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Complexion lesson
IN excess, refined sugar can accelerate skin ageing through a process called glycation.
Glycation occurs when sugar in the bloodstream attaches to proteins and fats to form harmful compounds called advanced glygcation end products (AGEs).
Over time, these accumulate in the second layer of skin, the dermis, and destroy collagen, said Dr Thivi Maruthappu, dermatologist, nutri tionist and spokeswonan for the British Skin Foundation.
This in turn causes loss of skin elasticity, creating wrinkles.
Instead of sugary snacks, Dr Maruthappu suggested a few squares of dark chocolate, which contains skinloving antioxidants called acanthocyanins and are believed to combat premature skin ageing.
CHOCOLATE, especially for chocoholics, is a proven stress reliever, and doctors suspect this is linked to our ancient response to danger.
Stress increases production of cortisol the body’s main stress hormone and drains energy from the immune system, explained endocrinologist Dr Nicky Keay.
“That’s when we feel we need something sweet to boost energy levels,” she said, as we unconsciously resort to our earliest ancestors’ fight or flight reaction.
