Vampire Grodon
Top 5 Ways To Heal Your Skin And Body After A Sugar Binge
If you woke up to a puffy face, extra bloated tummy, and a few extra breakouts post Valentine’s Day, leading experts share how to fix the damage.
So you polished off that bag of candy messenger hearts, box of assorted macarons, or tray of chocolate-covered strawberries. Everyone deserves a little indulgence during the eye roll inducing “holiday of love.” But what if this year’s “little indulgence” morphed into a sugar binge of epic proportions? It’s no surprise what this could potentially mean for your diet, but what about your skin?
To break down sugar’s effect on your body, both internally and externally, we chatted with owner and esthetician of Dermaplus Skin + Body, Andrea Ghigliazza-Lembkey, as well as the CEO of NY Nutrition Group, Lisa Moskovitz, RD, CDN. Their tips and tricks to combat the sinful sweet stuff will have you prepared for your next (and inevitable—we’re coming off 2020, after all) dessert splurge.
Sugar’s Effect on Your Overall Health
It’s important to reiterate that we’re not here to judge your sugar consumption levels or diet, but it is important for everyone to periodically reflect and examine whether or not their eating habits are potentially harmful to their health. “One binge will not lead to any permanent or significant harm,” says Moskovitz. “However, if it happens frequently enough, or more than once a month, it can affect health over time.”
Think of sugar, like alcohol or any damaging substance you put into your body, as something that makes your organs go into overdrive. “Digestive issues like acid reflux, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea can emerge,” warns Moskovitz. “Blood sugars and insulin levels can [also] spike, as well as other hormones that may increase inflammation, negatively impact mood, deplete energy and even disrupt sleep.” These are all symptoms we obviously want to avoid.
Sugar’s Effect on Your Skin
Sugar’s effect on skin is no different, especially because your largest organ is typically a reflection of everything going on underneath it. Ironically, there is an acronym for sugar’s aging effect on the dermis called (wait for it) – AGEs: Advanced Glycation End products. “The sugar we consume attaches to proteins in our bodies and in our skin, breaking them down and creating free radicals,” explains Ghigliazza-Lembkey. “Sugar is the antithesis of antioxidants, [which causes] inflammation, increased insulin levels (resulting in oil production), and weakened elasticity.” These aforementioned characteristics result in aging skin and, like the internal effects of sugar on the body, should also be avoided.
Short-Term Solutions
1. As far as general health and well-being is concerned, “keeping your body calm will help with the digestive process,” says Moskovitz. “Take deep breaths [and] try to relax. Stretching or a light walk can also help.” She also advises sugar sufferers to stay as hydrated as possible to alleviate any digestion issues and assist with absorption.
2. Hydration is, unsurprisingly, a must for your skin, as well. “An easy detox drink with warm lemon water will help flush the system out after sugar indulgence,” says Ghigliazza-Lembkey. “Be sure to continue hydrating like crazy to stabilize blood sugar and help promote the kidneys and colon to eliminate waste and prevent a post-sugar binge breakout.”
3. Another tip is to gently reduce onset inflammation by cooling the skin. Tools like the icy La Glace Skin Roller may preventatively calm the puffiness and breakouts associated with excess sugar intake.
Long-Term Solutions
1. When it comes to nutrition, strive for balance, not perfection. “Allowing yourself foods you like, and enjoy, is a part of healthy balanced eating as long as it doesn’t replace more nutrient-dense foods like veggies, proteins, nuts, and whole grains,” says Moskovitz. And if that pesky sweet tooth demands more than just an occasional splurge, you should opt for sugar alternatives like stevia, monk fruit, or allulose, which are all recognized as “safe, effective substitutes that have minimal to no impact on blood sugar levels and are not health hazardous.”
2. To combat the effects of aging skin after a long relationship with sugar, Ghigliazza-Lembkey endorses the use of probiotics, as well as the gut-friendly Candida Diet to promote healthy digestion. “These healthy whole foods have a major impact on controlling and eliminating internal inflammation caused by sugar intake,” she adds, which assists in balancing the body and healing the damage you may have already caused.
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge to preventatively treat the negative impacts of sugar, your next cupcake should taste that much sweeter.
Sweets on the brain? What have you found to be the best remedies, both internally and dermal, for excess sugar consumption? Sound off in the comments below!
Beautytap
zephorahnure
2 weeks ago
Verified Expert
The article is so timely. I eat healthily, but I do have a sweet tooth. I used to have it real bad though. Sugar caused me to have dermatitis on my face and legs. I would binge on sweets when I was stressed out. But when I stopped eating sugar my skin problems went away. I also saw a holistic dermatologist in NYC and after that one visit, I hardly had any more issues. No medication, he put me on a simple cleanse and a list of sugary foods, along with regular foods not to eat. Sugar can be detrimental... Read more
jonniskincare
2 weeks ago
Verified Expert
Suger and heavy in the diet will hit you and your skin. You can indulge but in moderation.
mindfulbeaute
2 weeks ago
Verified Expert
Did someone say cupcake ? I am a sweets lover guilty as charged ! Overtime I definitely have made some adjustments to my sweet intake for the greater good you know .. my health. I love that probiotics are mentioned because they are truly helpful hence why probiotic skincare is currently booming. There are many ways to manage the sweet tooth without fully depriving yourself of it. I love coffee and I found these amazing coffee syrups that actually contain zero sugar and calories ! Compromise at its best . Skin rollers are essential , I created the habit... Read more
aminajadore
2 weeks ago
Verified Expert
I have a huge sweet tooth and I’ve noticed a few of these effects in my skin. Sounds like it’s time for me to rearrange my diet!
james 2 weeks ago
Great comment!
roxannebdavidson
2 weeks ago
Verified Expert
Thank you so much for this incredible information!! I tend to sugar binge a few times a month. I will definitely switch over to stevia!! I love the hot water and lemon. I do hydrate plenty, so that’s one thing I’m doing right!! Lol!!
samsuarez
3 weeks ago
Verified Expert
My skin is reactive to just about anything I eat. My skin will either clear up or breakout depending on my diet . Luckily I haven’t had new breakouts since Valentine’s Day but I always make sure I’m hydrated ! Having green tea twice a day is also a must for me. My face masks and lip masks stay inside my skincare fridge so they can stay cold. Applying these products to my face while cold help de-puff my face first thing in the morning .
elyciarubin 3 weeks ago
I needed this. Last weekend was quite the sugar binge. I'm hydrating big time now! Thank you.
vgeestyle
3 weeks ago
Verified Expert
I absolutely agree and relate...since i have a sweet tooth. Always keeping it in check with probiotics, detox tea for skin, skincare regimen that helps minimize any irritation and my favorite..a great power walk!!
leneahobligar
3 weeks ago
Verified Expert
What a thorough, informative article! Thank you for the tips & reminders!
brittaneybunjong 3 weeks ago
I definitely need to detox! I will also take a closer look into the Canada Diet because I've never heard about it until now!