6 Signs You Have Sugar Face

In recent years we’ve seen a diet revolution, with sugar-free replacing low-fat as the new healthy-eating mantra. And for good reason. The not so sweet truth is, too much of the saccharine stuff not only wreaks havoc on the waistline, it leaves a wake of destruction on the face.

One major cause of sugar-related ageing is glycation, a process where glucose molecules in the bloodstream attach to proteins to form annoying new molecules called Advanced Glycation End Products. These AGEs then ravage the collagen and elastin responsible for keeping skin plump, bouncy and youthful-looking.

So if you’re looking a bit, well, rubbish? It might be your pantry, not your skincare, that needs an overhaul. Read on, bellas, for the 6 tell-tale signs of Sugar Face. 

1. You’ve got spots

If you have pimples all over, especially pustular ones, you might need to ditch the doughnuts. Sugar causes spots in several ways: it messes with the bacteria in your gut; suppresses the immune system so you are less able to banish bacteria; and triggers testosterone production, making pores larger and skin oilier. Bummer.

2. You look tired

If you wake up with dark circles and eye bags even after a sound night’s sleep, chances are it’s the sugar that’s to blame. Ditch the sugar to ditch your (eye) baggage.

3. You have wrinkles on your brow

Remember those pesky AGEs? They break down collagen, meaning those fine lines on your forehead will deepen into stubborn wrinkles. I told you they were annoying.

4. You’re looking a little, well, pasty

Another dead giveaway of a sugar addiction is a pasty white, or grey-tinged complexion. Hot.

5. Your brows are patchy

Brows off fleek? Sugar triggers insulin production, which can put pressure on the adrenal glands. Too much stress on the adrenals can inhibit brow growth. So if you want brows like Cara, put down that brownie.

6. You’re gaunt

A high sugar diet can lead to a loss of volume in the face. And while you might want a thin tummy, a gaunt face isn’t exactly desirable.