Can “anti-glycation” effectively fight aging?

Not really

"Anti-glycation" is a popular term in recent years, or an anti-aging theory. Many people believe that reducing sugar intake can effectively slow down the aging process, however, this approach is not necessarily reliable.

We need to clarify what "anti-glycation" means. In the body, glycation reaction refers to the reaction of reducing sugars with molecules such as proteins and lipids to form advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The accumulation of these substances is considered to be one of the main causes of skin aging, loss of elasticity and radiance.

However, "anti-glycation" alone cannot completely and effectively prevent aging. First of all, the glycation reaction in the human body is not only caused by externally ingested sugar, but may also be formed by the self-catalysis of sugar produced in the body. Secondly, although reducing sugar intake may help control weight and improve the risk of certain chronic diseases, it does not directly slow down skin aging or improve skin condition. In addition, skin aging is a complex process that is affected by many factors such as genetics, sun exposure, environment (such as air pollution), and lifestyle (such as smoking).

There are some "anti-glycation" products on the market that claim to protect the skin by reducing glycation reactions, but their effects are often exaggerated, and such products often lack effective scientific evidence to support them. As consumers, we should be cautious when choosing such products and avoid blindly following the trend, so as not to be cheated by the IQ tax.

If you want to truly fight aging, perhaps you can do regular sun protection, a balanced diet, moderate exercise, adequate sleep, and, if necessary, seek medical beauty treatment under the guidance of a medical professional.

Author: Tang Jiaoqing, MD, attending physician of dermatology

Review | Feng Jun, deputy chief physician of the Dermatology Department of Sinopharm Tongmei General Hospital