That is why modern prevention anti-aging<\/strong> It is also increasingly taking into account protection against the effects of glycation. Three ingredients are of particular interest: trehalose, hyaluronic acid and polynucleotides<\/strong>. Each one works differently, but they all have a role to play in a modern approach to improving skin quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wrinkles are just one of the signs of ageing. There is much more going on beneath the skin\u2019s surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the processes affecting its condition is glycation<\/strong>, that is, a non-enzymatic reaction between sugars and proteins, lipids and other molecules. This reaction results in the formation of so-called. advanced glycation end products (AGEs)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why are they so important?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Collagen<\/a><\/strong> i elastin<\/a> <\/strong>They form the skin\u2019s natural scaffolding. They are responsible for its strength, firmness and elasticity. When glycation occurs in these proteins, additional bonds may form between their molecules. The fibres become less elastic, and their mechanical properties deteriorate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The problem does not end there. AGEs can also activate RAGE receptors, exacerbating oxidative stress and mechanisms associated with the inflammatory response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That is precisely why skin glycation<\/strong> is increasingly being incorporated into strategies for preventing premature ageing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It may contribute to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n AGEs are not just a problem for the skin. Their presence is also linked to the ageing of other tissues and the development of metabolic complications. This is one of the reasons why it is worth considering the condition of the skin in the context of the body\u2019s overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also worth noting that collagen is a protein with a relatively slow metabolic turnover. This means that certain changes in its structure may persist for a long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Well-hydrated skin looks more rested. Fine lines caused by dryness become less noticeable, and the skin\u2019s surface regains its smoothness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But there is one difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hydrating the skin and reducing the effects of glycation are two separate issues.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hyaluronic acid cream <\/strong>It may improve the hydration level of the epidermis, but this does not automatically mean that it removes advanced glycation end products from the deeper layers of the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That is why it is worth taking a broader view of preventative care. It is not just about smoothing out wrinkles, but about minimising the factors that accelerate ageing and supporting the skin\u2019s healthy functioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A practical way of organising these activities is the ABC model:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is a simple way of organising your daily routine. However, it is not an official medical protocol, nor is it a method that guarantees the prevention of glycation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trehalose <\/strong>It is a naturally occurring disaccharide which has long been of interest to scientists due to its protective properties. In cosmetology, it is primarily used as an ingredient that helps to moisturise the skin and protect it from harmful environmental factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What makes it stand out in this context anti-glycation prevention<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trehalose may help to stabilise cellular structures and mitigate some of the effects of environmental stress. It also has humectant properties, meaning it helps to maintain an appropriate level of moisture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trehalose<\/strong> It occurs naturally in certain organisms that are able to survive extreme conditions of dehydration. It is precisely its protective properties that have inspired research into the use of this compound in cosmetology and medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, it is worth maintaining scientific rigour. Trehalose is not an ingredient for which clinically proven elimination can be attributed AGEs <\/strong>made from human skin. Its protective potential is currently being researched, and findings relating to specific formulations should not automatically be applied to all cosmetics containing this ingredient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n W a well-chosen trehalose skincare routine<\/strong> It can be a valuable addition to moisturising and protective ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we age, the skin gradually loses its ability to maintain an adequate level of moisture. It becomes more prone to dryness, and fine lines and wrinkles begin to become more visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is where hyaluronic acid<\/strong> <\/a>\u2013 a natural component of the extracellular matrix which has an exceptional ability to bind water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not every product containing hyaluronic acid <\/strong>However, it works in exactly the same way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Its molecular weight is of great importance. High-molecular-weight forms act primarily on the skin\u2019s surface, helping to retain moisture. Smaller fractions have different physicochemical properties and may interact within the epidermis in a different way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That is why there is growing interest in products that combine hyaluronic acid with varying molecular weights<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Such a combination can help to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are times when your daily skincare routine is no longer enough. The skin loses its density, becomes thinner and less supple, and regenerates more slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In such situations, it may be worth considering professional regenerative therapies. One such option is treatments using polynucleotides<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Polynucleotides<\/strong> These are compounds made up of nucleotide chains. In aesthetic medicine, they are used in preparations administered intradermally, with the aim of improving skin quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Their potential effects are linked to the promotion of repair processes, fibroblast activity and their influence on the extracellular matrix environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why is this important?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fibroblasts<\/a><\/strong> These are the cells responsible, amongst other things, for the production of collagen and other structural components of the skin. Their proper functioning is vital for maintaining the skin\u2019s density and elasticity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Treatments using polynucleotides may be considered for the following purposes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Polynucleotides do not directly remove glycation products<\/strong>. Their role in an anti-ageing strategy is, above all, to support the skin\u2019s quality and regeneration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t need a dozen or so beauty products to look after your skin properly. It\u2019s far more important to choose ingredients that meet your skin\u2019s actual needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is worth including several groups of substances in your daily skincare routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Trehalose and hyaluronic acid<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The combination of moisturising and protective ingredients can help maintain healthy skin. It is particularly effective for dry, dehydrated skin and skin in need of improved comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Vitamin C<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It is a powerful antioxidant that helps to reduce the effects of oxidative stress. It also plays a role in collagen synthesis, which is why it is widely used in anti-ageing skincare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Retinol<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It is one of the most thoroughly researched ingredients used in anti-ageing skincare. It supports epidermal renewal and improves the appearance of the skin, including the visibility of fine lines. It should be introduced gradually, taking the skin\u2019s tolerance into account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Ceramides and lipid components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n They help to restore the hydrolipid barrier, reduce water loss and improve the skin\u2019s resistance to external factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. SPF 50 sun protection<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a factor that should not be overlooked. UV radiation accelerates collagen breakdown, increases oxidative stress and contributes to the development of hyperpigmentation. Regular use of sunscreen is one of the best-documented methods of preventing photoageing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This does not mean that all the ingredients have to be used at the same time. An overly elaborate skincare routine can lead to irritation. What matters is a sensible combination of products and consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is definitely worth paying attention to your diet. Glycation processes take place throughout the body, which is why the condition of your skin cannot be viewed in isolation from your metabolic health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is particularly important to avoid chronically elevated blood glucose levels. Excess glucose promotes glycation reactions, so it is important to ensure proper carbohydrate metabolism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your daily menu should include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also worth cutting down on excess simple sugars and highly processed foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The way meals are prepared is also significant. Foods subjected to intense heat treatment at high temperatures, particularly frying and grilling, may contain more dietary AGEs than foods boiled in water. However, the effect of their consumption on the ageing of human skin has not yet been conclusively established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t forget about physical activity. Regular exercise helps maintain insulin sensitivity and a healthy metabolism. Sleep is just as important, as the body needs time to recover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Home skincare is essential, but it does not always meet all the skin\u2019s needs. If you notice a loss of firmness, a deterioration in skin texture or obvious dehydration, it is worth considering a consultation and selecting the appropriate salon treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the condition of your skin, a specialist may recommend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not every patient needs all of these procedures. The approach differs for dehydrated skin, for loss of firmness, and again for severe discolouration and photoageing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The treatment plan should therefore take into account the patient\u2019s age, skin condition, general health, any medication they are taking and their expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Skin glycation is not a problem that can be solved with a single cream or a single treatment.<\/strong> It is a biological process influenced by both metabolic and environmental factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That is precisely why it is worth taking a multi-pronged approach. You should pay attention to your diet, maintain healthy blood sugar levels, use sun protection and choose the right skincare products. If your skin needs extra support, you can supplement your daily routine with professional regenerative treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not about looking younger at any cost. It\u2019s about not neglecting the processes that affect the quality of your skin every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Would you like to find out how to look after skin affected by glycation? Book a consultation at Wellclinic<\/a><\/strong>. Our medical team will assess her condition and draw up a personalised care plan and programme of in-clinic treatments, taking your needs and circumstances into account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Chmielewski R., Lebiedowska A., Bara\u0144ska-Rybak W. (2025). Assessment of the Curative Anti-Glycation Properties of a Novel Injectable Formulation Combining Dual-Weight Hyaluronic Acid (Low- and Mid\/High-Molecular Weight) with Trehalose on Human Skin Ex Vivo.<\/em> International Journal of Molecular Sciences. https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/40429894\/\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Chmielewski, R., Lesiak, A. (2024). Mitigating Glycation and Oxidative Stress in Aesthetic Medicine: The Synergy of Hyaluronic Acid and Trehalose in Combating AGEs in the Treatment of Skin Ageing.<\/em> Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/39624066\/\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Chmielewski, R., Lebiedowska, A., and Bara\u0144ska-Rybak, W. (2025). Evaluation of the anti-glycation protective effect of an injectable product based on a combination of hyaluronic acid and trehalose with two different molecular weight ranges on human skin explants.<\/em> International Journal of Molecular Sciences. https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11989952\/\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Gda\u0144sk Medical University \u2013 Department and Clinic of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology. A publication on the anti-glycation properties of a combination of hyaluronic acid and trehalose in human skin. https:\/\/ppm.edu.pl\/info\/article\/GUMed89f97eb8e64b628be6a3854bfb35c2\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nSkin glycation \u2013 an invisible process that alters the skin\u2019s structure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Earthy](\"https:\/\/wellclinic.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Zszarzala-cera-jak-ja-odzywic.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhy does moisturising alone not solve the problem of glycation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Trehalose \u2013 a small ingredient that helps protect skin cells<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hyaluronic acid \u2013 why does particle size matter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPolynucleotides \u2013 when does the skin need more than just a cream?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What should a home anti-glycation skincare routine look like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Diet and glycation \u2013 does what you eat show on your face?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"facial](\"https:\/\/wellclinic.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/mezeterapia_ocena_twarzy.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIn-clinic treatments \u2013 how can you combine glycation prevention with improving skin quality?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Don\u2019t wait until the effects of ageing become clearly visible<\/h2>\n\n\n\n