How Coenzyme Q10 Works Against Glycation and Sugar-Related Skin Aging
Did you know that different types of sugars like glucose and fructose not only age your body but also your skin? They can cause important skin proteins like collagen and elastin to stick together – a process experts call glycation. But what exactly is glycation? And what does it mean for individual skin aging? On this page, we answer the most common questions about this fascinating topic.
Our expert on the topic of glycation
We received professional support from our expert Dr. Henrike Neuhoff. She is the Head of the Science Department at lavera Natural Beauty and explains exactly what glycation is, what effects this process has on the skin, and how the Q10 effect can counteract the skin’s glycation.
Dr. Neuhoff, what is skin glycation?
Glycation of the skin is a colloquial term for the process of glycation in the skin. In this process, sugar molecules (such as glucose or fructose) attach to the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin – the proteins that give the skin firmness and elasticity. This glycation causes the fibers to become stiffer, more brittle, and lose their natural function.
Over the course of life, especially with consistently high blood sugar levels (e.g., in diabetes or a sugar-rich diet), the formation of so-called AGEs (Advanced Glycation Endproducts) increases. They accumulate in the skin and accelerate skin aging.
In short: glycation of the skin is the visible effect of glycation on skin tissue and an important factor in the development of wrinkles and premature skin aging. The skin appears duller faster, loses elasticity, and wrinkles appear earlier. Skin regeneration is also slowed down by increased sugar consumption.
The consequences of glycation
- The skin becomes less elastic and firmer
- Wrinkles develop more quickly
- The skin appears duller and older
- The skin's regeneration slows down
When was the so-called "glycation of the skin" scientifically discovered?
The process known as "skin glycation," scientifically referred to as glycation, has been known for over 100 years. The underlying chemical reaction – the non-enzymatic binding of sugar to proteins – was first described in 1912 by the French chemist Louis Camille Maillard and later became known in the literature as the "Maillard reaction." Originally, this reaction was studied in connection with the browning effect during food preparation.
However, the specific significance of glycation for the skin and skin aging has only been intensively researched in recent decades. Since the 1980s, scientists have been able to demonstrate that these sugar-protein compounds, called Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs), also form in the human body – especially in the skin – and lead to accelerated skin aging.
Which factors promote skin glycation?
At the top of the list is a sugar-rich diet: Those who frequently enjoy sweets, white flour products, or soft drinks cause more sugar to circulate in the blood – and this can then more easily bind to the skin fibers.
Also, chronically elevated blood sugar levels, such as those found in diabetes or insulin resistance, accelerate glycation. As we age, our bodies also become less efficient at breaking down harmful sugar compounds – meaning glycation is also a natural aging process.
Other factors that increase it are smoking, alcohol, stress, and lack of sleep: They cause more so-called “free radicals” in the body, which further promote harmful sugar compounds. And last but not least, intense sun exposure can also make the skin more susceptible to glycation.
The good news: With good skincare, conscious nutrition, sufficient sleep, sun protection, and an overall healthy lifestyle, everyone can actively help slow down the process of skin glycation and keep their skin radiant and elastic for longer.
Does increased sugar consumption affect the skin?
Yes, increased sugar consumption has a significant impact on the skin. When we regularly consume a lot of sugar – whether through sweets, soft drinks, white flour products, or hidden sugar in processed foods – blood sugar levels rise. This excess sugar can bind to proteins in the body, leading to glycation.
Are all types of sugar equally harmful to the skin?
Not all types of sugar have the same harmful effect on the skin – there are indeed differences in how strongly they promote the process of glycation.
Fructose (fruit sugar), for example, is considered particularly reactive: it can bind to proteins about seven times faster than glucose, thereby strongly promoting the formation of harmful AGEs (Advanced Glycation Endproducts). This means that foods high in fruit sugar, such as sweetened beverages or industrially produced fruit preparations, can accelerate skin aging even faster than pure glucose.
Glucose (grape sugar) is less reactive than fructose but also contributes to glycation with sustained high consumption. Household sugar (sucrose) – a combination of glucose and fructose – also promotes this process.
Complex carbohydrates from whole grain products are less harmful because they are absorbed more slowly into the bloodstream and do not cause blood sugar levels to rise as sharply. This slows down glycation.
In summary: Especially quickly absorbable sugars like fructose and glucose, found in sweets, soft drinks, and processed foods, are particularly critical for the skin. Complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber are the better choice if you want to keep your skin young and radiant.
How much sugar is safe for the skin?
For the skin, the rule is: the less sugar, the better! The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends consuming no more than 25 grams of sugar per day – which is about five to six teaspoons and around five percent of daily energy intake. This amount applies not only to general health but also protects the skin from premature aging caused by glycation.
How can I tell if my skin is affected by glycation?
The effects of glycation on the skin are usually gradual and can manifest through various typical signs:
Loss of elasticity: The skin appears less firm and is harder to retract.
Deepened wrinkles: Wrinkles, especially around the mouth, eyes, and forehead, become deeper and more pronounced.
Dry, rough skin: The skin feels increasingly dry, rough, and less supple.
Dull, pale complexion: The natural freshness and radiance of the skin are lost, and the complexion appears dull.
Poor wound healing: Small injuries or blemishes heal more slowly.
Increased pigmentation spots: Irregular, brownish spots may develop.
Please note: These signs arenot exclusively due to glycation, but they can indicate that the skin is affected by sugar damage – especially in people with high sugar consumption or diabetes, as the harmful sugar compounds (AGEs) accumulate faster here. A definitive diagnosis is only possible through special medical tests, such as measuring AGEs in the blood or using special skin scanners at the dermatologist’s office.
How can I prevent skin glycation?
A reduction of excessive sugar consumption, anti-glycation skincare, UV protection care, and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the effects of AGEs.
Is it possible to reverse glycation?
Glycation is a chemical process that fundamentally cannot be completely reversed. Once formed, Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs) are extremely stable and are broken down by the body only very slowly or not at all. Therefore, they accumulate in tissues such as the skin and contribute permanently to aging there. However, the process can be slowed down through a healthy lifestyle and appropriate skincare. Recent research has shown in in-vitro tests that the unsaponifiable components of olive oil, a key ingredient of the new lavera BASIS SENSITIVE Q10 care line, can reduce glycation by 40%.
Which ingredients counteract the glycation of the skin?
Saponification-free from olive oil
The unsaponifiable fraction of olive oil is the portion that remains after saponification – that is, the conversion of fats into soap – remains. This fraction contains concentrated bioactive substances such as polyphenols, triterpenes, phytosterols, and vitamin E. These compounds are responsible for many of the positive effects of olive oil on the skin.
How the non-soap olive oil works
The saponification-free olive oil protects the skin from glycation through two effects:
1. Through its antioxidant properties, which capture free radicals, and
2. Through the direct inhibition of sugar-protein bonding. This helps maintain the skin structure longer and measurably slows down skin aging.
How does the unsaponifiable ingredient work against the formation of AGEs?
The most important mechanism is the strong antioxidant effect: The polyphenols and triterpenes in the unsaponifiable fraction neutralize free radicals that accelerate the glycation process in the skin. Free radicals are generated, for example, by UV radiation, environmental toxins, or inflammation and promote the bonding of sugar molecules with skin proteins such as collagen.
How polyphenols work against skin aging
Furthermore, studies show that certain polyphenols (e.g., hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein) from olive oil can directly inhibit the chemical reaction between sugar and proteins. They act like a "shield" and prevent sugar from binding to the skin fibers, thereby stopping the formation of harmful AGEs. This protects the skin's elastic fibers from stiffening and premature aging.
Natural Q10
Natural Q10 also plays an important role as it supplies the cells with energy and enhances their ability to regenerate, which improves their function. Q10 also has antioxidant properties that help reduce oxidative stress, which contributes to skin aging and glycation.
What should my beauty routine look like for sugar-coated skin?
A beauty routine for sugar-damaged skin should include a care line with glycation protection, like the lavera basis sensitive Q10 care line. It protects against glycation, reduces wrinkles, and provides intense moisture.
Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Jojoba Oil, and natural Q10 intensely supply the skin with moisture and protect it from free radicals to combat glycation and premature skin aging. The mild and well-tolerated formula reduces wrinkles for a visibly smoother and more supple complexion.
How should I change my lifestyle?
Reduce your sugar intake, exercise regularly, and ensure you get enough sleep.
Conclusion
The so-called glycation of the skin – also called glycation – is the irreversible process where sugar binds to important skin proteins like collagen and elastin. This causes these proteins to become rigid, which can promote wrinkles and a loss of elasticity. Additionally, the skin becomes more prone to inflammation and has a harder time regenerating. You can counteract this by reducing your consumption of various types of sugar, using anti-glycation care (in vitro) like basis sensitive Q10 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 longer.
