Could inflammation be the reason you’re ageing faster?

A combination of “inflammation” and “ageing”, also called inflammatory ageing, is chronic, low-grade inflammation that develops with age, is completely invisible to the naked eye, and starts to accelerate the ageing of skin tissue by loss of elastin and collagen. This ongoing inflammation is the result of an active immune system that becomes less efficient as we age, reducing our body’s ability to repair itself. With the skin being our largest organ, it can be especially vulnerable to these changes. Chronic inflammation, even at low levels, can accelerate the ageing process by degrading cellular structures because the inflammatory molecules can damage DNA, proteins, and other cellular components, leading to cell dysfunction or, with prolonged damage, even cell death. It can also lead to impaired tissue repair and accelerate cellular ageing. Add to that environmental stresses like UV radiation, pollution, and lifestyle factors, and you have yourself a cocktail that accelerates skin ageing. 

How does inflammation reflect on the skin?

“Inflamaging can be reflected on the skin in many ways. The first one is wrinkles and fine lines. Chronic inflammation can degrade collagen and elastin fibres, which are essential to maintain the skin's firmness and elasticity. Then there is loss of elasticity—the skin loses its ability to snap back or jump back to its younger version, resulting in sagging. Also dryness, because inflammation can weaken the skin barriers necessary to retain moisture and keep it plumper and younger. And finally, hyperpigmentation. Prolonged inflammation can lead to irregular pigment production, causing dark spots and uneven skin tone,” says Dr Chiranjiv Chabbra, Aesthetic Dermatologist and founder of Alive Wellness Clinics.

A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology indicated that chronic inflammation can lead to the breakdown of dermal collagen, which is a key factor in the formation of wrinkles and loss of skin firmness. 

How does inflammation happen? 

You may already have the answer to this—the classics of pollution and toxins, UV radiation, chronic stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep. It might be a moot point, but it is worth remembering that the triggers present today are much more damaging than they were even a few decades ago. 

“But the important distinction to remember when you correlate inflamaging to all these aspects is to understand that these factors are only triggers for inflammation. What causes inflamaging is that even after the trigger event is over, our skin cells are not back to their equilibrium state, so they continue responding like the trigger still exists, and that’s why the low-level inflammation in the skin continues, which leads to inflamaging,” says Shamika Haldipurkar, the founder of beauty brand d’you. 

Why should this be one of your foremost skin concerns?

This is a preventive approach, and if you wish to take a proactive, preemptive and holistic approach to skin health, then the philosophy of prevention is always fundamental. Timely intervention in protecting your skin from inflamaging will save many visible signs of ageing and skin stress as you get older.

How can you combat inflamaging?

Lifestyle choices are foremost. Adopting certain lifestyle choices can significantly help reduce inflammation. Start with a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, while avoiding processed foods and sugars. Regular exercise can also play a crucial role in reducing inflammation. Also, people should incorporate stress management practices like mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises. Finally, ensuring quality sleep, with a goal of seven to eight hours per night, allows the body to repair and regenerate effectively.

“Topically from a skincare perspective, it can be tackled with a four-pronged approach—by keeping skin hydration and moisture levels optimum, by keeping inflammatory responses in the skin soothed and calm, by neutralising the oxidative stress on the skin, and by controlling the bacterial activity on the skin,” says Dr Chabbra. 

“As far as ingredients go, you need ones that calm and soothe the skin against inflammation. Antioxidant ingredients like Honokiol complex, Pyrus Malus extract, Tecca complex, and others help neutralise the oxidative stress from free radicals, ingredients that are hydrating and emollient, and ingredients that have anti-bacterial benefits together help with inflamaging,” says Haldipurkar. 

“Antioxidants like vitamins C and E neutralise free radicals that can cause inflammation. Polyphenols, found in green tea, possess strong anti-inflammatory properties, while omega-3 fatty acids, present in fish oil and flaxseed, are known to reduce inflammation. Also, niacinamide is another valuable ingredient that not only reduces inflammation but also improves skin barrier function. Turmeric (curcumin) is renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory effects,” adds Dr Chabbra. 

Products that can help fight inflamaging

Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Cashmere Cream (50 ml), ₹5,200

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer (100ml), ₹2,032

d’you imbalance Soothing Milk Toner (100ml), ₹2,100

Beauty of Joseon Revive Ginseng + Snail Mucin Serum (30 ml), ₹1400

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Milky Lotion Moisturizer (50 ml), ₹2,600

inde wild 1% Bakuchiol (30 ml), ₹1,970

Haru Haru Wonder Centella A.C.E. Vitaful Miracle Healing Multi Balm (26 g), ₹1,850

Vichy Minéral 89 Prebiotic Serum (30 ml), ₹2,964

Lead image: Pexels

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