Glycation. What is it? Can it be avoided?

Glycation is one of the leading causes of premature aging. It is a natural process that occurs in our bodies. It's like a slow sticky build-up that can affect our health over time.

It's a condition that is characterized by being difficult to treat, glycation is a non-enzymatic chemical reaction that occurs when sugars, such as glucose or fructose, react with proteins, lipids, or nucleic acids. As skin ages, collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis become stiffer and less functional due to the accumulation of these glycated molecules.

What contributes to the Glycation process? Eating foods that contain sugar, especially excess sugar. The sugars bond to the proteins in the body, skin, blood vessels and nerves. The bonding damages these tissues over time.

What will this look like? Wrinkles, sagging and loss of elasticity, loss of radiance, texture in the chin and a increase in hyperpigmentation or dark spots.

How can you prolong this process?

• Limit your sugar intake and minimize refined sugars. Lower GI foods are best and low inflammatory foods; whole grains and vegetables. Best to do a google search for low inflammatory foods!

• Ingredients to apply on your skin; Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Green Tea, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol, Peptides, Niacinamide and Mineral SPF. Professional brands are better vs over the counter.

• In the treatment room, Micro-needling, Chemical Peels and Jet Plasma can be helpful.

• Diet is super important for our skin health. Be mindful about your sugar intake

  and pass this info along to someone younger than you!

No, you can't avoid aging, but you control what goes in your body. The better you eat and treat your skin, the better you will age.