Wrinkles and Sugar: The Surprising Link You Need to Know

Here’s your quick primer to “glycation” and how it affects your skin.

Feb 26, 2025

When it comes to skin aging, many of us are familiar with terms like “free radicals,” “collagen breakdown,” and “oxidative stress.” But have you ever heard of glycation? This lesser-known process is a sneaky contributor to visible signs of aging, and understanding it can help you better care for your skin.

But First: What is Glycation?

Glycation occurs when excess sugar in your bloodstream binds to proteins or lipids without the help of enzymes. This process forms harmful compounds called advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). AGEs can accumulate in your skin and other tissues, leading to a host of issues—think stiffened proteins and inflammation.

Collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for keeping your skin firm, plump, and elastic, are particularly vulnerable to glycation. When AGEs attach to these proteins, they lose their flexibility and structural integrity, resulting in sagging, wrinkles, and dullness. Glycation also makes it harder for your skin to repair itself, accelerating the aging process.

Some studies also emphasize how advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) accumulate in the skin over time, exacerbating oxidative stress and inflammation. That said, beyond your skin, glycation can contribute to chronic health issues like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline, while also weakening your immune system.

Are You Prone to Glycation?

While glycation happens naturally as we age, certain factors can make you more susceptible:

High-sugar diets: Frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks spikes blood sugar levels, increasing the likelihood of glycation.
Diabetes or insulin resistance: Not surprisingly, individuals with uncontrolled blood sugar levels are at a higher risk of glycation-related damage.
Environmental stressors: Factors like UV exposure, pollution, and smoking can exacerbate glycation’s effects by promoting the formation of AGEs.
Aging: As we get older, our bodies become less efficient at breaking down and removing AGEs, making their effects more pronounced over time.

Can You Fight Glycation?

Quick answer: Glycation doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of aging. With the right lifestyle habits and a targeted skincare routine, you can minimize its effects. Here, we share some doable strategies:

1. Focus on your diet.

Reducing your intake of refined sugars and high-glycemic foods is crucial. (Sorry, sugar lovers!) Opt for a balanced diet rich in antioxidant-packed fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These nutrients help neutralize free radicals and support skin repair.

2. Invest in glycation-fighting skincare.

Certain skincare products can help protect against and repair glycation-related damage. Look for these key ingredients:

Antioxidants: Ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacinamide fight free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. One of our fave antioxidant formulas is Derm Biologiques Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum. For a more potent Vitamin C formula, you can also try ZO 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating, which also has squalane for additional hydration.

Derm Biologiques Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum

ZO 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating

Peptides: These amino acid chains stimulate collagen production, counteracting the effects of glycation. AnteAGE MD Eye, made for the delicate eye area, is loaded with peptides to firm up the skin.

AnteAGE MD Eye

Retinoids: Retinoids boost cell turnover and promote collagen synthesis, improving skin texture and firmness. Try Neostrata Potent Retinol Complex, which is ideal for those who want retinol benefits minus the potential for irritation.

Neostrata Potent Retinol Complex

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA): This antioxidant is particularly effective at combating AGEs and improving skin elasticity. Mesoestetic Post-Procedure Fast Skin Repair is a soothing cream that helps repair skin and heal tissue damaged by sun exposure or treatments that cause peeling.

Mesoestetic Post-Procedure Fast Skin Repair

3. Prioritize sun protection.

UV exposure accelerates the formation of AGEs. Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is essential to protect your skin. (Check out our extensive range of SPF formulas here.)

4. Consider professional treatments.

Chemical peels can help reverse signs of glycation by exfoliating the outer skin layer, reducing wrinkles, dullness, and sagging. This process stimulates skin regeneration and boosts collagen production, helping to restore skin’s firmness and elasticity damaged by advanced glycation end-products (AGEs).
Other effective treatments include Rejuran, Profhilo, biostimulators, and exosome therapy. HIFU and radio-frequency devices can also enhance skin firmness and resilience. Consult a dermatologist or licensed professional to determine the best option for your skin.

5. Support Your Skin From the Inside-Out

Internal health plays a crucial role in fighting glycation. Supplements like N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), vitamin C, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), and polyphenols help neutralize free radicals and slow AGE formation. Maintaining gut health with probiotic-rich foods, fiber, and prebiotics also reduces inflammation and improves nutrient absorption, benefiting the skin.

A functional medicine approach can provide deeper insights into metabolic imbalances that contribute to glycation, offering personalized interventions. Meanwhile, a healthy lifestyle—regular exercise, quality sleep, and stress management—helps regulate blood sugar levels and minimize glycation-related damage. By caring for your body from within, you can strengthen your skin and slow down visible signs of aging.

Final Thoughts

Glycation might seem a little daunting, but with the right knowledge and tools, you’ve got this. By taking a well-rounded approach—like eating a balanced diet, choosing skincare that works for you, and staying on top of sun protection—you can reduce glycation’s effects and keep your skin looking fresh and youthful. And hey, indulging in a bit of sugar every now and then is totally fine. As with anything in skincare and in life, it’s all about balance.

For customized skincare, haircare, and body care recommendations, you can book a face-to-face or virtual consultation with Dr. Maximin Navarro, resident dermatologist at Bella Pelle Skin Solutions, here. You may also contact the Bella Pelle Skin Solutions clinic at (+63) 999-887-1933. For a full list of facial services and other treatments, click here.

Bella Pelle Skin Solutions is located 2/F L Building, #142 Katipunan, Brgy. Saint Ignatius, Quezon City. The center is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.