Sugar, Glycation and Your Skin: What the Science Says

Sugar, Glycation and Your Skin: What the Science Says

The idea that sugar ages skin is popular online, and there is real science underneath it, even if the headlines can overstate it. Here is a measured look at glycation.

What glycation is

Glycation is a process where sugars attach to proteins and form compounds called advanced glycation end products, or AGEs. A review in Dermato-Endocrinology describes AGEs as key players in skin ageing, explaining how they can cross-link collagen and elastin, making these support proteins stiffer and less elastic over time (Gkogkolou and Bohm, 2012, PMID 23467327).

What this means in practice

This does not mean a single dessert harms your skin. It points to the value of a balanced diet over time, and it is part of why antioxidants, sun protection and supporting collagen come up so often in skin health discussions.

Supportive habits

  • A balanced diet, without demonising the occasional treat.
  • Daily sun protection, since UV also damages collagen.
  • Antioxidant skincare and, if you choose, collagen support.

At Verdo we stock the Adashiko Ultra Collagen Powder, an ingestible collagen peptide powder with added antioxidants, and the Medik8 C-Tetra vitamin C serum.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. The studies cited are from peer-reviewed journals and are provided for educational context. Individual results vary. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist before changing your routine. Verdo Cosmetics makes no therapeutic claims about the products or services mentioned.

Frequently asked questions

Does sugar really age your skin?
Excess sugar can drive glycation, where sugars attach to proteins and form advanced glycation end products (AGEs). A review describes AGEs as key players in skin ageing, cross-linking collagen and elastin and making them stiffer over time (Gkogkolou and Bohm, 2012). It reflects long-term diet, not a single treat.
What is glycation?
Glycation is a natural process where sugars bind to proteins like collagen, forming AGEs that can make those support proteins less flexible. It is one of several factors in skin ageing.
Can skincare reverse glycation?
No product simply reverses it. A balanced diet, daily sun protection and antioxidant skincare are the sensible, evidence-informed levers for supporting skin over time.
Does collagen supplementation help with glycation?
Collagen supplements are studied for skin hydration and elasticity generally, not as a glycation cure. They are best seen as one supportive option alongside diet and sun protection.
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