What is Glycation and How it Speeds Up Skin Aging?

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Glycation damages collagen and elastin, causing fine lines, loss of firmness, and dull skin tone.
2. Lifestyle factors like high sugar intake, UV exposure, and poor habits accelerate glycation and skin aging.
3. Preventative habits include reducing sugar, using antioxidants, sun protection, regular exercise, and professional treatments for collagen stimulation.

We’ve all been told to cut down on sugar, not only because it contributes to weight gain, but also to tooth decay and an increased risk of diseases. But did you know that a diet high in it can visibly age your skin? Sugar molecules can bind to vital skin proteins, causing them to stiffen and lose flexibility in a process known as glycation.

So, what exactly is glycation, and why does it matter for your skin? Continue reading as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore explains how this process speeds up skin aging, and what you can do to protect and preserve your skin’s youthful glow.

What is glycation?

Glycation is a natural process where sugar molecules in the bloodstream bind themselves to proteins, particularly collagen and elastin. Once attached, this can lead to the formation of harmful compounds known as Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs). 

AGEs change the structure and function of proteins, making them stiff, discolored, and less elastic. This makes glycation a significant cause of skin damage as we age, potentially leading to: 

• Dull skin tone
• Loss of firmness and elasticity
• Increased skin fragility
• Deepening of wrinkles and fine lines

How does glycation cause skin aging?

As previously mentioned, the glycation process leads to the formation of AGEs in the skin. AGEs can make collagen fibers more rigid over time, reducing their ability to keep the skin firm and elastic. As a result, the skin gradually loses its natural bounce and structural support, leading to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Another consequence of glycation is inflammation. As AGEs continue to accumulate, they interact with specific receptors in the skin, triggering inflammatory responses. This can contribute to dryness, sensitivity, and overall skin discomfort.

Unlike damage caused by UV light or free radicals, glycation-induced changes, especially the formation of AGEs, are considered permanent. Once sugar bonds with a protein and forms an AGE, the damage is irreversible.

What causes glycation?

• Aging – the natural aging process disrupts the body’s ability to produce or regenerate collagen. This can then make the skin more susceptible to the effects of sugar. 
• UV rays – exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays increases not only the buildup of AGEs, but also their effects on the body.
• Diet – consuming lots of sugary foods (or more than what your body needs) can increase the rate at which AGEs form, which can then speed up skin glycation.
• Genetics – your genetics play a role in your susceptibility to glycation. They can affect how your skin responds to increased sugar levels.
• Lifestyle habits – poor ones such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and constant exposure to environmental aggressors can all increase glycation.
• High blood sugar levels – elevated blood sugar levels increase the likelihood of glycation. This is why those with poorly controlled diabetes often show signs of premature skin aging.

What does glycated skin look like?

Glycation damages key skin proteins like collagen and elastin, which leads to several visible signs:

• Fine lines and wrinkles – stiff fibers can’t stretch or repair properly, so lines form and deepen.
• Loss of firmness – weakened collagen causes skin to sag, especially around the cheeks and jawline.
• Dull, uneven tone – buildup of AGEs can make skin look greyish or tired.
• Reduced elasticity – skin becomes less dense and plump as damaged proteins fail to provide support.
• Dryness and rough texture – a compromised skin barrier means moisture escapes more easily, resulting in dry skin.
• Slower healing – stiff collagen slows down the skin’s natural repair process, so damage lasts longer.

How to minimize glycation-related skin aging

While glycation damage is considered permanent, there are steps you can take to slow it down and protect your skin:

1. Limit sugar and high-GI foods

Reduce intake of refined sugars, white carbs, and ultra-processed food. To keep your blood sugar stable, add more complex carbohydrates and whole foods to your diet. Low-GI foods like leafy greens, whole grains, legumes, and berries help stabilize blood sugar and reduce the risk of glycation damage.

For further reading: How Does Your Diet Affect Your Skin?

2. Incorporate antioxidants in your diet

Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenols can help neutralize free radicals, protect against cell damage, and support healthy collagen. To get more of it, add colorful fruits and vegetables (leafy greens, berries, bell peppers), which are rich in nutrients that help combat oxidative stress.

3. Use topical antioxidants

Upgrade your skincare regimen with ingredients such as niacinamide, vitamin C, ferulic acid, and resveratrol. These may help protect against oxidative stress and improve skin texture. Dr. Sylvia’s 20% Vitamin C with Ferulic Acid is a potent anti-oxidizing formula with ascorbic acid, tocopherols. and ferulic acid. It can:

• Reduce oxidative damage caused by environmental stressors
• Reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles
• Even skin tone for a brighter complexion
• Protect skin from environmental damage by neutralizing free radicals

4. Protect your skin from the sun – Regardless of the weather, always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Supplement this with seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and accessories, especially when outside. Take note that sun protection is one of the best things you can do to prevent premature aging. 
5. Exercise regularly – Apart from promoting healthy blood circulation, regular exercise also uses glucose for energy. This improves insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammation. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can lower levels of AGEs, with HIIT and other forms of moderate-to-vigorous exercise proving especially effective in reducing glycation.
6. Consider professional treatments- While aesthetic treatments can’t undo glycation, they can stimulate new collagen and improve overall skin quality. At Cutis, we have non-surgical solutions that can reduce the appearance of sagging and enhance overall skin quality.

• Ultherapy PRIME – a US FDA-cleared procedure for naturally lifting the skin on the face, neck, and upper chest. It heats the skin’s deeper layers, which helps stimulate the production of new collagen. 
• NIR Cinderella Treatment – a non-invasive treatment for skin tightening and contouring, as well as reducing cellulite. It uses pulsed infrared light to heat the deeper layers, prompting the fibroblast to repair skin cells and build new collagen.
• RF Microneedling – uses gold-plated, medical-grade microneedles to deliver controlled RF energy at various depths. These create controlled micro-injuries, triggering the body’s natural healing process and stimulating collagen production.
• Monopolar Radiofrequency (RF) – delivers high-frequency heat deep into the dermis to kickstart collagen remodeling and enhance elasticity and texture. Monopolar RF also offers a non-surgical solution for treating sagging eyelids for a rejuvenated and refreshed appearance. 
• Laser skin rejuvenation – gently heats the upper dermis to stimulate collagen regrowth and rejuvenate your skin. It can target issues related to aging and sun damage, including pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, redness, and enlarged pores.

Looking to fight the signs of aging effectively?

If you’re already seeing signs of aging related to glycation (skin dullness, stiffness, or deep wrinkles), there are things you can do to improve your skin’s appearance. A consultation with a skincare or aesthetic professional can help tailor a treatment plan suited to your skin’s needs.

At Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore, we offer a range of non-invasive treatments designed to improve skin texture, firmness, and radiance. WhatsApp us at +65 9780 2079 to learn more or schedule your consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors.