Get out of a sticky “you are what you eat” predicament before it’s too late
So you’re diligent with skincare, do a comprehensive routine both day and night, and never skip sunscreen. Yet, somehow your skin still appears shallow, dull, with fine lines appearing at the edges of your eyes and mouth. What’s happening?
You could just be eating too much sugar.
A 2018 National Nutrition Survey showed that sugar intake in Singapore has subsequently increased to 60g in the last year. The World Health Organisation’s recommended daily intake is 20g—or six teaspoons a day. Besides diabetes and other health risks, sugar also causes a chemical influence on your body called glycation. The cross-linked complex of sugars and proteins in your body in a process known as glycation (which goes on to form advanced glycation end products, commonly known as AGEs). As this progressively goes on, your skin starts to appear less taut and bouncy. In an interview with Insider, Dr. Donna Hart, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, shared that aging skin has the most changes in the dermis, where collagen and elastin fibers reside, and glycation causes collagen fibers to become stiff and brittle—leading to older-looking skin.
For women in their late twenties or early thirties who are starting to worry about the signs of aging, glycation is definitely not a good sign. AGEs can end up in organs throughout your body, causing both tissue damage and increased signs of premature aging!
But I love sugar! Are there many other skin conditions that could occur from it?
Too much sugar can also trigger other skin problems like rosacea, eczema, and even psoriasis (patches of dry, scaly skin). If you have sensitive skin or are prone to inflammatory issues, it’s a good idea to avoid excessive sugar intake.
Are there skincare products I can use to save my skin?
We’ll be honest—a holistic diet and reduced intake of sugar is something that everyone needs in order to have better skin. However, what you can do is to invest in quality skincare that can help steer you in the right direction and help your skin. At The Moisturizers Co., they pride themselves in being an anti-aging skincare brand that places strong emphasis and dedicated research in creating products that effectively combat the various signs of aging.
The Moisturizers Co. takes great pride in the quality of ingredients that they use and cater to a wide range of skin types. By focusing on the power of antioxidants in their skincare, they are able to protect cells from the effects of free radicals, which are linked to aging.
Black Mulberry extracts
Found in The Moisturizers Co. Cell Regenerate Gel Cream (suitable for mature and/or dry skin)
Black mulberries may look like an unassuming berry, but they contain Resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that slows down the signs of aging. Furthermore, black mulberries contain anti-inflammatory properties to calm and soothe irritated skin that may be a result of consuming too much sugar. To top it off, black mulberries prevent the synthesis of melanin for bright and younger-looking skin.
CoEnzyme Q10 (also known as collagen)
Found in The Moisturizers Co. Cell Regenerate Gel Cream (suitable for mature and/or dry skin) and The Moisturizers Co. Brightening Moisturizing Cream with Vitamins and Arbutin (suitable for normal and/or dry skin)
Also known as collagen or ubiquinone, CoEnzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like ingredient that penetrates easily into your skin and boost cell regeneration—you’ll look younger instantly! It also functions as a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, protecting the skin from UV rays and harsh environmental exposure, while also neutralizing harmful free radicals.
Green Tea extracts
Found in The Moisturizers Co. Glow Renew Essence Toner (suitable for all skin types)
On its own, Green Tea doesn’t make you grow younger, but it is full of rich antioxidants that boast anti-aging properties. In skincare, Green Tea extracts help to hydrate your skin, slow down the aging process and also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Niacinamide
Found in The Moisturizers Co. Glow Renew Essence Toner (suitable for all skin types) and The Moisturizers Co. Ultra Pore Refiner (suitable for oily and/or combination skin)
Also known as Vitamin B3, niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin with a plethora of benefits. From improving enlarged pores, brightening skin, and reducing lines and uneven skin tone, it also gives your skin a plump and radiant boost. When your skin’s lipid barrier is strengthened, you naturally portray a more youthful outlook.
Do all anti-aging products combat glycation?
It’s always good to understand that no anti-aging product will instantly make you look years younger. The Moisturizers Co's products are selected for their ability to combat aging and designed to work in tandem with good eating habits like decreasing sugar intake, removing simple carbs, and taking in more vegetables and fruit. Ingredients like Co-Q10 actively protect and energises the skin, leading to visible anti-aging effects.
Explore our products here and read more useful tips and articles here. Be sure to drop us a note if you have any questions!
About us: We are Skintelligence, a team focused on a 'skin-first' approach to beauty through artificial intelligence. We match products to you based on your unique skin type and needs. Results are highly accurate and personalized with AI and machine learning. It's fun, convenient, and it works. Try it here.
As featured in Her World, CLEO, FEMALE, Shape, Nuyou, Singapore Women’s Weekly, Daily Vanity, Layers of Skins.