Beware: Excessive Sugar Consumption Accelerates Skin Ageing

High-sugar foods and various milk teas and coffees have become essential companions for young people’s activities. Beyond increasing the risk of chronic diseases in the future, there are also short-term effects visible on the skin.

Excessive sugar intake gradually damages the quality of facial skin tissue from within.

“Sugar is directly linked to a process called glycation, which is also associated with ageing,” said skincare and health expert Dr. Yessica Tania, Dipl. AAAM., during the launch event of Zegavit Gummy Vitamin by PT Kalbe Farma Tbk in Jakarta on Friday, 29 May 2026.

High-sugar beverages provide empty calories that trigger internal inflammatory responses.

Over time, this inflammation damages the skin’s primary structural support, collagen.

“Glycation is linked to reduced quality of collagen and elastin. For skin to look youthful, collagen must be in good condition,” Dr. Yessica explained.

“Excessive sugar consumption leads to a decline in collagen and elastin quality, resulting in sagging skin and fine wrinkles,” she added.

“Problems arise when milk, sugar, or creamer are added in large quantities,” Dr. Yessica noted.

To prevent this worsening, controlling the urge to consume sweet treats is essential. Replace high-sugar snacks with more nutritious alternatives such as frozen fruit, yoghurt, or dark chocolate.

In addition to sugar intake, inadequate sleep significantly accelerates cellular damage. Reduced sleep time also limits the body’s ability to fully regenerate.

“During sleep, there’s deep sleep. Medically, there’s REM and non-REM sleep. The body functions differently during deep sleep,” Dr. Yessica said.

During this phase, protein synthesis rates increase. New proteins are produced to repair damaged cells, including the skin’s primary structural components like collagen and elastin.

Disruption of the rest cycle is often triggered by caffeine consumption before bedtime.

“Coffee is permissible, but mindful of daily intake. One to two cups is normal,” she said.

Without sufficient rest, consumed nutrients cannot work optimally in the body.