We all know that sugar affects our health in many ways – but did you know it also plays a significant role in how your skin ages? One of the main culprits behind premature ageing is a process called glycation, which is triggered by, among other things, high sugar intake and refined carbohydrates.
With natural skincare from MARIA ÅKERBERG, you can help counteract the effects of glycation and maintain firmer, healthier-looking skin for longer.
What is glycation?
Glycation is a chemical reaction in which excess sugar in the bloodstream binds to proteins – such as collagen and elastin, two key building blocks that keep the skin firm and supple. When sugar attaches to these proteins, harmful by-products known as AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products) are formed. These sugar-damaged proteins become stiffer and harder for the body to process – and they degrade the skin’s structure over time.
How your skin is affected
When collagen and elastin are damaged by glycation, the skin loses elasticity and radiance. The complexion may become uneven, lines and wrinkles more visible and the skin may appear looser. In addition to weakening the skin’s structural integrity, AGEs can also trigger inflammation, which may impair the skin’s barrier function, worsen conditions like acne or rosacea and slow down the skin’s natural healing ability.
How to counteract glycation
Fighting glycation doesn’t mean cutting out carbohydrates entirely – it’s about making smarter choices. By reducing your intake of refined sugar and fast-acting carbohydrates, you can slow down the process that accelerates skin ageing. A diet rich in healthy fats and antioxidants can also help prevent AGE-related damage.
Support your skin externally too – by using skincare that strengthens the skin barrier, supports the skin’s natural repair process and protects against oxidative stress.
Key ingredients that may help minimise the effects of glycation:
• Our unique Sunflower Oil, with a naturally high level of Vitamin E – protects the skin’s lipids from oxidation. Found in many of our facial creams.
• Rosehip Seed Oil, Borage Oil and Sea Buckthorn Oil – rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that reinforce the skin and neutralise free radicals. Found in our facial oils.
• Neroli Oil – soothes the skin and supports cell renewal. Found in products like Neroli Freshener and Face Mask Moist.
• Rosemary Antioxidant – protects both the product and the skin by preventing oxidation. Added to all our skincare.
For further protection, we recommend using a physical sunscreens, , as strong UV radiation can accelerate both glycation and general skin ageing.
Daglig hudvård som motverkar glykering och förbättrar hudens spänst:
Neroli Freshener
Papaya Peeling
Royal Facial Oil
Face Lotion More
Sun Lotion SPF 30
Sun Stick SPF 50+
Support your skin from within – with probiotics
A healthy gut microbiome may also play a vital role in reducing glycation. Our supplement PROBIOSKIN+ delivers billions of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) to promote gut health and improve nutrient absorption. In turn, this can help reduce both inflammation and oxidative stress in the body – which may help counteract the harmful effects of AGEs.
Professional treatment
At selected resellers, you can treat yourself to our world-unique Pure Cell Treatment – a professional facial that uses fresh stem cells from Roseroot to restore the skin and combat glycation. This deep-acting treatment accelerates skin repair and stimulates cell renewal – for both immediate and long-term results.