Glycation: The Hidden Challenge in Skin Aging and Innovative Solutions

Scientific studies reveal that sugar intake does not only impact overall health — it directly contributes to skin aging.

The glycation process, in which excess glucose binds to collagen and elastin, leads to the formation of AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products). These compounds cause dermal stiffness, inflammation, and visible premature aging.

In recent years, both research and the dermatology industry have focused on novel actives that can inhibit or even reverse this process. Some of the most advanced anti-glycation ingredients now used in professional skincare formulations include:

1. Carnosine – a well-studied dipeptide with anti-glycation activity, preventing glucose from binding to collagen.
2. Ergothioneine – a rare antioxidant derived from mushrooms that protects mitochondria and fibroblasts against sugar-induced damage.
3. Blueberry Polyphenols & Grape Seed Extract (OPCs) – powerful polyphenols with dual antioxidant and anti-glycation effects.
4. Resveratrol & Bakuchiol – modern actives with combined anti-inflammatory, collagen-stimulating, and anti-glycation benefits.
5. Niacinamide & Vitamin C Derivatives (Ascorbyl Glucoside, MAP) – stable and effective compounds that strengthen the skin barrier and reduce sugar-induced oxidative stress.
6. Saccharide Isomerate & Exopolysaccharides– next-generation polysaccharides with lifting properties and ECM repair against glycation damage.

This represents the new vision of next-generation aesthetic medicine: combining lifestyle management with anti-glycation skincare for sustainable skin rejuvenation.

For those whose diets inevitably include sugar, using creams and serums enriched with peptides, advanced antioxidants, and anti-glycation actives provides a scientifically proven strategy to preserve youthful, radiant skin.

At Vie – Être en Vie, we integrate these cutting-edge actives into our formulations. Our products are designed with a synergy of next-generation antioxidants, bioactive peptides, and specialized polysaccharides to specifically counteract the damaging effects of glycation and support true skin health and longevity.