Inflammaging: The Ageing Process Caused by Inflammation
Chronic low-grade inflammation accelerates ageing. Discover how to prevent and treat inflammaging with expert care, skincare, and functional medicine.
Inflammaging is fast becoming a buzzword in the world of health and skincare. The evidence now points to the severe implications and ramifications of ignoring internal inflammation. The result is premature ageing of the organs and skin.
What is Inflammaging?
Scientific evidence is increasingly showing that this condition accumulates over a lifetime. Exposure to constant inflammatory conditions leads to an oxidative process in tissues, known as inflammaging. This previously unknown consequence poses a challenge to both the medical and aesthetic fraternity.
Understanding Inflammaging
First coined by University of Bologna professor Claudio Franceschi, PhD, more than a decade ago. Inflammaging originated as a theory that links underlying inflammatory changes to the causes of most age-related diseases. The term ‘inflammaging’ is used to describe the ageing phenomenon induced by chronic, persistent inflammation. Most of us are familiar with the visible forms of inflammation. This is characterised by redness, swelling, irritation, and often discomfort, such as in Rosacea. On the other hand, there is that which remains unseen, wreaking havoc with our immune systems. Weakened or aged skin is susceptible to low-intensity inflammation, which, if left undetected, can eventually exhaust the body’s defence system. Therefore, it is essential to examine inflammation on a systemic level. In order to dismantle the destruction of key youth-sustaining skin structures, resulting in collagen and elastin degeneration, as well as a breakdown of the skin’s barrier function. As a result, treatment requires a holistic approach.
How Can You Make a Difference?
- Be conscious of your skin condition, as an alternative and seek professional advice
- Choose your skin ‘acid ingredients wisely
- Restore your skin’s natural barrier function
- Always protect your skin with an SPF
Functional medicine, when paired with medical aesthetics, plays a significant role in treating inflammaging in the long term. Always seek advice from a medical professional; do not attempt to self-diagnose.
