Many people enjoy sweets, sugary drinks, desserts, and even a cup of tea with plenty of sugar. For some, reducing sugar can be difficult because they regularly crave sweet foods. But excessive sugar intake may affect more than just body weight and blood sugar levels—it may also have an impact on skin health.

According to dermatologist Dr. Arju Pahwa, Consultant Dermatologist at Kailash Deepak Hospital, regularly consuming excessive amounts of sugar may contribute to changes in the skin and potentially accelerate some signs of ageing.

How does sugar affect the skin?

Collagen is one of the important proteins found in the skin. It helps maintain the skin's structure, firmness, and elasticity, giving it a smoother and youthful appearance.

When there is excess sugar in the body, sugar molecules can attach to proteins such as collagen. This process is known as glycation. It can produce compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can affect the structure and function of collagen.

As collagen becomes less flexible and more damaged, the skin may gradually lose some of its firmness and elasticity.

Can too much sugar cause wrinkles?

Ageing naturally causes collagen production to decline over time. However, excessive sugar consumption may contribute to processes that damage collagen and other components of the skin.

This can potentially contribute to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin over time. Sugar-related processes can also contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation, which may further affect skin health.

Should you completely stop eating sugar?

Not necessarily. The key is moderation and an overall balanced diet. Occasional sweets are different from regularly consuming large amounts of added sugar through desserts, sugary beverages, packaged foods, and other processed products.

Reducing excessive added sugar can be a useful part of a healthier lifestyle.

How can you keep your skin healthy?

A healthy skin routine should go beyond skincare products. Along with appropriate cleansing and moisturising, focus on eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, exercising regularly, and protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure.

Paying attention to how much added sugar you consume can also benefit your overall health.

Sugar is not the only factor responsible for skin ageing, but consistently consuming excessive amounts may work against healthy-looking skin. A balanced diet and consistent skincare habits can help support healthier skin in the long run.