We all know having great skin depends mostly on what you put in your mouth, but experts are now saying it’s what you put on your skin that could also give it a boost.
Sugar, the great villain of modern nutrition, is now returning to the spotlight as one of the most effective skincare ingredients around.
Imelda Burke, author of The Nature Of Beauty, has come forward to say that sugar and honey are two of the best things you can put on your face to turn back the clock.
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Writing for Femail UK, Burke says that sugar is actually a natural source of glycolic acid, used to improve the skin’s appearance and texture, keeping it bright and radiant.
"Sugar has a natural humectant or moisturising factor," writes Burke, "which helps to draw moisture into the cells...think how plump your skin feels after a honey mask."
Burke suggests grinding up sugar into a fine powder, and mixing with honey and organic olive oil before applying to your face.
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So why does sugar work so well on the outside, and so badly from the inside?
Well, consuming sugar ages the skin so badly because it kicks off a natural process called glycation, which creates compounds that destroy proteins like collagen and elastin, both of which are vital for youthful skin.
It's called 'sugar face', and aside from having a very cute name, will have serious affects on your skin. It will cause oily blemishes, large pores, dark circles, and puffiness.
Celebrity dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer says in his book Younger that sugar will effectively destroy the collagen in your skin.
“Sugar can weaken the immune system, and a suppressed immune system is bad at fighting off bacteria," he writes, noting that bacteria clogged in pores creates pimples.
In terms of DIY face masks, Imelda Burke also lists papaya, kombucha, and argan oil as other superfoods that work wonders when applied to the skin.
So, next time you're tempted to scoff down a sugary treat, maybe consider just wiping it on your face instead. And no licking your lips!
