Here are the effects of sugar on skin health.
- Accelerates the aging process
A study published in Clinics in Dermatology found that a diet high in sugar can promote the formation of glycation — compounds that accelerate skin aging, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin.
- Causes acne
High sugar intake triggers a spike in insulin levels, which can increase oil production in the skin, clog pores and cause acne.
- Damages collagen and elastin
When you consume too much sugar, it attaches to collagen and elastin fibers, weakening your skin and making it more prone to wrinkling, sagging, and dryness over time.
- Make psoriasis worse
Another side effect of sugar on skin health is that it can aggravate psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that causes red, flaky patches of skin, often resulting in crusting and scaling.
- Increased skin inflammation
High blood sugar can trigger the release of inflammatory cytokines, leading to skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.
