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 known 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 begun 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. Let’s 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
Foods high in Vitamin A to include in your diet to help fight glycation:
- Blueberries
- Carrots
- Pumpkin
- Apricot
Vitamin A and C will promote renewal in the skin function, from tissue to blood circulation, and complete matrix repair. Our skin can easily fight advanced glycation end products with such support.
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 the health of your skin. 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 skincare 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 relief. Join us in the conversation of this amazing oil.
To a Bright and Beautiful you,
Maria.
I also love to use Rosemary leaf oil as a scalp treatment in the winter. It helps with dandruff and any itchy or dry skin. My scalp feels wonderful after I use it 🙂
Do you dilute the oil before applying to the skin?
Hi Lori,
The Rosemary leaf oil I recommend in the article is undiluted. However, It is food grade.
It is a good idea to dilute with a carrier oil. I would suggest Almond oil for glycation. I also have a suggestion of a new product from Eminence, called Rosehip Triple C serum. It has a high content of Rosemary oil, and is intended for glycation and dry rosacea. It is a lot more expensive at $99, but it is already specially formulated. I will be doing a review for that product soon. In the meantime you will have great success with Rosemary Leaf oil. I will add into the article a dosage suggestion for dilution. Thanks so much for your question 🙂
Maria nice article, I did not know by having excess sugar in our bloodstream would cause premature aging.
Looking older doesn’t really bother me but if I can prevent it by eating more oranges and blueberries then that’s what I’ll do. I love fruit.
I’ll have to tell Karen about the ‘Now’ Rosemary leaf oil because she is always looking for new things to help her skin.
Thanks William 🙂
Hi William, Fruits and vegetables are always the better choice, I believe we stay “younger” longer by what we eat rather than what we use on our skin, it all starts from within. But there is always help for those who need it. I am happy to hear you are like me, I don’t mind looking older either 🙂 Rosemary is wonderful, if you think Karen would like that she may also like Eminence Triple E+C serum, it is also wonderful for glycation! Thanks for stopping in! Triple E+C serum
I’ve never heard of Glycation before. This is a very interesting and informative article. I have heard that rosemary leaf oil has benefits with skin.
What would you recommend as an option for stretch marks? Is that affiliated with glycation or is that just a result of over stretching the skin?
Hi Jeremy, Thanks for your comment! Glycation is different than stretch marks. Glycation is based more from diet, while stretch marks are from the skin changing shape. Rosemary leaf oil is wonderful for the skin in many ways, but I would recommend Emu oil for stretch marks. Hope that helps 🙂 If you have more questions, I will be happy to help.
Hi Maria,
After turning 35 this year, premature ageing is definitely a concern to me so I have recorded the different ways I can prevent its effects from your article. I have heard of most of these remedies before, however have never used them consistently.
I had no previous notion about glycation so thanks very much for bringing it to my attention.
REgards, Kristine
Kristine, So nice to hear from you. I am turning 33 this year and I agree with you aging skin is a concern of mine as well. Its a great idea to get started with increasing Vitamin C and A in your skin care, and yes Rosemary oil will assist you there. The nice thing is Glycation can be improved. Have fun with it and enjoy adding new nutrients to your skin care regime. You are very welcome 🙂 and keep in touch!
All the best.
Maria.
What is affordable and effective for low income seniors of Afrikan or Native American descent who eat organic and use organic cosmetics in terms of reversing skin wrinkles, eye bags? Too many of the products have preservatives, other polysorbate chemicals, etc . Many do not work for melanin-rich skin. What about mango butter, shea butter, cocoa butter singly or combined for skincare?
Hi DrMaat, Thanks for all your questions!
I have looked into this a bit, and my understanding is all three mango, shea butter and cocoa butter are all great for melanin rich skin tones. These butters traditionally have been used by darker skin tones. What is great about them is they are affordable and last a long time. They are super rich for the skin and help with all types of skin concerns at any age. Your skin will be much healthier including these butters by helping prevent some of the concerns you have 🙂
Hope this helps
Maria.
Hi girls, Thanks for posting. I have never thought about using rosemary oil diluted on my face, but why not…I love the fragrance!
Thanks for reminding me to drink a big glass of water everyday- one of the essentials so commonly overlooked.
I love your site and your photo fails truly gave me a giggle!
Thank you Tracy!
We appreciate the kind words 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the photos fails!
All the best,
Maria.