The American Diet And Skin Aging

The modern American diet is heavily reliant on fried foods, sugar and over-cooked meats. As a result it contains a high level of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs). The acronym itself is a perfect description of how this diet affects American health and beauty. Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) are known to contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to premature skin aging and many age-related diseases. In the world of beauty, understanding AGEs may be the key to eternal youth.

Skin is negatively affected by the intrinsic (or genetic) aging process and environmental stressors. This leads to structural changes and affects our youthful appearance and our skin’s ability to function properly. Aging skin has an impaired barrier, decrease in oil production, poor wound healing and increased sensitivity. Outwardly, this creates a dull, loose, wrinkled appearance to the skin with uneven tone and color.

The formation of AGEs is a complicated molecular process but in its most basic form -

Sugar + Collagen + UV Exposure = Skin Aging

So the next time you are enjoying that buttery, sweet funnel cake on Coney Island Beach in July, don’t forget what it’s really doing to your skin. Opt for fresh fruit and SPF 50+!