Can ultra-processed foods accelerate visible skin aging? In this in-depth video, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dray breaks down the science behind diet, inflammation, glycation, and collagen loss.
In this evidence-based discussion, Dr. Dray covers:
• What ultra-processed foods actually are
• How sugar drives glycation and damages collagen
• Advanced Glycation End Products, also known as AGEs
• The association between ultra-processed food intake and acne, eczema, psoriasis, and hidradenitis suppurativa
• The gut-skin axis and emerging research on emulsifiers and preservatives
• Why topical skincare cannot fully counteract a chronically inflammatory diet
• What we know and what we still do not know from current research
Dr. Dray emphasizes that correlation does not equal causation. Much of the research linking ultra-processed foods to health outcomes is observational. However, the most consistent finding is that these foods tend to be calorie dense, low in volume, and nutrient poor. That metabolic pattern can influence inflammation, insulin signaling, oxidative stress, and ultimately skin biology.
Topics discussed include:
• Glycation and the internal “caramelization” of collagen
• Matrix metalloproteinases and collagen breakdown
• Blood sugar spikes and insulin resistance
• The Maillard reaction and dietary AGE burden
• How chronic inflammation impacts dermal aging
• Why collagen remodeling takes time
Dr. Dray also outlines realistic dietary shifts that support metabolic health and skin resilience, including increasing whole foods, fiber diversity, omega-3 rich foods, and adequate protein intake.
Suggested videos mentioned in this video:
Gut-Skin Axis Explained
Signs of Insulin Resistance on the Skin
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
1:44 What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
2:49 The Hidden Biology of Food and Wrinkles
3:54 The Molecular Mechanics of Dermal Aging
4:50 Inflammatory Skin Diseases and Diet
5:52 What Makes Ultra-Processed Foods Problematic?
8:04 The Maillard Reaction and AGEs
8:50 Timeline of Visible Skin Changes
10:11 Why Skincare Alone Is Not Enough
10:51 A Dermatologist-Approved Reset
11:55 Realistic Expectations
12:27 Final Thoughts
This video is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your physician for individualized guidance.
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Sunscreen every day.
FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links.
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Disclaimer: This video is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided on this Youtube channel is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this Youtube channel should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this video are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
Suggested videos mentioned in this video:
Gut-Skin Axis Explained
https://youtu.be/B2ibCHcaXDM
Signs of Insulin Resistance on the Skin
https://youtu.be/73i6qsm7jWg
This will be good one! Go Dr. Andrea!
Thanks Dr. Dray for another great video . Your skin looks amazing by the way.
Have a great Wednesday! Such great information & today’s food is not like it was 50 years ago! UGH! Thank you!❤️
Dr Dray, in response to this video, picture me falling to my knees with my fists clenched to the sky screaming, “Nooooo!”
😂
Right there with ya!
lol
My favorite of the month! Loved it!❤️
My skin became much better when I paired eggs with fiber, added zinc and omega 3
i have thrived on cheesy eggs and chia seed lemonade
Where can I find zink for human consumption
Thank you for another outstanding video, dear Dr. Dray. Our skin looks more radiant and alive from eating minimal ultra processed foods. Wishing you a very blessed and beautiful Wednesday. It is like a beautiful summer day here in Austin! 🩵☀️💕
You know… I’ve always hated my appearance. Little did I know it could get worse :)
😂
Bbbut why can’t the preservatives preserve me too😢?
Lol
Right???
EXACTLY
lol
Firstly the preservatives affect different mechanisms on the food,such as antimicrobial effects,but the problem is the skin is aging because of their ingredients,such as pro-inflammatory oils and high glycemic index sugars(lots of sugar coming to skin at once probably increases the risk of AGE production which increases the collagen and elastin hydrolysis)
Aloha and good morning Dr Dray,
Thank you so much for all of the informative and intelligent videos that you share with us. I am learning so much from you. Not only are you helping us with our skin but our overall health in general. ❤
Amazing video. I eat whole food, grassfed meat etc. my friends laugh at me, but I’m 64, no meds and good skin. Others are having knee replacements, on many meds and in consant pain. Food is key.
This is really encouraging. I’ve moved my entire family off of heavily processed foods. Mostly for overall health, also for some budgeting. I cook from home, make our baked goods, we use honey/maple, etc etc. But it’s so much work lol! The health of my family is my ultimate goal but healthy skin doesn’t hurt my motivation! 😂
Proud of you 👏
It does take so much work!! Great job!
Really proud for you 😊
Yo – Someone is having a good day today and I am all here for it.
Love when you go deep on the science! Would be so great if you had a white board, that was a lot to take in
“Everybody picks their favorite boogie man” 😂
When I was 28, I was forced to go on an anti-inflammatory diet because I had just been diagnosed with arthritis. I was so lucky to find a registered dietitian who helped me massively along the way. And I went to see the dietitian because my orthopedist referred me to a physical therapist and a dietitian! It was a very dark period in my life, but little did I know that four years later, I would literally reap all the benefits of eating super clean. My skin definitely looks much better, glowier than it did when I was 25! From my perspective, it has really, really worked, not only for my joint problem, but also for something I NEVER even thought about in this context -my skin. I am so inspired to keep eating this way for the rest of my life. You really need to lock in and eat those apples, walnuts, and cabbage like your life depends on it, because in my case, it literally does.
Oh, and daily sunscreen. That works, too.
What are you eating? Are there some rules like, no white flour and sugar or something?
There is definitely a connection between the gut and the skin
Dr. Dray, You’ve talked me into eating better. I know what to do but I have been so lazy since retirement. Thank you so very much .
I’m eating Cheetos while watching this. 😅
Happy Sunday, Dr. Dray❤❤❤