Unless you name is Gwyneth “macro” Paltrow, you probably love a cheeky chocolate bar, a weekend slice of cake, or a sneaky doughnut in the office kitchen. However, in addition to upsetting your dentist and personal trainer, when it comes to too consuming too much sugar, it turns out your skin isn’t quite as thrilled either. This is because sugar does more than spike your energy (and waist line); it can quietly accelerate skin ageing through a process called glycation, or “sugar ageing.” When sugar molecules latch onto collagen and elastin – the proteins that keep skin plump and springy – they stiffen and weaken them, leaving skin saggy, lined, and a little lacklustre.
Most of us reach for moisturisers, serums, or creams to smooth fine lines, but glycation happens deeper down, beyond the reach of surface treatments. It’s an invisible process, sneaking up over years of desserts, soft drinks, and hidden sugars in everyday foods. That’s why skin care that actively protects against sugar ageing is becoming a must-have, alongside sensible indulgence.
Vitamin C has long been celebrated for brightening and collagen support, but pairing it with anti-glycation ingredients is the next frontier. The new Ultraceuticals Ultra C+ Rejuvenating C Chebula Serum is a standout example. Combining 15% pure Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) with Chebula Extract, an ancient Ayurvedic ingredient prized for its anti-glycation and antioxidant properties, the serum works on two fronts: it helps stimulate collagen production while shielding the skin’s structural proteins from sugar damage.
As Tracey Beeby, Ultraceuticals’ Global Education Ambassador, explain,: “Most people understand the impact sugar has on overall health, but few realise it also accelerates skin ageing. In our new serum, we’ve combined Ascorbic Acid with Chebula Extract to help counteract glycation, support collagen health, and restore skin’s firmness and bounce.”
The results are visible and clinically backed. In trials, participants noticed firmer skin within eight weeks, and instrumental tests recorded up to a 42% increase in skin density. Radiance improves, skin gains structural resilience, and a youthful bounce is restored – proof that targeting glycation isn’t just a gimmick, it’s a real way to help skin hold its shape and vitality.
What’s particularly interesting is how this approach reflects the bigger picture of skin health. Glycation highlights the link between lifestyle, diet, and ageing, showing that indulgence doesn’t have to come at the cost of firmness or resilience. By pairing science-backed ingredients like Vitamin C and Chebula Extract with balanced habits, it’s possible to enjoy life’s sweet moments without paying the price in premature lines or sagging skin.
So yes, you can still reach for that cookie or scoop of sorbet. But, giving your skin the tools to fight sugar-induced damage – through ingredients that support collagen, counteract glycation, and boost radiance – is a subtle, smart strategy that allows you to have your cake and eat it too. (Without doing too much damage to your derm!)