The doctor spoke about the causes of glycation and its effect on the skin.

Glycation is a biochemical process in which sugar molecules that are in excess in the body bind to proteins, fats, or nucleic acids. On May 28, Natalia Mikhailova, Candidate of Medical Sciences, dermatovenerologist, cosmetologist, founder of Dr. Mikhailova's network of aesthetic medicine clinics Reforma, told Izvestia about its causes.

According to her, glycation of collagen, a protein responsible for firmness, elasticity and youthfulness of the skin, poses a particular danger to the skin.

"During glycation, collagen fibers are stitched together, become rigid and lose their functionality. This affects the appearance of the skin: it becomes dry and atopic, loses elasticity and tone, fades, acquires a grayish tint. Over time, signs of premature aging appear — pronounced wrinkles, wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles under the eyes, as well as hyperpigmentation," Mikhailova said.

The expert stressed that signs of glycation can also appear in young people if the diet constantly contains foods that trigger this process. According to her, the consumption of fried foods can lead to this. For example, even fish, which has valuable fatty acids, turns into a glycation factor when strongly fried.

This process is also actively stimulated by fast carbohydrates, which are found in refined sugar, honey, sweets, pastries, carbonated drinks, and white bread. Even the usual yogurts, breads, and cereals may contain significant amounts of hidden sugar, she added.

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"It is especially important to control the so—called added sugar, which is not naturally found in products, but is introduced by the manufacturer. An additional factor that enhances the harmful effects of sugar is the diet. Frequent snacking and the lack of sufficient intervals between meals cause constant fluctuations in sugar and insulin levels," Mikhailova said.

The doctor recommended observing intervals between meals — an average of 4 to 6 hours. She added that snacks, if they are still necessary, should preferably be based on the principle of protein-fat balance, for example, use nuts, eggs, unsweetened yoghurts, avocados. At the same time, sweet snacks such as buns, cakes and other desserts lead to a sharp spike in blood sugar, and then to its equally sharp drop, which causes hypoglycemia, fatigue, irritability and decreased concentration.

"Glycation and the associated excess sugar in the body not only worsen the skin condition, but also have a systemic effect. The level of immune protection decreases, which is manifested by frequent colds and general lethargy. On the skin, this can manifest itself in the form of constant inflammation, hypersensitivity, irritation, peeling," she concluded.

Olga Perevozshchikova, an esthetician and technologist at the Arabia Laboratories cosmetics brand, told Izvestia on May 25 about which vitamins are especially important for the epidermis. The expert noted that vitamins A, E, and C. Vitamin A in the form of retinol should be used after the age of 25 as part of beauty products, she added.