Let’s be honest, lockdown has seen us reach for the biscuit tin or chocolate stash one too many times. It’s something to do, a little treat to perk up an otherwise mundane day. But our sugar intake is doing more than affecting our waistlines…it’s harming our skin too.
So what is sugar face?
You see, as delicious as it might taste, sugar has a toxic effect on the body. Even sugar substitutes, including High Fructose Corn syrup, are highly addictive and wreak havoc on our systems and hormones, zapping our ability to know when we are full…and making us feel hungry more often.
And then there’s our skin. Sugar very quickly works to break down our beloved collagen that keeps our skin looking youthful, plump and lifted. It also triggers insulin which affects the production of the proteins and amino acids that build up collagen and elasticity. And, if that’s not enough, it’s also a dehydration agent so it increases oil production (which can lead to breakouts) and depletes the water in your cells leaving skin looking less oxygenated, more lacklustre with those unwanted dark circles. It’s little wonder most of Hollywood have kicked their sugar habit.
Face Facts
There’s only a certain amount great advanced facials and products can do, and I’m always very honest about that. I’m a big advocate of being just as mindful of what you put into your body as what you invest on your skin and a sugar face cannot hide behind even the latest lotions and potions. Think of it like a sweet poison.
Ready to Quit?
The good news is, you can make changes and reap the beauty rewards in a matter of days. By cutting down on your sugar intake, skin will very quickly appear brighter, wrinkles less pronounced and much more hydrated.
Here are my top tips for kicking the sugar habit:
- Start the day as you mean to go on with a protein-rich breakfast and avoid sugar at breakfast at all costs. Otherwise, it’ll kick start those cravings.
- Ditch fizzy drinks…even the diet ones.
- Prep in advance to cut down on cravings. If you’re hungry you’ll reach for whatever there is.
- Read the labels. Sugar is hidden in so many foods so save your sugar intake for the foods you really enjoy and cut back on the rest.
- If you do indulge, opt for quality over quantity. A slice of 80% dark chocolate will satisfy those cravings much quicker. Keep your standards high.
Trust me, your face – and body – will thank you for it.
