Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) are harmful compounds formed when sugar molecules bond with proteins or fats in a process called glycation. In the skin, AGEs cause collagen and elastin fibres to cross-link, making them stiff, brittle, and non-functional. This leads to skin that is thinner, less supple, and more prone to wrinkles and sagging.
AGEs also disrupt collagen renewal and contribute to a dull, sallow complexion by creating lipofuscin, the pigment behind brown âage spotsâ. Beyond visible ageing, AGEs trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and poor circulation, all of which accelerate cellular damage.
Over time, AGE accumulation stimulates Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes that break down collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, further degrading the skinâs structure and hydration. In essence, AGEs are one of the most potent internal drivers of premature skin ageing.
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Article by Star Khechara
Professional agehacker, author, speaker, founder of skin nutrition institute
About me
Ex-skincare formulator and beauty author turned skin-nutrition educator: Star distilled her 20+ years of skin-health knowledge into the worldâs first international accredited skin-nutrition school to teach skin therapists, facialists, face yoga practitioners and estheticians how to help their clients feed the skin from within for cellular-level rejuvenation and vibrant beauty.
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