Sugar, as an integral part of our daily lives, is often over-consumed without realising it! Most people associate excessive sugar consumption with adverse health effects, such as increased risk of diabetes, obesity and other diseases. However, we rarely realise that sugar can also have a negative impact on skin health.
The skin itself is the largest organ that protects the body and also plays an important role in one’s self-image and confidence. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand how excessive sugar intake can affect our skin health!
On this occasion, Serenitree will discuss some of the negative effects of sugar on skin problems that are often overlooked and of course complete solutions to maintain optimal skin health.
Causes & Worsens Acne Condition
Acne is a common skin problem that is most prevalent among teenagers and adults. In many cases, excessive sugar consumption can contribute to acne. As the body digests sugar, insulin levels increase. This eventually results in inflammation and excess oil production in the skin. It is this inflammation that triggers acne on the surface of the skin.
Tips: It is important to reduce sugar consumption and adopt a healthy diet. Eating more foods high in fibre, vegetables and protein can help maintain healthy skin and reduce the risk of acne.
Early Aging and Dull Skin
Aging is a natural process that will happen to anyone! However, excessive sugar consumption can accelerate the skin’s aging process. When sugar in the body reacts with proteins, such as collagen, a glycation process occurs. This leads to a decrease in skin elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles. In addition, sugar can also cause skin to appear dull due to its impact on blood vessels and circulation.
Tips: Serenitree squad needs to avoid excessive sugar consumption and focus on foods that are rich in antioxidants. Fruits and vegetables containing vitamin C and E can help fight free radicals and keep your skin healthy!
Dry and Cracked Skin
One of the other skin problems that can be caused by excessive sugar consumption is dry and cracked skin. Sugar can disrupt the skin’s moisture balance by reducing the production of natural oils. As a result, the skin becomes dry, rough and easily cracked. No more glowing skin!
Tips: Drink more water to maintain skin hydration. Using a suitable moisturiser is also important to retain skin moisture.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition in which some areas of the skin become darker in colour than the surrounding areas. High sugar intake can increase the production of melanin, which is responsible for skin colour. This can lead to hyperpigmentation in some areas of the skin. Once this happens, it’s pretty hard to get rid of!
Tips: Watch your sugar consumption and use sunscreen when outdoors. Sunscreen helps protect the skin from sun exposure that can worsen hyperpigmentation.
Skin Inflammation
It is our body’s reaction to irritants or environmental changes. With high insulin levels in the blood, skin inflammation will be prone to occur. It can also worsen existing skin problems, such as eczema or psoriasis.
Tips: Eat foods that contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances. Also, don’t forget to keep your skin clean and avoid harsh chemicals in skincare products!
Chronic Skin Disease
One skin condition is eczema with symptoms such as dry, itchy and red skin. Excess sugar consumption can cause eczema exacerbation and make the symptoms more severe. Not only that, sugar can also affect the immune system and cause allergic reactions on the skin.
Tips: Choose foods that contain anti-inflammatory properties, such as fatty fish and olive oil. Be careful with your skincare choices, if possible choose natural products like Serenitree to be safer.
The Onset of Cellulite
Cellulite is a common skin problem for many people, especially women. High sugar consumption can cause fat accumulation and swelling, which contributes to the development of cellulite on the skin. Apart from the appearance of cellulite, the accumulation of fat over a short period of time is not good for your health either!
Tips: Adopt a healthy diet, switching to healthier sugary snacks. Exercising regularly also helps improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of cellulite.
Skin Redness and Swelling
It is not uncommon to see redness and puffy faces in those who frequently consume high amounts of sugar. Sugar can cause inflammation in the body, which in turn leads to redness and swelling of the skin.
Tips: Drink plenty of water for detoxification and increase anti-inflammatory foods such as garlic and ginger.
Excess Oil on Face
Excess sebum or oil levels can occur due to an unbalanced diet! More than normal oil production will give us problems such as acne, shiny skin, clogged pores, blackheads and skin infections.
Tips: Pay attention to food consumption, try to balance all nutrients. You can also solve the problem of oily skin by using appropriate skincare!
Fungal Infection
Excess sugar in the body can cause a drop in the immune system. Well, a lowered immune system makes our skin more susceptible to fungal infections. Fungal infections on the skin can cause itching, redness and rashes.
Tips: Increase your intake of foods containing probiotics. Probiotics help boost the immune system and fight yeast infections.
Allergies
Some people are more sensitive and prone to allergies both from food and contact with some products. Especially sugary foods such as fizzy drinks, cakes and donuts which are certainly not good for us to consume in large quantities!
Tips: Simply maintain your diet and choose other alternatives to natural sweeteners.
Should We Stop Consuming Sugar?
Sugar is an integral part of our daily diet, however, we cannot deny that excessive sugar consumption can have a negative impact on our skin health. From acne, premature aging, dry skin, hyperpigmentation, skin inflammation, and other skin problems can be caused by high sugar intake. Even the health of the body can suffer! Therefore, it is important to manage your diet wisely and avoid excessive sweets.
Sugar consumption is fine as long as you keep your skin hydrated, eat antioxidant-rich foods, and reduce excessive sugar intake. Follow it up with a healthy lifestyle such as exercising, avoiding smoking and alcohol. Everyone needs different amounts of nutrients so it’s best to consult a nutritionist!