Part 3: Habits to give the ‘boot’ to for U and your skins sake…

Part 3: Habits to give the ‘boot’ to for U and your skins sake…

We’ve been tackling the bad habits that we should break all in the name of a healthier, younger looking skin.
We’ve looked at the effects, good and bad, of Alcohol and at the second worst thing we can do for our skin, smoking.
In this last of the series we take a look at a substance that we usually associate with weight gain and tooth decay, Sugar!
Yes this vice, whether taken in your tea or coffee, eaten in all things sweet, drank in Alcohol or fizzy drinks or hidden in processed foods, has an effect on how quickly we age.
So if your New Year diet isn’t going well because of your sugar addiction, and yes it is an addiction, then maybe the following will help you to ‘step away from the doughnuts!’
When we eat sugar in excess it causes a process to occur in the body called Glycation.
In simple terms this means that the sugar (glucose) bonds with the proteins in the body. In the skins case this will be Collagen and Elastin fibres.
These fibres form the framework of our Dermal skin layer, providing the strength and resiliency, making the skin appear plump and youthful.
When Glycation occurs it cross links and makes the Collagen and Elastin fibres brittle. They can breakdown causing the dents, dips and furrows in the skin that we refer to as lines and wrinkles. It is possible to see this as obvious grid like networks in severe cases.
As with most vices, moderation is key. Be mindful to cook fresh, wholesome food to eliminate hidden sugars that can be in sauces, tinned produce and ready meals to name but a few. Don’t forget that it is not always listed as sugar. Glucose, Fructose and Sucrose are all forms of sugar.
Secondly utilise skincare products that contain ingredients that will act as ‘sugar traps’. Peptides are one such ingredient.
As part of my combating ageing facial treatments I am on the look out for the signs of Glycation and treat from the inside as well as the outside.
The good news…is that there have been some very good evidence based studies on the benefits of consuming small amounts of 70% cocoa dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate is rich in anti oxidants helping to mop up the harmful free radicals and is also lower in sugar and dairy. Opt for a vegan brand for an even healthier fix.
In conclusion…we all do need a little of what we fancy so don’t despair that you can never have your cake and eat it, just be grateful for the times you indulge rather than partaking in the excessive binge culture.

If your concerned as to whether Glycation is affecting your skin and would like a skin health programme tailored to nurture your skin back to health then call me Louise on 07810 872 633 or email: enquiries@u-treatments.co.uk

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