Photo Credit: Morinda.com

IS SUGAR BAD FOR YOUR SKIN?

07-18-14 | Posted by Dorene Kaplan

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Glycation, the effect of excess sugar on the body, is a process I expect we will hear more and more about in terms of its aging impact on the skin. Glycation actually happens when excess sugars in the bloodstream bind with proteins and form advanced glycation end products, called AGEs for short, which cause protein fibers to stiffen and the skin looses elasticity. AGEs also cause skin cells to become more vulnerable to free radicals.

Obviously, white sugar and high fructose syrup contribute to glycation, but the process is actually inevitable. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables turn to sugar too when digested. Enter the age of AGE fighting products and skin care.

Superfruits like cranberry and blueberry have been used to fight free radicals and noni, a plants that grows in the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, Australia, and India has been used in oral supplements to fight gylcation. Now Morinda, a leader in AGEs fighting supplements has launched TruAge Skin AGE Therapy Gel ($42), a topical treatment to fight the signs of aging due to AGEs.

AGE Therapy Gel features Morinda’s proprietary blend of noni, Cornelian cherry, olive leave, blueberry, and cranberry extracts to fortify the skin’s natural defenses against AGEs. It works by dissolving sugar-derived molecules called dicarbonyls, which form AGEs.

The gel works to protect, smooth, and repair. It forms a protective barrier to fight free radicals, environmental damage, and moisture loss. It is formulated to reduce redness and irritation, and to help strengthen the skin’s barrier function.

Recommended usage is to apply the gel twice a day to the face, hands, and body.

Other skin care products formulated to fight glycation include: Lumene Complete Rewind Collection, A.G.E. Control by AminoGenesis, and SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex.

Hard to resist in ice cream, pastries, and French macaroons, sugar doesn’t have to impact your skin as well. For more information about AGEs, visit the Morinda website.