This daily eating habit has been proven to result in breakouts and dull skin.
It’s
no mystery that sugar is one of those foods that—much to any sweet
tooth’s chagrin—should be enjoyed in moderation. In terms of physical
health, too much sugar can mean spiked blood sugar, diabetes, weight
gain, and more. As if that's not bad enough, it can also do a number on
our complexions as well.
[post_ads_2]
This exact effect has even earned its own nickname—sugar face.
Although we’d love to say it’s an endearing nickname from your
grandfather, it’s actually the buzzy internet term given to the way your
face looks when its been affected by sugar. The symptoms? Sugar face
shows itself as pronounced fine lines or wrinkles; a pasty, less radiant
tone; and the worst of the worst—adult acne.
Curious to learn
more about how something found in so much of what we consume can affect
your breakouts? So were we. We chatted with two dermatologists to get to
the bottom of this not-so sweet matter.
This Is What Really Causes the Trouble
“Healthy skin is a product of a healthy body,” says Dr. Dendy Engelman, Director of Dermatologic Surgery and Laser Medicine at Metropolitan Hospital in New York. “If
we have an unhealthy, un-balanced gut environment, toxins can be
released into the bloodstream and cause inflammation throughout the
body.”
“Sugar can directly result in breakouts and exacerbate acne
by sending hormones into overproduction.” One such hormone is
testosterone, which can actually increase when insulin is spiked (say
from sugar). An increase in testosterone can mean oilier skin and large
pores—a perfect storm for acne.
[post_ads]As if that weren’t quite
unsettling enough, even if you’re an artificial sweetener addict, you’re
not in the clear yet. Even fake sugar can still have real results.
“Artificial sweeteners have been shown to be able to affect our hormones
in the same way as sugar so, therefore, they may also contribute to
acne,” explains Dr. Hadley King, dermatologist at SKINNEY Medspa in New York.
Sadly, acne isn’t the only potential result of too much sugar. Several studies
have shown that skin’s vitality (meaning how plump and bouncy it looks)
and youthful glow can also be affected. Think of collagen as the
building blocks of the skin. When those blocks are compromised and
damaged (i.e. tainted by too much sugar), this is when trouble can
occur.
That trouble is due to a process called glycation. “Excess
sugar molecules bond to collagen and elastin through a process named
glycation, resulting in AGEs or advanced glycation end products,” Dr.
King says. “This process ultimately causes the collagen and elastin
fibers to lose their strength and flexibility, contributing to aging of
the skin.” Bottom line: Sugar can actually attach to your skin’s
collagen and cause its barrier to be compromised, leading to the
appearance of more sallow, less taut skin.
[post_ads_2]
What Can You Do?
Thankfully,
this is a relatively easy fix. First things first: Cut back on the
sugar. Now, we’re not saying you need to restrict yourself
entirely—everything in moderation!—but being cognizant of how much sugar
you’re consuming is important.
In general, the American Heart Association
(AHA) recommends no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) of added sugar per
day for women and 9 teaspoons (38 grams) for men. Unfortunately, studies report
the average sugar consumption in America is actually closer to 19.5
teaspoons (82 grams) daily. And remember, sugar isn’t just found in
cookies and cakes—it's present in healthy foods like yogurt and fruit.
And its often snuck into items you wouldn't expect like pasta sauce and
salsa. So check the label if you're struggling with acne—it just might
save you from your next breakout!
Courtesy Verily
