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    The truth about sugar and skin issues

    23 Jan 2016 12:00 PM | Posted by
    bh's Rosemary Taber's picture
    bh's Rosemary Taber
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    It’s the question on everyone's lips these days: ‘Can eating too much sugar really affect your skin?’ According to Paula Begoun, Founder of skin care brand Paula’s Choice, the answer is a big, fat yes. “Absolutely!” she says. “Eating too much sugar can lead to deeper wrinkles, more sagging, dull skin, skin that doesn’t heal well, and could potentially play a role in the formation of skin cancers,” adds Bryan Barron, Paula’s Choice Content and Research Director.

    Yikes! Well, now that we’ve cleared the air on that sticky question, let’s find out the truth about sugar and how it affects the health of your skin...

    What changes happen within your body that can influence how sugar affects your skin?

    “Sugar intake is all about glycation and its effect on crosslinking collagen among other structures and substances in skin,” explains Bryan. “This process causes the formation of AGEs (advanced glycation end products). AGEs accumulate in the body and definitively in skin. When AGEs are created, they activate the receptors for AGEs (called RAGEs). This process relates not only to skin ageing but also skin cancers and many other diseases. Sugars are also pro-inflammatory, and disease and skin ageing is all about inflammation.”

    Is it true that eating too much chocolate can cause breakouts?

    “There is no research showing that to be the case. However, the sugar in chocolate is a problem for other aspects of skin ageing,” says Paula. In other words, don’t just go blaming chocolate for all of your skin issues, it's the sugar in chocolate that’s the culprit.

    RELATED: Can certain foods cause breakouts?
    RELATED: What your breakouts are telling you

    What are the best products/ingredients to use to help treat these skin issues?

    “It seems antioxidants by far are the best [to help treat sugar-related skin issues], either applied topically or in your diet,” says Paula. “It’s also vitally important to wear sunscreen every day and avoid sun exposure as the sun increases AGEs in the skin and is definitely pro-inflammatory.”

    bh loves: Paula’s Choice Resist Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum, Ultraceuticals Ultra Protective Antioxidant Complex, Ultraderm Daily Protector Moisturiser 30+ SPF

    Along with your sugar-fighting skin care routine, Paula suggests helping your glow by munching on antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries and cranberries, as well as sipping on green tea.

    Should we limit how much sugar we consume every day for healthy skin?

    “Absolutely, not to mention for every other aspect of your health,” advises Paula. So, just as you probably expected, when it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth and keeping your skin healthy, it’s all about moderation. After all, you can’t have your cake and eat it too!

    Do you suffer from sugar-related skin issues? Would you try limiting your intake of sugar?

    Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?

    Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.

    Paula's Choice Resist Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
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    Ultraceuticals Ultra Protective Antioxidant Complex
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    76 Member Comments

    Rose_P 10 Sep 2019 7:47 PM

    I used to be a chocoholic. I was an absolute shocker. But I’ve gone off it and I’m just not really interested anymore. I’m not really interested in lollies or sweet stuff either.

    ThisIsMe 7 Jun 2019 8:24 AM

    I love lollies! Not so much chocolate but I LOOOVVE lollies.

    Miss19 17 Apr 2019 4:37 PM

    It's hard for me to stay away from sugar!

    vtjh 4 Jul 2018 8:52 PM

    I need some more incentive to cut out sugar, I can never keep to my sugarless diet...

    Shop A Everyday 2 Jun 2018 11:14 PM

    Once a month + pimples, doesn't seem to matter how much sugar I eat or not

    Shop A Everyday 2 Feb 2018 9:28 PM

    Maybe I should try this, I think you would have to do it and stick to it for a while before seeing any real results

    Fluffybunny 13 Aug 2017 7:21 AM

    It's not good to eat too much sugar. I mostly don't eat it.

    tammerly sara 10 Aug 2017 4:35 PM

    Sugar is deadly. It is poison! But why does it have to taste so good? I can go weeks without it and then I destroy my excellent track record. Help!

    Fefe 8 Aug 2017 12:12 PM

    I totally agree with this article but Sweets are my weekness, I wish I had the strength to cut it out but I find the more I try the more I want to eat :(

    zaraammar 5 May 2017 1:52 PM

    Although this is 100% true and proven I see some women who indulge in chocolate and not one bit seen on their skin or body. Hmmm Anyway, I try my best to try and not go sugar crazy. Although I do have a sweet tooth!!

    AP1992 25 Apr 2017 5:55 PM

    Great article. some good tips here

    Goddess..... 21 Apr 2017 6:36 PM

    I already do this with everything, l check the back label first before buying. I don't like to have a lot of sugar so that is sorted with me.

    ray_jay 3 Nov 2016 7:03 PM

    my skin always looks really amazing when i cut sugar out

    Mayy 1 Nov 2016 3:37 PM

    I know people say that chocolate doesn't affect your skin, but it does! One piece of chocolate and my skin is breaking out!

    Chicklet 17 Oct 2016 10:54 PM

    Sugar is my weakness unfortunately.

    Africanaussie 10 Oct 2016 4:24 PM

    I went on an elimination diet, and found that broke the cycle and afterwards I found sweetened yoghurts for intance to be too sweet. Now I can eat plain greek yoghurt by the spoonful! It is a case of re-training your tastebuds!

    _Anita_ 24 Aug 2016 10:08 PM

    I'm trying to limit my intake.. but it is so very difficult!!

    skincare junkie 21 Aug 2016 11:38 AM

    I never have any problem with sugar affecting my skin - but i do not have a sweet tooth. I prefer savory on any given day.

    Truth 6 Jul 2016 9:50 AM

    Agreed. Sugar is a toxin and our skin reacts to toxins in different ways

    itslinda 6 Apr 2016 8:24 AM

    Great article!

    talk-a-lot 2 Apr 2016 4:31 PM

    I have a few skin issues mainly to do with hormonal changes going on. I don't eat a lot of sugar or try not to anyway.

    sporty_ytl 28 Mar 2016 10:53 PM

    That means take sugar in moderation.

    Petal 27 Feb 2016 7:00 AM

    Many people find that sugar is a real weakness for them. If it's not sugar, then it's something else ... shopping, smoking, alcohol etc.

    Shop A Everyday 20 Feb 2016 7:48 PM

    I do like a little bit of chocolate every day

    OnFire 17 Feb 2016 9:30 AM

    I would try to reduce my sugar intake more for the benefits of it improving the inside so it can show on the outside.. easier said than done though!

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