Glycation — the non-enzymatic bonding of glucose to proteins — stiffens collagen and elastin fibres in the dermis. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) form in proportion to average blood glucose levels over time — which is why HbA1c correlates with skin ageing rate. Adults with even mildly elevated fasting glucose (above 5.5 mmol/L) show accelerated skin collagen glycation.
Slowing Skin Ageing
- SPF daily — UV radiation is the single largest environmental driver of skin collagen degradation
- Blood glucose management — reducing high-glycaemic foods directly reduces dermal collagen glycation
- Adequate dietary protein and collagen peptides — provide glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline for collagen synthesis
- Vitamin C supplementation — required for collagen hydroxylation and is a potent antioxidant in skin
- Retinoids (topical retinol or prescription tretinoin) — the most evidence-backed topical intervention for collagen stimulation
skin healthbiological agecollagenglycationlongevity biomarkerskin ageing