The College of Glycation is an educational video series dedicated to helping viewers understand one of the most critical and often overlooked processes in human biology: glycation. Led by Dr. Paul Reynolds, Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology at Brigham Young University, this series explores how sugar interacts with proteins and fats in the body, forming harmful compounds called Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs). These compounds accelerate aging, contribute to chronic diseases, and play a key role in metabolic dysfunction. Each video is designed to break down complex topics into clear, practical insights. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, student, or simply someone seeking to improve your health, this series will give you a deeper understanding of the biological roots of inflammation, insulin resistance, and cellular damage—and what you can do to address them.
Curated by: PaulReynoldsPhD (74 videos)
In this essential episode of the College of Glycation series, Dr. Paul Reynolds—Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology—uncovers how glycation silently accelerates skin aging. Building on previous episodes exploring glycation’s impact on organs and metabolism, Dr. Reynolds now turns to the body’s largest and most visible organ: the skin. Glycation, the process by which sugar molecules bind to proteins and fats, forms toxic compounds known as AGEs (advanced glycation end products). These AGEs attack collagen and elastin—the proteins that keep skin firm, supple, and resilient. By crosslinking these fibers and activating inflammatory pathways like RAGE, glycation stiffens the skin, reduces elasticity, and triggers oxidative stress. The result? Wrinkles, sagging, and premature aging from the inside out. This lecture connects the dots between molecular biochemistry, lifestyle, and visible aging. From sugar-laden diets and high-heat cooking to UV exposure and smoking, Dr. Reynolds explains how daily habits accelerate AGE buildup—and how strategic interventions can help slow or reverse the damage. Backed by peer-reviewed research, this episode translates complex cellular science into practical, evidence-based tools for lifelong skin health and resilience. Topics Covered -What glycation is and how it affects collagen and elastin -How AGEs crosslink skin proteins and trigger inflammation -The RAGE receptor and oxidative stress in aging skin -Diet, cooking methods, and lifestyle factors that accelerate glycation -The impact of UV light and smoking on AGE formation -Diabetic skin complications and impaired wound healing -AGE inhibitors and antioxidants that protect the skin -Practical nutrition and skincare strategies for youthful skin Timestamps 00:00 Introduction & Series Continuation 00:36 Physiology-Focused Series Overview 01:15 Why the Cardiovascular System Matters 01:56 Glycation Refresher: AGEs Explained 02:40 Drivers of Excess Glycation 03:20 Cardiovascular System as Metabolic Highway 04:01 Physiology 101: Cardiovascular Anatomy Overview 04:44 Blood Vessel Structure: Arteries, Capillaries, Veins 06:01 Arterial Elasticity & Blood Flow Control 06:45 Capillary Exchange & Venous Return 07:27 Endothelium as a Functional Organ 08:07 Endothelial Control of Vascular Tone 08:52 Anti-Thrombotic & Barrier Functions 10:18 Endothelial Dysfunction & Cardiovascular Risk 11:02 Blood Flow, Cardiac Output & Pressure Regulation 11:43 Autonomic Nervous System Control 12:26 Baroreceptors & Hormonal Pressure Control 13:47 Exercise, Hemorrhage & Adaptive Circulation 14:34 Transition: Glycation & Inflammation Enter 15:20 AGE–RAGE Signaling & Oxidative Stress 16:05 NF-κB Activation & Inflammatory Feedback Loops 17:34 Metainflammation & Vascular Remodeling 18:16 Arterial Stiffness & Hypertension 19:01 Pulse Wave Dynamics & Cardiac Strain 20:27 Glycation Cross-Linking & Therapeutic Insights 21:14 Atherosclerosis as a Glyco-Inflammatory Disease 21:56 Plaque Formation & Rupture Risk 23:31 Heart Failure, PAD & Aneurysms 24:57 Glycation Effects on Heart Muscle Cells 25:42 Fibrosis, Mitochondrial Damage & Energy Failure 26:26 Peripheral Artery Disease & Aneurysm Risk 27:10 Key Takeaways: Glycation & Cardiovascular Health 27:47 Wrap-Up & What’s Next in the Series Whether you’re passionate about skincare, interested in healthy aging, or exploring the molecular roots of beauty, this episode reveals how metabolic health literally shows on your face—and how controlling glycation can help preserve elasticity, glow, and long-term skin vitality. About Dr. Paul Reynolds Dr. Reynolds is a biomedical scientist and professor at Brigham Young University, known for translating complex cellular biochemistry into clear, actionable insights. His College of Glycation series empowers students and lifelong learners to understand and combat the molecular processes that drive aging, chronic disease, and skin health. #Glycation #AGEs #SkinHealth #HealthyAging #Collagen #OxidativeStress #Inflammation #Nutrition #BiomedicalScience #CollegeOfGlycation #AntiAging #Wellness Paul’s favorite yerba mate: https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/C63EE3 Paul’s favorite source for clean, earth-sourced essentials such as salt, elecrolytes, hydration, pre-workout and more. Go to https://redmond.life and use PAULSALT for 15% discount. Paul’s favorite exogenous ketones: A high-quality option is the NSF-certified goBHB from Clean Form Nutrition, where you can use the code Paul10 for a 10% discount: https://cleanformnutrition.com/products/go-bhb Paul’s favorite allulose source: https://rxsugar.com (discount: PAUL20) Paul’s favorite health check-up for men or women: https://blokes.co/DRPAUL (discount: DRPAUL for 50% off of labs and smart supplements and 15% off all other products)