Skin enemy #3: Sugar

Whether it’s the 4pm sugar crash that has you reaching for chocolate, or an after-dinner sweet treat while you watch TV, it turns out that our cravings for sugar are doing more than just damaging our waistlines. “There are many studies showing that too much sugar causes glycation within the

skin, which means the collagen fibres become brittle so your skin becomes less elastic,” explains skincare specialist Debbie Thomas. “Think about what is happening inside your body; your skin is a reflection of your health, and a bad diet can speed up the visible signs of ageing and can trigger conditions like eczema or acne too.”

While reducing your sugar intake and eating the right foods is absolutely critical to keep your skin healthy, many experts recommend retinoids as a way to help the skin boost collagen and repair damage. Available both on prescription and over the counter, they support collagen production, reduce sun damage, lighten pigmentation and soften

lines and wrinkles. because they can irritate the skin, introduce them gradually once or twice a week, and generally they are best used at night-time, as they can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.