Harold Lancer, MD, dermatologist to the stars – including Kim Kardashian and the ever-flawless Beyonce – believes that sugar breaks down collagen (that bouncy stuff that makes our skin look young and plump) and weakens our immune systems.
Our bodies are then less able to fight off bacteria, which then clogs our pores and leads to pimples.
Sugar also triggers insulin production, which can “gunk up” our skin, says Dr Lancer, and creates a spike in testosterone, which makes pores larger and skin oilier – turning your skin into something akin to an NRL front-rower’s.
Yes, ‘sugar face’ is very much a thing, and many experts believe it can age you by as much as 10 years.
But there is an easy fix, says the good doctor.
To turn back the clock and regain the complexion you deserve, Dr Lancer says you must eliminate sugar entirely – and that includes fruits high on the glycemic index, like watermelon and cantaloupe.
If you must satisfy those sugar cravings, look instead for foods such as kiwifruit, blueberries and blackberries, although he says to go easy.
Dr Lancer personally considers a big, juicy apple to be a treat: “You cannot have low levels of insulin, low testosterone production if you’re eating fruit 12 times a day.”
If you stick to his guidelines, he says disciples will notice changes within 72 to 96 hours.
“They’ll feel better, their colour will look better, their skin won’t be so oily and they won’t be so dry. Their circles will be reduced, perkier.”
But you need to be committed, he implores: “If you go from three cupcakes to two, that’s not really giving up sugar.”
For tips on how to quit sugar in just 21 days, click here.
