The next time you reach for the candy bar, donut, cookie, whatever…think before you bite. The effects of sugar when consumed in unhealthy quantities are bad for your health (to be addressed in a future blog), but did you know that sugar has been linked to not only acne, but aging the skin faster?

Glycation is a physiological reaction that occurs when there is too much sugar in the body. Protein molecules can cross-link with sugar molecules. Once this process takes place, the new proteins become AGEs, or advanced glycation end products. Our bodies don’t recognize this, so we produce antibodies that cause inflammation. These AGEs damage the network composition of collagen and elastin, causing it to break down. Inflammation is directly linked to acne, and the destruction of collagen and elastin is how lines, wrinkles and sagging occur.

It’s okay to have a little sugar treat once in a while, but on a regular basis, stick to foods that are sweetened naturally by Mother Nature. Sugar is highly addictive- there have been studies done that show that it lights up the same parts of the brain as several narcotic drugs like cocaine. Save your sweet devilish treat for a special occasion, or maybe once a week for a reward!

*Reference, Skininc, October 31st, 2013