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Dear Maggie,

Many thanks for your interesting and highly topical question. I think that the role that diet has to play in skin disease is going to be an area for plenty of future research. At present, there are no adequate clinical trials that have been replicated time and time again to say that cutting out sugar will slow the ageing process in the skin.

That said, however, there is plenty of emerging evidence that advanced glycation end products (these form when sugar reacts with proteins or fats in the body) may play a role in the skin ageing process, amongst other things.

I think the best answer is that one should follow a healthy diet for your general well-being and watch this space until more research data is available. The best known way, for the time-being, to slow down skin ageing is the meticulous use of broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF15 or above). This will help block UV which can cause fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.

I hope this helps answer your question.

Best wishes,

Dr Anjali Mahto

Hi Maggie,

Several dermatologists and nutritionists have recently claimed that cutting down on sugars can make your skin look younger.

As Dr. Mahto says, there is evidence that 'glycation' may play a part in skin ageing. Glycation is the chemical process whereby sugar molecules circulating in the blood bind to proteins and fats to form substances known as protein-sugar complexes - also known as advanced glycation end-products, or AGEs. These are then thought to trigger an inflammatory response, which damages your skin's elastin and collagen, leading to premature ageing.

It may be worthwhile testing out this theory to see if your skin improves. Even if your skin doesn't look any younger your health should benefit, as too much sugar is linked to various health issues including weight gain, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Best wishes,

Wendy