How Coenzyme Q10 Works Against Glycation
Did you know that different types of sugar such as glucose and fructose not only age your body, but also your skin? They can stick together important skin proteins such as elastin and collagen- a process that experts call glycation. But what exactly is glycation? And what does it mean for individual skin ageing? In this post, we clarify the most frequently asked questions on this exciting topic.
What is the saccharification of the skin?
You may have heard the term “saccharification”, but in the skincare world, we refer to it as glycation. Think of this process as “caramelisation” from the inside out. It happens when excess sugar molecules (like glucose) latch onto your skin’s support structures- specifically collagen and elastin. These proteins are responsible for keeping your skin bouncy and firm. However, when sugar attacks, it makes these flexible fibres stiff and brittle, causing them to lose their natural snap and leading to premature ageing.
As we progress through life, this process happens naturally, but a high-sugar diet acts like fuel to the fire. Consistently high blood sugar leads to a buildup of compounds nicknamed AGEs (Advanced glycation Endproducts). Think of these as unwanted debris that settles in your skin layers, hitting the fast forward button on the ageing process.
In short, saccharification is the visible effect of glycation on skin tissue and an important factor in the development of wrinkles and premature skin ageing. This skin looks pale more quickly, loses elasticity and wrinkles appear earlier. The regeneration of the skin is also slowed down by increased sugar consumption.
When was glycation scientifically discovered
The process of so-called “saccharification of the skin” scientifically referred to as glycation, has been known for over 100 years. The underlying chemical reaction – the non-enzymatic binding of sugars to proteins – was first described in 1912 by the French chemist Louis Camille Maillard and later entered the literature as the "Maillard reaction". Originally, this reaction was investigated in connection with the browning effect in the preparation of food.
However, the importance of glycation for the skin and skin ageing has only been researched more intensively in recent decades. Since the 1980’s scientists have been able to prove that these sugar-protein compounds, so-called Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs), are also formed in the human body- and especially in the skin- where they lead to accelerated skin ageing.
What causes saccharification of the skin?
The most common cause of glycation is a high-sugar diet: If you often eat sweets, white flour products or soft drinks, you ensure that more sugar circulates in the blood- and this can then bind to the skin fibres more easily.
Chronically elevated blood sugar levels, such as those found in diabetes or insulin resistance, also accelerate glycation. As we age, our bodies cannot break down harmful sugar compunds as easily.
Other factors causing glycation include smoking, stress, lack of sleep and alcohol. They provide more so-called “free radicals” in the body, which additionally promote the harmful sugar compounds. Intense sunlight can also make the skin more susceptable to glycation.
It’s not all bad news. With a good skincare regime, a healthy diet, sun protection and sufficient sleep and a healthy lifestyle, everyone can actively contribute to slowing down the process of skin saccharification and keeping their skin radiant and elastic for longer.
How do I know if my skin is affected by glycation?
Loss of elasticity: Skin appears less firm and is harder to retract.
Recessed wrinkles: Wrinkles, especially in the area of the mouth, eyes and forehead become deeper and more pronounced.
Dry, rough skin: Skin feels increasingly dry, rough and less supple.
Matte, pale complexion: The natural freshness and radiance of the skin are lost, the complexion looks dull.
Poor wound healing: Small injuries heal more slowly.
Increased pigmenation spots: irregular, brownish spots may appear.
Please note: The above signs are not solely due to glycation, but they can indicate that the skin is affected by saccharification- especially in those with high sugar consumption or diabetes, where the harmful sugar compounds (AGEs) accumulate more quickly. Clear detection is only possible through special medial tests, such as the measurement of AGEs in the blood or with special skin scanners at the dermatologist.
How can I prevent glycation of the skin?
Reducing excessive sugar consumption, anti-glycation skincare, UV protection and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the effects of AGEs.
Is it possible to reverse glycation?
Glycation is a chemical process that cannot be completely reversed. Once formed, Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs) are extremely stable and are broken down by the body very slowly or not at all. Therefore, they accumulate in tissues, such as skin, and contribute to ageing there permanently. But the process can be slowed down by a healthy lifestyle and suitable skincare. Recent resaerch has shown in vitro tests that the unsaponifiable components of olive oil, a central component of our Basis Sensitive Q10 care series, can reduce glycation by 40%.
The unsaponifiable from olive oil is the proportion that remains after saponification- i.e. the conversion of fats into soap. This proportion contains concentrated bioactive substances such as polyphenols, triterpenes, phytosterols and vitamin E. These substances are responsible for many of the positive effects of olive oil on the skin.
Also, studies show that certain polyphenols (e.g. hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein) from olive oil can directly inhibit the chemical reaction between sugars and proteins. They act as a “protective shield” and prevent sugar from accumulating to the skin fibres and thus creating ahrmful AGEs. This protects the elastic fibres of the skin from stiffening and premature ageing.
How unsaponifiable from olive oil works
The unsaponifiable from olive oil protects the skin from glycation through two effects:
Due to its antioxidant properties that scavenge free radicals and
By directly inhibiting the sugar-protein compund. This keeps the skin structure intact for longer and measurably slows down skin ageing.
Natural Q10
In addition, natural Q10 plays an important role as it energises cells and increases their ability to regenerate, which improves their function. Q10 also has antioxidant properties that help reduce oxidative stress, which contributes to skin ageing and glycation.
To find out more information about glycation please click here.
What should my skincare routine look like if I have saccharified skin?
A skincare routine for saccharified skin should include a care line with glycation protection, such as our Basis Sensitive Q10 care series. It protects against glycation, reduces wrinkles and provides intense moisture.
Organic aloe vera, organic jojoba oil and natural Q10 intensively moisturise the skin and protect it from free radicals to fifgt glycation and premature skin ageing. The mild and well-tolerated formula reduces wrinkles for a visibly smoother and supple complexion.
Summary
The so-called saccharification of the skin- also known as glycation- is the irreversible process in which sugar binds to important skin proteins such as collagen and elastin. As a result, these proteins become rigid, which can promote wrinkles and loss of elasticity. Also, the skin becomes more prone to inflammation and is less able to regenerate. You can counteract this by reducing your consumption of different types of sugar, relying on anti-glycation care (in vitro) such as our Basis Sesnitive Q10 line and natural UV protection, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with healthy eating habits. This supports your skin health and helps it stay radiant and elastic for longer.