugar and trans fats.
-
Sauces and low-fat products: ketchup, barbecue sauces, dressings, and low-fat yogurts.
-
Foods with a high glycemic index: white bread, French fries, instant cereals.
Read labels and choose whole foods. Instead of dessert, give preference to fresh fruits and berries. This is not a call to completely abandon sweets, but a conscious approach to nutrition.
By reducing your intake of refined sugar, you can not only maintain your slim figure, but also prolong the youthfulness of your skin. After just a few weeks, swelling will noticeably decrease, your facial tone will even out, and a natural glow will appear - an effect that even the most expensive cream will not give.
