Inflammageing is a term that combines the effects of "inflammation" and "ageing." It refers to the low-grade, chronic inflammation that occurs as people age and is thought to play a role in the development of age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and even some cancers. As we get older, our immune system becomes less efficient, and the body's inflammatory response becomes dysregulated. This ongoing inflammation, even at low levels, can cause damage to tissues, organs, and cells, contributing to the progression of age-related health conditions.
How Inflammageing Effects your Skin
Inflammageing has a significant impact on skin health. Everyone’s skin naturally ages over time, but this is where inflammageing is different. Factors like oxidative stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and chronic health conditions can exacerbate inflammageing. Here is how inflammageing directly effects your skin and accelerate the visible signs of skin aging:
Collagen and Elastin
Collagen loss is one of the most direct effects of chronic inflammation in the skin. Collagen is the structural protein that keeps the skin firm and youthful. Inflammation increases the breakdown of collagen fibres. Over time, this leads to the loss of skin elasticity and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Elastin is another key protein that helps keep the skin plump. Chronic inflammation can lead to the breakdown of elastin fibres as well, contributing to sagging and a less resilient appearance.
Weakened Skin Barrier
Chronic inflammation weakens the skin barrier by disrupting the skin’s protective layer, making it more permeable. This can lead to moisture loss, dehydration, and increased vulnerability to environmental damage. Dry, flaky, and sensitive skin can develop, which further accelerates the appearance of aging.
Reduced Skin Regeneration and Thinning Skin
As we age, the skin’s natural cell turnover rate already decreases, and chronic inflammation compounds this issue by impairing the ability of the skin to repair itself. This leads to slower healing of wounds and a dull, uneven skin tone.
The dermis, which is the layer beneath the epidermis, becomes thinner because of collagen loss and slower regeneration. Thinner skin is more fragile, more prone to bruising, and more likely to show signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Increased Hyperpigmentation Risk
Chronic inflammation can trigger the overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. This is often seen in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, where dark spots or patches appear after the skin has been inflamed or irritated. As skin ages and its regenerative abilities diminish, these spots may become more persistent and harder to treat.
Vasodilation and Redness
Inflammation can cause blood vessels in the skin to dilate, leading to visible redness and a rosy complexion. Over time, this can contribute to chronic conditions like rosacea and other skin sensitivities, making the skin appear inflamed or irritated more often.
Oxidative Stress and Increased Sensitivity
Chronic inflammation produces a large amount of free radical molecules. These molecules can damage skin cells by causing oxidative stress, which accelerates the breakdown of skin structure and contributes to the ageing process. Oxidative stress is a key factor in the formation of wrinkles, loss of firmness, and uneven skin tone.
As inflammation continues over time, the skin becomes more sensitive and reacts more strongly to environmental stressors like UV radiation, pollution, and even certain skincare ingredients. This heightened sensitivity can result in more visible irritation, redness, and dryness, further contributing to premature ageing.
Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Chronic inflammation is also linked to various inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. These conditions can cause long-term skin damage, including scarring, pigmentation changes, and thinning skin, all of which accelerate visible ageing.
How to Prevent Inflammageing Effects on Skin Ageing
Preventing inflammageing and its effects on skin ageing requires an integrated approach that combines protective skincare, healthy habits, and mindful lifestyle choices. By using anti-inflammatory skincare products, protecting the skin from UV radiation, maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, and prioritising hydration and sleep, you can significantly reduce the impact of chronic inflammation on your skin, keeping it youthful, healthy, and resilient for years to come.
Tip 1: Anti-Inflammatory Skincare
Using products that soothe inflammation, strengthen the skin’s barrier, and protect against environmental stressors is crucial to preventing Inflammageing.
Key skincare ingredients include:
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, niacinamide helps reduce redness, irritation, and skin sensitivity while strengthening the skin barrier.
- Vitamin C: This antioxidant reduces inflammation caused by UV exposure and helps with collagen production, brightening, and evening skin tone.
- Ceramides: These lipids help strengthen the skin barrier, reducing moisture loss and protecting the skin from external environmental triggers that can cause inflammation.
- Peptides: These small proteins stimulate collagen production and repair skin damage caused by inflammation, helping to maintain skin structure and elasticity.
- Hyaluronic Acid: While primarily known for its hydrating properties, it also has a soothing effect, making the skin less prone to inflammation and irritation.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe has natural anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help reduce redness and calm irritated skin. It is hydrating, making it great for sensitive skin.
Tip 2: Protect Your Skin from UV Radiation
UV exposure is one of the primary causes of chronic inflammation in the skin, which accelerates ageing and contributes to inflammageing. Preventing sun damage is essential to maintaining healthy skin.
- Always wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days or indoors near windows.
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, especially if you are spending time outdoors.
- Seek shade and wear protective clothing (wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and UV-blocking clothing) when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when UV rays are the strongest.
Tip 3: Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Your diet plays a significant role in reducing systemic inflammation, which also impacts your skin. An anti-inflammatory diet can help prevent the chronic low-grade inflammation that accelerates skin ageing.
Foods to include in your diet:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, omega-3s help reduce inflammation and support skin hydration.
- Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables: Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E—like berries, leafy greens, bell peppers, and tomatoes—combat oxidative stress, which can trigger inflammation and skin damage.
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, oats, and other whole grains help regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the inflammatory response linked to high blood sugar.
- Turmeric and Ginger: These spices contain compounds (curcumin and gingerol) that help lower inflammation and reduce oxidative stress.
- Green Tea: Rich in polyphenols, green tea has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that protect skin cells from damage.
Tip 4: Stress and Exercise
Chronic stress can lead to inflammation in the body and is linked to increased signs of skin ageing. Managing stress can help reduce symptoms of inflammageing and promote overall skin health.
- Practice mindfulness: Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help lower cortisol levels and reduce inflammation.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity boosts circulation, reduces stress, and lowers overall inflammation in the body. Aim for moderate exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling for at least 30 minutes a day, several times a week.
Tip 5: Quality Sleep
Adequate sleep is essential for skin repair and regeneration. Chronic sleep deprivation increases cortisol levels and inflammatory markers, which accelerate skin ageing.
Ensure you get 7-9 hours of sleep each night to support optimal skin function and minimise the effects of Inflammageing.
Create a sleep-friendly environment by reducing light exposure and avoiding screens at least an hour before bed.
AMPERNA® Skincare Regime for Prolonging Inflammageing
By addressing the underlying causes of chronic inflammation and incorporating anti-inflammatory practices, it is possible to slow down the visible signs of ageing and promote healthier, more resilient skin.
AMPERNA Morning Regime
- Ultra Gentle Soothing Cleanser: Our gentle hydrating cleanser does not strip the skin of its natural oils.
- Probiotic + SOS Daily Facial Spray: helps cools and soothe inflamed skin.
- Pro+ Vitamin C Hyaluronic Serum: Our antioxidant rich serum which helps fight oxidative stress and prevent the skin from becoming inflamed due to environmental factors like UV rays and pollution.
- Lightweight + Soothing Emulsion: Our lightweight non comedogenic moisturiser with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides maintains hydration, reinforces the skins barrier, and reduce inflammation.
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Pro+ Bio Soothing Day Mineral CC SPF15 Sunscreen: This is one of the most important steps. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect the skin from UV-induced inflammation and oxidative stress.
AMPERNA Evening Regime
- Ultra Gentle Soothing Cleanser: Double cleanse to remove make up and SPF without the fear of stripping your skins natural pH.
- Probiotic+ DS Soothing Serum: AMPERNA®'s hero product, helps cool, calm and soothe irritated skin, and provides the ultimate skin barrier protection.
- Pro+ Advanced Brightening Serum: is the first probiotic brightening serum to market that targets the three pathways to combat pigmentation.
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Lightweight + Soothing Emulsion: will deeply hydrate your skin without weighing it down at bedtime.
1 – 2 times per week treatments - 10% Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion: is our gentle leave-on exfoliator, containing 10% glycolic acid and antioxidants.
- Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol RX: our gentle leave-on granactive retinoid serum, containing AZA, niacinamide, liquorice root extract and zinc + copper gluconates to help calm redness and improve the skins appearance. We also have a pregnancy/ breastfeeding safe retinol alternative, Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol ALT.
By combining these targeted skincare ingredients with anti-inflammatory lifestyle habits, you can significantly reduce the impact of inflammageing, keeping your skin healthier, more resilient, and more youthful looking over time.
