INFLAMMAGING is a term coined by a French professor in 2000, describing the interconnectivity related to inflammation and aging, from two words that you may be familiar with. Inflammation + aging = inflammaging.

Inflammation in and of itself is not necessarily a problem. In fact, “Acute” inflammation is desirable when the body has repair work to do as inflammatory signals help remove damaged cells and kick start repair mechanisms in the body/skin. Therefore, some inflammation is healthy, because inflammation is part of our body’s healing and immune response. When something stresses our body, it triggers inflammation (which you can recognise by heat, redness, swelling), which increases the presence of repair agents such as healing proteins and infection-fighting white blood cells.

 However, when inflammation doesn’t resolve or isn’t managed, it can cause system wide problems. Chronic, low-grade inflammation has been shown to be a leading factor in accelerated signs of aging in our bodies – and in our skin.

As we get older, there are intrinsic and extrinsic factors to aging, and by nature of aging, there is an increase in inflammation, which can accelerate aging.

It’s a repetitive cycle that occurs relatively slowly over time, though it can gain momentum due to a variety of different factors (more on those ahead). On a simple level, intrinsically, our cell-repair mechanism becomes slower and less effective, and things start to break down, causing inflammation to build, which then furthers the stress, leading to further inflammation, creating a vicious circle

This chronic, low-level inflammation has been scientifically linked to Diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and heart issues. In the skin, unmanaged, chronic, low-grade inflammation leads to an increase in free radicals, which contribute to accelerated signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, poor healing and more. When it comes down to it, the topic of inflammaging is very nuanced with a myriad of factors at play, many of which are still being researched. What we do know for sure, however, is that chronic inflammation and skin aging go hand in hand.

WHAT INDUCES INFLAMMATION? 

A combination of genetic and environmental factors, including but not limited to exposure to UV rays and pollution, chronic stress and free radical damage are all contributing factors. Additionally, smoking as well as lifestyle factors like poor sleep and diet, can play a role in inflammaging too. Many studies have also demonstrated that a compromised skin barrier can have a variable influence on inflammaging. Multiple cellular processes including DNA damage have also been identified as potential causes of inflammaging, and further research is increasing our understanding of the synergy of factors that have an impact. In a nutshell, exposure to low-level pollution, irritants, smoke, cytotoxic substances, stress, and UV light (basically, life in general) are all considered key causes of increased inflammation. 

CAN YOU PREVENT INFLAMMAGING?

The short answer is not entirely, because inflammaging is a process that inherently happens to the human body over time, but it can be slowed down through various measures and there are (some no and/or low cost) steps  that you can take to reduce the effects of or delay the start of inflammaging. Many of these habits fall into general ‘best practices’ for a healthy lifestyle and overall stress reduction: drink eight glasses of water a day, address sleep habits and hygiene, and incorporate regular exercise into your regular routine.

Other habits that will help to curtail the effects of inflammaging include reducing stress, wearing sunscreen daily and keeping skin nourished with products that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides.

THE PRACTICALITIES OF SLOWING INFLAMMAGING

So how do you maximise keeping chronic inflammation at bay and live an anti-inflammatory lifestyle?

Here are some of the ways I will talk to you about when you have a skin consultation/treatment at Curated Skin and Wellness: 

Avoid processed sugar as much as possible (sweets, deserts, sodas, refined carbohydrates) – this is possibly the most important tip for an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, much healthier to reach for unprocessed, seasonal food encompassing all the colours of the rainbow.

MINIMISE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION.

Have an antioxidant-rich diet: think fish, berries, leafy greens, avocadoes, nuts, tomatoes, green tea.

Consider tracking your sleep to ensure the quality of your sleep includes some deep, restful sleep. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time each day as much as possible.

Don’t self-prescribe inflammation-inducing treatments and products, being guided by a skin therapist who can help you manage side effects is advisable.

WEAR BROAD-SPECTRUM SPF DAILY.

This is why I will always ask you to have a skin consultation and why I  look to recommend skincare that uses peptides and other ingredients to modulate and manage inflammation, alongside traditional anti-inflammatory ingredients.