Facts: Diet plays a significant role in the skin, especially when it comes to the health of the cells. Maintaining a balanced diet, including the consumption of essential fatty acids (omega 3 in particular), is important for cell health and the control of inflammation. Biological aging can be accelerated through poor dietary habits, especially with an overconsumption of processed foods and refined sugar.
Collagen protein is subject to a natural glycation process of crosslinking, whereby sugar molecules attach to collagen protein molecules. Any abnormal crosslinking may result in a nonfunctioning protein or a protein with reduced function. New molecules called advanced glycation end products form harmful new molecules that greatly affect the quality of collagen. Although collagen is normally soft and pliable, abnormal cross-links make the collagen more plastic or stiff. Furthermore, too much crosslinking obstructs the passage of nutrients and wastes in and out of the cells and also interferes with the lymphatic system. The skin begins to show deep wrinkles and furrows.