Glycation in skin

Glycation in skin

Glycation in skin is a complex process that can lead to skin aging. It begins when sugar molecules like glucose bind to proteins like collagen and elastin, creating advanced glycation end products (AGEs) [1]. This non-enzymatic reaction, also called the Maillard reaction, causes damage over time [2]. In skin, accumulated AGEs degrade collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in wrinkles and loss of elasticity [3,4]. Glycation also makes these proteins resistant to remodeling enzymes [5,6]. Additionally, glycation generates free radicals that contribute to further skin damage [7,8]. Preventing glycation requires reducing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and possibly medications like metformin. Overall, controlling glycation is key to maintaining youthful, healthy skin as we age.

Definition of Glycation

Glycation is essentially the reaction that makes food taste better through browning. It involves sugars binding to proteins, which is why it occurs when you toast bread or caramelize onions. The same process happens in our bodies as sugar molecules from foods react with proteins like collagen and elastin in skin. This reaction between sugars and proteins produces advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The accumulation of these AGEs over time leads to stiffening and crosslinking of collagen fibers, loss of elastin’s snap-back ability, and other effects that contribute to aged, damaged skin. So in a nutshell, glycation is like the Maillard browning reaction that chefs use for flavor, but inside the body it can have undesirable consequences over the long-term.

Skin Care Products

Once collagen and elastin are glycated, topical products cannot reverse the crosslinking and stiffness. Skincare ingredients do not have the ability to un-crosslink or detach sugar molecules from proteins . However, certain actives may help mitigate damage.

Retinoids boost desquamation, assisting with removal of abnormal fibers. Alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin, aiding elimination of damaged matrix materials.

While skincare cannot undo existing glycation, select ingredients can potentially stimulate collagen turnover and processing of dysfunctional proteins. Skin care products that treat glycation either treat the glycation symptoms or help the skin get rid of the AGEs through autophagy. Then best product to treat skin glycation is the Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar.

These products have been used to help target AGEs in skin:

Glycation in Skin

Glycation damages skin components which leads to thin, fragile, wrinkled and aged skin. Collagen and elastin are the skin proteins that are affected the most.

What is collagen

Collagen Glycation

Glycation negatively impacts collagen, a key structural protein in skin. When sugar molecules attach to collagen, crosslinks form between collagen fibers [1]. This crosslinking makes the collagen molecules rigid and unable to remodel properly [2]. Glycated collagen loses its strength and flexibility, leading to wrinkles and sagging [3]. The crosslinks also accumulate over time, progressively stiffening the collagen network. This reduced collagen flexibility impairs skin function and resilience. [4].

Elastin structure

Elastin Glycation

Elastin fibers are also vulnerable to glycation damage. Binding of sugar degrades the elastin protein structure [5]. Glycation of elastin makes the fibers resistant to degradation by elastase, causing buildup of abnormal elastotic material [6]. This leads to loss of snap-back capability in aged skin [7]. Glycated elastin is also linked to impaired fibroblast function, further deteriorating the extracellular matrix [8].

Preventing Glycation

You cannot remove AGEs very easily from skin except through autophagy, so it is best to try and prevent glycation from happening in the skin.

The best way to prevent glycation is to make sure you are using the best skin care routine for your skin type.

Antioxidants

Glycation reactions spurred by free radicals can amplify age-related skin damage. Reactive oxygen species propagate destructive oxidation reactions with glycated proteins [9]. Using topical antioxidants like vitamin C helps mitigate this oxidative stress and prevent some glycation [10].

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Sunscreens

Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight can exacerbate glycation processes in skin. UV exposure generates reactive oxygen species that interact with glycated proteins, propagating oxidative damage [7,8]. This leads to accelerated formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) like Nε-carboxymethyllysine and pentosidine [3]. UV light also causes crosslinking between proteins, and between proteins and sugars, creating AGE complexes that accumulate over time [9]. In addition, UV radiation impairs the glyoxalase enzyme which detoxifies precursors to AGEs, allowing more deleterious glycation reactions [5]. The combination of UV light and glycation magnifies destruction of collagen and elastin. Using sunscreen and limiting unprotected sun exposure can help defend against photoaging driven by glycation reactions.

Sunscreens with antioxidants can help prevent skin glycation.

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Controlling Blood Sugar

Reducing blood sugar levels decreases glycation by limiting the amount of glucose available to bind proteins [1]. A low-glycemic diet and exercise help reduce glycation. Medications such as metformin, semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) help improve glycemic control.

Summary

Glycation can be mitigated through several strategies. Reducing blood sugar levels decreases glycation by limiting the amount of glucose available to bind proteins [1]. A low-glycemic diet, exercise, metformin, and semaglutide help improve glycemic control. Limiting UV exposure is also beneficial since sunlight spurs free radical glycation reactions [2]. Antioxidants like vitamin C combat these radicals, whether applied topically or consumed orally [3]. Other natural compounds like aminoguanidine and carnosine have anti-glycation effects [4]. Overall, decreasing blood sugar, avoiding excess sun exposure, and increasing antioxidant intake and use can help curb glycation and its impact on skin aging [5]. A multi-pronged approach targeting blood sugar, oxidation, and direct anti-glycation agents offers the most comprehensive defense against this process.

Start by making sure your skin care routine is right for your Baumann Skin Type.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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