I’m a dermatologist and here’s the hidden ingredient in everyday dishes that promotes skin aging

Think you know everything about the ingredients that damage your skin? Be careful, you might be missing out on a key element present in your everyday dishes. In the columns of Shefindsseveral dermatologists are warning of the harmful effects of an ingredient hidden in many everyday dishes and foods on skin aging.

It’s also an opportunity to discuss the best ways to ensure youthful, glowing skin. Because while skincare and beauty routines aim to preserve the youthful glow of the face, what we eat plays an equally important role on the skin. “The first thing to do is to understand thatA diet high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars damages collagenwhich causes sagging and deep wrinkles,” warned Anil Rajani, a doctor and researcher at RajaniMD.

Added Sugars: A Bittersweet Threat

THE added sugarsthese little ingredients hidden in a multitude of everyday dishes, drinks and snacks, are often overlooked when talking about skin health. However, they play a crucial role in the skin aging process.

Whether it’s in your morning coffee, your tomato sauce, or even your favorite “light” salad dressing, added sugars are everywhere. But why are added sugars so bad for your skin? To understand why, we need to delve into a complex biological process: the glycation.

Glycation: a process that accelerates skin aging

When we consume added sugars, they enter our bloodstream and bind to proteins in our bodies, a process known as glycation. This process results in the formation of molecules called advanced glycation end products. These directly damage collagen and elastin fibers, two proteins that are essential for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. The result? A looser skinmore pronounced wrinkles and an overall less radiant complexion.

But that’s not all: they also create oxidative stress, which amplifies the damage caused by free radicals, those unstable molecules responsible for premature aging. In other words, the more added sugar you consume, the more you increase the risk of seeing signs of aging appear on your skin. “Many people don’t realize how much of an impact diet can have on their collagen.”, adds Anil Rajani.

Sugar is everywhere: avoiding the pitfalls of everyday dishes

It’s easy to point to candy, baked goods, and soda as obvious sources of added sugars. But did you know that many everyday foods contain them, too? From sandwich bread to canned soups, pasta sauces, and even some brands of so-called “plain” yogurt, Added sugars hide where you least expect them.

Consider a simple lunch: a ready-made salad from the supermarket. You think you’re making the right choice by opting for this healthy option, but a quick scan of the label can reveal added sugars in the dressing or marinated chicken. And yes, even dishes labeled “healthy” can contain unsuspected amounts of sugar.

How to limit added sugars to preserve your skin?

Now that you know the impact of added sugars on your skin, it’s time to find out how to avoid them. Here are some simple and effective tips to reduce your consumption:

1. Read the labels with caution: Look for terms like “glucose-fructose syrup,” “sucrose,” “maltose,” “dextrose,” or “corn syrup” on ingredient lists. These different names all indicate the presence of added sugar.
2. Favor the unprocessed foods : Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins are nutrient-dense options that are naturally low in added sugars. Prepare your meals at home to have more control over the ingredients you use.
3. Replace sweets by natural alternatives: If you have a sweet tooth, turn to natural options like honey, maple syrup or fruits. Although they contain sugar, they also provide beneficial vitamins and minerals.
4. Drink water and avoid sugary drinks : Sodas, fruit juices, and even some flavored waters can contain significant amounts of added sugars. Opt for unsweetened water or infusions to stay hydrated while taking care of your skin.
5. Integrate foods rich in antioxidants in your diet: Colorful fruits and vegetables like berries, spinach, and red peppers are rich in antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and can counteract some of the damage caused by added sugars.

The benefits of a low-sugar diet for your skin

Eating a diet low in added sugars can have dramatic effects on the health of your skin. By reducing glycation, you protect collagen and elastin, which translates to firmer, smoother skin. You will also limit the appearance of brown spots, fine lines and deep wrinkles.

Additionally, reducing your sugar intake promotes a more even and luminous complexion. In fact, a diet rich in nutrients and low in added sugars helps maintain better skin hydration and minimize inflammation, two key elements for a radiant face.

One last tip from a dermatologist

Your skin is a reflection of your lifestyle, and diet plays a fundamental role in its appearance and health. By limiting added sugars, you are not only making a choice that is beneficial for your skin, but also for your health global.

So the next time you’re meal prepping or grocery shopping, consider this bittersweet threat and make more informed choices. “The following foods all contribute to healthy, supple and hydrated skin : whole grains like wheat bread, brown rice, barley, millet, oatmeal and quinoa, beans”explains dermatologist Enrizza P. Factor. And to quote: “THE legumes such as black beans, white beans, chickpeas, red beans, peas and lentils.”

A journalist passionate about social issues and current affairs, Hugo puts his pen at the service of information. Interested in all themes, from the impact of artificial intelligence on …