What is Inflammaging?
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As part of our ongoing interest in everything anti-ageing, today we look at inflammaging. It’s a bit of a buzzword at the moment but one to take notice of nevertheless. The word refers to chronic, low-grade inflammation associated with ageing. It is a sort of lesser version of something termed SCI (systemic chronic inflammation). This ongoing inflammation affects both visible and internal signs of ageing. Wrinkles, slower healing, and increased risk of age-related health conditions may result. As patients are (it seems), becoming more and more invested in managing their own ageing process, the controlling of inflammation has become a priority in aesthetic and wellness treatments for some.
Ageing and Inflammation
The immune system plays a significant part in inflammaging. As function naturally declines, higher levels of systemic inflammation could creep in. Two primary mechanisms contribute to inflammaging:
- Cellular Senescence – Cells that stop dividing may release inflammatory signals like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). These could affect skin elasticity and health.
- Mitochondrial Dysfunction – Reduced mitochondrial function in ageing cells affects energy production and promotes the build-up of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which further drives inflammation.
These changes influence the appearance, and overall health of the skin and body, contributing to commonly seen signs of ageing such as skin sagging, fine lines, and delayed tissue recovery.
Causes and Risk Factors of Inflammaging
Multiple factors contribute to inflammaging, and understanding these can guide you towards more effective management strategies:
- Genetics – Genetic predisposition affects individual inflammatory responses and the rate of inflammaging. Some gene variants are associated with higher baseline inflammation levels. Genetics play a fundamental role, though lifestyle changes can also influence genetic expression. Generally, though, it is probably best to concentrate on what you can actually change.
- Environmental Exposure – Pollutants, (pesticides, chemicals, heavy metals microplastics etc), and ultraviolet radiation.
- Lifestyle Choices – Poor sleep (although this is not necessarily a choice for some), inactivity, smoking, and chronic stress increase inflammation and hasten the ageing process. An unhealthy diet rich in processed foods and trans fats accelerates inflammaging. (We could find studies pointing towards this actually being the case, but these causes are pretty well documented nowadays).
- Chronic Diseases – Conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are linked to higher inflammatory markers, and worsening inflammaging.
- Microbiome Dysbiosis – Alterations in the gut microbiome, which can be influenced by diet, antibiotics, and environmental factors, may contribute to inflammaging. We will investigate this further in a future article.
Impact of Inflammaging on Skin and Aesthetic Concerns
For patients interested in aesthetic health I.E. our readers, inflammaging has notable implications:
- Skin Health – Chronic inflammation disrupts collagen production. The reduction of skin firmness leads to wrinkles, sagging, and even hyperpigmentation. It should also be noted that inflammation possibly will weaken the skin’s barrier function, letting more damage occur.
- Hair and Joint Health – Inflammaging may have an effect on hair follicle production and general functioning, contributing to hair thinning and loss. It can also impact joint health, reducing mobility and comfort over some time.
Strategies to Manage Inflammaging
Dietary Interventions
Diet is one of the things you can do to help with managing inflammaging. Consuming anti-inflammatory foods, such as those rich in omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds), antioxidants (like berries and leafy greens), and probiotics, can reduce inflammation. Limiting your refined carbohydrates, added sugars and trans-fats also supports this goal. And of course, limit UPFs (Ultra-processed foods).
Lifestyle Changes
- Exercise – Regular physical activity, such as 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, promotes circulation and reduces inflammation markers.
- Stress Management – Techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, and meditation help reduce stress-induced inflammation.
- Sleep Quality – Prioritising 7-9 hours of restorative sleep each night allows the body to repair and reduces inflammation.
Which Aesthetic Treatments Might Help?
Specific aesthetic treatments can help reduce the visible signs of inflammaging:
- Injectables – Treatments such as polynucleotides, fillers and collagen-stimulating therapies enhance skin elasticity and firmness. These treatments can help with the restoration of skin elasticity and firmness but don’t directly reduce inflammation.
- Topical Antioxidants – Products containing vitamin C, retinoids, and green tea extract combat free radicals and support the skin’s protective barrier.
Supplements and Skincare
Supplements containing things like curcumin, marine collagen, and omega-3 fish oils support skin health and reduce inflammation. Skincare products with hyaluronic acid, retinoids, and niacinamide help hydrate, renew, and protect the skin. As always, supplements should complement a wider approach, and consulting a healthcare professional is prudent.
How We Can Help
We offer products, including Calecim Professional, that contain some of the aforementioned ingredients. Our treatments will not, however, stop inflammaging, just the visible effects. It’s mostly over to you. Heeding the above advice will help slow the processes though. Consult with us at The Doctors Laser Clinic for advice on how you can navigate and manage the effects of inflammaging.
