When it comes to achieving clear, youthful skin, what you eat matters just as much as the products you apply. According to Dr. Janine Bowring, one common ingredient could be quietly sabotaging your glow: sugar. From accelerating aging to triggering breakouts, excess sugar intake can have noticeable effects on your skin over time.
Here’s how it may be impacting your complexion:
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It Can Speed Up Skin Aging
One of the biggest concerns? Premature aging. Dr. Bowring explains that sugar contributes to a process called glycation, where sugar molecules bind to proteins, lipids, and even DNA. This creates harmful compounds known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs).
These AGEs damage collagen and elastin—the building blocks that keep your skin firm and smooth. As a result, skin can lose elasticity more quickly, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and a dull appearance.
If you’re dealing with stubborn acne, sugar could also be playing a role. Research published in the Journal of Dermatology found that diets high in sugary and fatty foods were linked to a significantly higher risk of acne—by as much as 54%.
Moreover, sugar can spike blood sugar levels, which in turn may increase oil production and inflammation—two key factors that contribute to clogged pores and breakouts.
It Can Worsen Skin Conditions
For those with sensitive or reactive skin, sugar may make things worse. Dr. Bowring notes that high sugar intake can aggravate inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Because sugar promotes inflammation in the body, it can intensify redness, irritation, and flare-ups, making these conditions harder to manage.
While the occasional treat won’t derail your skin, consistently high sugar intake can take a toll over time. Cutting back—even slightly—may help support clearer, calmer, and more youthful-looking skin from the inside out.
