The effects of sugar on your skin

While sweet foods can be a good indulgence, their sugar content can have some significant effects on your skin. Why exactly? Simple carbohydrates like refined sugar cause insulin levels in the body to spike, increasing its susceptability to inflammation.

When your body is inflamed, it produces enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles and sagginess and results in premature aging of the skin. Another effect of sugar on your skin is that it can affect any pre-existing skin condition you may have.

The sugar that your body digests is permanently attached to the collagen on your skin – this is known as glycation. Glycation amplifies the possibility of acne breakouts, or rosacea flare ups.

So what kind of sugar should you be avoiding? Any food that’s high in simple carbohydrates and saturated fats. This includes fried food, sweet frozen desserts, fruit juices, pizza, packaged snacks and soda.

Instead, you should be eating low-glycemic foods like whole grains, beans, nuts and foods rich in fiber. These types of foods control blood sugar levels. Also, eat foods that are high in healthy fats, like olive oil and avocados, those that contain lean protein like salmon, and antioxidants like strawberries.