Glycation of the Skin-How to Prevent Aging

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.

We all want to prevent premature aging of the skin, but first we need to understand why our skin could be aging at an accelerated rate. We are mostly aware of skin damage and premature aging from sun exposure and other external factors, but we often do not hear about the major internal culprit of glycation.

Glycation

Glycation is the process of glucose or carbohydrate proteins that attach themselves to our healthy collagen and elastin proteins found in the skin. Also know as advanced glycation end products (AGE’s)

When we have an excess of sugar in our bloodstream we began to see glucose (sugar) attach themselves to amino groups of tissue protein, especially elastin and collagen. As a result, once healthy collagen fibers lose their elasticity, they become rigid, more brittle, and prone to breakage. We now have began the process of premature aging.

We can also recognize with glucose abnormalities, such as diabetes or hyperglycemia, our skin is more prone to glucose attaching to healthy collagen and elastin proteins resulting in discoloration, infection, thinning and aging of the skin.

• Advanced glycation end products (AGE’s) are formed when sugars react with proteins such as collagen, an essential component of healthy skin.
• AGE’s threaten healthy skin by reducing the collagen’s regenerative ability and increasing collagen breakdown. The result is wrinkling and sagging skin.

Topical Nutrients that Fight Glycation

Even though glycation sounds irreversible, scientific studies have found amazing nutrients from plants and food that repair the cell matrix and protein strands that have been affected by glucose assault.

We have seen through studies with nutrients like Vitamin A or phytonutrients called anthocyanins, naturally avert glycation-induced damage by stabilizing the collagen matrix, promoting collagen biosynthesis, and improving microcirculation.

So where do we find such helpful nutrients? We will look at Rosemary leaf oil for its very high content of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, both are going to be our fighting chance to help remove glucose from the collagen and elastin proteins.

Rosemary Leaf Oil

Rosemary leaf oil is potent in all the right nutrients to help with glycation. I highly recommend using a pure organic Rosemary leaf oil topically to help fight the aging effects of the skin from advanced glycation end products.

Why Rosemary leaf oil?

Rosemary leaf oil is a gentle oil that can be used on all skin types, with a high content of our two nutrients, vitamin A and C that work best for fighting AGE’s. As a very affordable oil, you can fight the effects of glycation without having to buy a pricey product. Lets check out the benefits of these vitamins.

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that slows the rate of free-radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. New research shows that ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, a derivative of vitamin C, not only neutralizes free radicals, but also reverses DNA damage-(Source)

• Promotes new production of collagen
• Aids in cell and blood vessel repair
• Slows the rate of free radical damage

Foods high in Vitamin C to include in your diet to help fight glycation:

• Oranges
• Broccoli
• Kale
• Grapefruit

Vitamin A:

• Normalises blood flow and helps to reduce the symptoms of rosacea
• Increases the rate of wound healing
• Repairs the cellular structure of the epidermis
• Decreases clustering of glucose granules
• Decreases sebum production
• Promotes a healthy cellular membrane-helps fight glycation
  
• Helps in the eradication of pre-cancerous skin lesions
• Improves hydration both in and around the cell by doing all of the above

• Blueberries
• Carrots
• Pumpkin
• Apricot

The best Rosemary leaf oil for glycation

Plant Therapy makes a pure , high quality therapeutic essential oil. It is important that your oils are stored in a dark glass bottle as this one is.

You want to be sure that the essential oil you are buying has the Latin name of the plant listed on the bottle, this means they are using the whole plant and not a synthetic or alternative product. You know you are buying what is going to be the purest, safest product.

Plant Therapy Rosemary essential oil is steam distilled, using the whole plant and held in a dark glass bottle. I have used Plant Therapy’s products and feel confident recommending them.

BUY NOW

Apply your oil daily as a serum mixed with a carrier oil, directly after you wash your face.  Allow the oil to penetrate before you apply makeup or other products.

You will also want to reduce the amounts of sugar you consume in your diet. This is going to dramatically improve your skins health. Eat foods high in Vitamin A and C, and remember to drink lots of water. I always recommend a big glass of water should be included in your daily skin care regime.

We would love to hear from you on your experience with Rosemary leaf oil. We know that it has many other health benefits, including hair health and pain relieve. Join us in the conversation of this amazing oil.

To a Bright and Beautiful you,

Maria.