"Inflammaging" - What Is It and Is It Happening to You?
By Katie Woods
April 8, 2021On my first day of beauty school I was taught a very simple yet incredibly important concept;
Stress = Inflammation.
Inflammation = Disease.
This is not a new topic. In fact, many traditional medicines such as Ayurveda are based on this powerful foundation, yet throughout the many years and cycles of life we find a variety of ways to say the same thing. Hence, the trending new word in the wellness and skin care industry; inflammaging.
Let’s start by breaking down the actual word or shall we say, two words in one! (aka protologism)
“Inflammation is part of the complex biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants, and is a protective response involving immune cells, blood vessels, and molecular mediators” - via wikipedia
“Aging is the changes that happen in an individual over time. In humans, ageing is several physical and psychological changes.” - via wikipedia
It’s safe to say that Inflammaging is a silly term for everyday inflammation that causes aging. Here’s the thing, both inflammation and aging are going to happen, it’s a fact of life and a relief to remind ourselves of that. Repeat after me... “it is a privilege to age”. That said, the best thing we can do to keep our skin as healthy as possible is tend to the factors that cause inflammation to begin with - be it internal or external.
What is Inflammaging in skin?
I’d like to start by saying that inflammation is a built in defense mechanism that helps protect us from injury and infection - the body's way of signaling to the immune system to repair and heal damaged tissue. Therefore, inflammation isn't inherently bad but too much of a good thing can be.
When our bodies are under continuous stress, be it from diet, mental stress, sun, pollution and/or improper product use it has to deal with chronic low grade inflammation which results in free radical damage. When inflammation becomes all too common and constant the body no longer has the capacity to manage it. An overabundance of inflammation can work against us - particularly our skin.
Chronic inflammation isn't always immediately noticeable on skin but that doesn't mean it’s not already being affected. When obvious, our skin may cry out in acne, rashes, rough patches, dryness and uneven tone to name a few. Consistent inflammation can break down collagen, elastin and ceramides negatively affecting your skin’s natural function and health. It’s safe to assume that we could all use a little help in managing inflammation in our body and if we assume it’s always present, we can take the proper steps to managing it.
What do I do?
Now that we know what it is, how can we address it? Many of us know the common culprits of aging like overexposure to UV, smoking, genetics, stress, lack of hydration, poor diet, not wearing sunscreen, etc. but there’s more to it than that. Luckily there are things we can do to combat inflammation in our daily skincare and lifestyle habits but keep in mind that each individual is unique and needs will vary.
Here are some general suggestions;
Live a healthy lifestyle with a balanced colorful diet and plenty of exercise.
Manage stress by incorporating mind body exercise, breathe work and spiritual practices that bring you peace.
Avoid environmental stressors whenever possible such as over abundance UV exposure and environmental toxins.
Eat an anti-inflammatory diet that consists of plenty of antioxidants to combat free radical damage.
Incorporate plenty of antioxidants into your topical skin care routine.
Avoid over-exfoliating or over stripping the skin.
Utilize a simple and supportive topical routine that is unique to you and your skin health needs.
Find an SPF you love and stick to it!
Laugh, explore, make art, spend time with people you love, hug your mom, pet your dog, enjoy life!
Get yourself an Esthetician you trust for individual guidance on how to care for your skin properly. I offer both virtual and in-person consultations.
In Conclusion:
Inflammation isn't inherently bad, it’s necessary for our body’s immune system but too much can wreak havoc on our skin causing premature aging. Skin health is an overall reflection of physical and mental health so be sure to do your best to live a well balanced lifestyle but don’t forget that the pursuit of health perfection can also cause stress. Oh, and be sure to load up on those antioxidants both internally and externally!
Need help crafting a skin care ritual unique to you that combats inflammation and focuses on long term skin health? I’m here for you - just visit my online booking system to snag your spot on my schedule.
