By: Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD

As young adults, aging skin is the last thing on our minds. Then in our 30s, 40s, and 50s, we become much more aware of our skin’s increasing dullness and lost elasticity. These gradual changes have left us searching for answers or treatments to reverse the wrinkles and sagging, dull skin. While there are many high-quality, effective products out there, our daily nutrition choices can be a proactive and straightforward method of caring for our skin. So how can we best care for our skin through nutrition?

Many factors affect the aging process of our skin. These include environmental pollutants, genetics, and repetitive motions, all of which are quite often out of our control. However, one of the most effective ways we can slow the aging process of our skin is by nourishing ourselves well and by moderating our sugar intake.

Our skin is made of collagen and elastin, both of which help to keep our skin soft and flexible.
When consumed, glucose and fructose link the amino acids present in our collagen and elastin and produce advanced glycation end products or “AGEs.” In short, when we eat sugar, the collagen molecules within our skin start to cross-link, which causes our skin to lose elasticity.

Sugar intake is also related to increased prevalence of acne, dark spot development, slower healing of cuts and scars, and stiffer skin. It is essential to understand that these processes occur naturally as we age, but sugar speeds up the process. Furthermore, as we get older, our metabolic rates change, and we can use fewer calories over time. Suppose we consume more than our body needs to function. In that case, we are left with unprocessed calories, further leading to these negative consequences for our skin health.

Time is probably the most relatable truth in the world. We all get the same twenty-four hours in a day, and if we take it one step further, we all age with each passing hour. Now don’t get me wrong. I think getting older is a blessing, and I believe that our appearance does not define our worth. However, I also believe that we should take care of our bodies to the best of our abilities. How great is it that something as simple as watching our sugar intake can help our skin tremendously?