This review found that galactose (a simple sugar) can damage skin by attaching to proteins in a process called glycation, which creates harmful compounds called AGEs that accelerate aging. Both lab studies and animal models showed that galactose exposure increases oxidative stress in skin cells, leading to cell damage and premature aging.

This is a literature review that analyzed existing in vitro (lab) and in vivo (animal) studies on how galactose affects skin aging at the molecular level.

Funding not disclosed in abstract