Reduce Sugar to Increase Skin’s Natural Glow
Sep 30, 2024 12:00AM ● By Maggie Schaetzel
Reducing sugar intake can have a profound impact on skin health, helping to maintain a youthful, vibrant complexion. Excessive sugar consumption negatively affects the skin through changes in blood sugar levels, glycation and inflammation. By reducing our intake of sugar on a daily basis, we not only support better health overall, but we also help our skin stay healthy from the inside out.
Inflammation is a consequence of consuming too much sugar, not only in the skin, but throughout the body. When the body processes large amounts of sugar, it releases inflammatory chemicals that contribute to redness and puffiness and exacerbate skin issues like rosacea and acne. High sugar consumption causes rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which can lead to acne breakouts and flare-ups of various skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema. And the National Institute of Health explains that glycation occurs when high blood sugar levels trigger sugar molecules to attach to, and weaken, collagen and elastin—the proteins responsible for keeping skin firm and supple. The more this reaction occurs, the faster skin ages, leading to wrinkles and a duller, drier appearance.
Fortunately, reducing sugar intake can quickly reverse these effects. Many people notice significant improvements in their skin’s appearance and texture within days of cutting back on sugar. To protect the skin, consider eating whole foods instead of processed snacks, limiting foods with added sugars, and swap juice or soft drinks with more tea and water.
Maggie Schaetzel, holistic nutritionist and aesthetician, is the owner of AWELL, Milwaukee’s first holistic med spa, located at 222 E. Erie St., Ste. 150, Milwaukee. For more information, call 414-331-8852 or visit AestheticallyWell.com.
Inflammation is a consequence of consuming too much sugar, not only in the skin, but throughout the body. When the body processes large amounts of sugar, it releases inflammatory chemicals that contribute to redness and puffiness and exacerbate skin issues like rosacea and acne. High sugar consumption causes rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which can lead to acne breakouts and flare-ups of various skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema. And the National Institute of Health explains that glycation occurs when high blood sugar levels trigger sugar molecules to attach to, and weaken, collagen and elastin—the proteins responsible for keeping skin firm and supple. The more this reaction occurs, the faster skin ages, leading to wrinkles and a duller, drier appearance.
Fortunately, reducing sugar intake can quickly reverse these effects. Many people notice significant improvements in their skin’s appearance and texture within days of cutting back on sugar. To protect the skin, consider eating whole foods instead of processed snacks, limiting foods with added sugars, and swap juice or soft drinks with more tea and water.
Maggie Schaetzel, holistic nutritionist and aesthetician, is the owner of AWELL, Milwaukee’s first holistic med spa, located at 222 E. Erie St., Ste. 150, Milwaukee. For more information, call 414-331-8852 or visit AestheticallyWell.com.
