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We know more and more about skin aging, including the fact that not only UV rays and hormonal changes can negatively affect the appearance and condition of the skin. A chronic inflammatory state also plays an important role.
Inflammaging – decoding inflammaging
Inflammatory state is a physiological response of the body to the action of a so-called stressor. It can be caused by mechanical damage, attack of pathogenic microorganisms, or exposure to harmful external factors. It is a very complex process that signals that the body is starting to fight the threat and regenerate. Without inflammatory receptors, wounds or infections would not eventually subside. It is crucial for our recovery.
After restoring the balance, it should naturally subside. However, what will happen if the acute inflammatory state turns into a chronic one? It will be like a constantly smoldering source of problems. And then it becomes dangerous. As a result of chronic inflammation on the skin, conditions such as acne, psoriatic changes, eczema, discoloration, or intensified signs of skin aging may appear.
What is inflammaging?
Inflammaging is a series of degradative processes that accelerate aging and result from the presence of a prolonged inflammatory state in the body. The skin, as an organ, has its own immune system, and many of its cells actively participate in fighting inflammation.
Various factors can cause inflammation in the skin, including burns, excessive UV exposure, stress, toxic ingredients, certain medications, alcohol, pathogen attacks (bacteria, viruses, fungi), foreign bodies, etc. What can cause the transition from an acute inflammatory state to a chronic one? Among other things, a high level of the stress hormone (cortisol), an unhygienic lifestyle (overwork, lack of sleep and rest, a diet poor in nutrients), and untreated, ignored diseases. These are the most common causes of intensified inflammatory aging, or inflammaging.
Regeneration in inflammaging
It is important to be aware that excessive use of invasive, strongly affecting the skin structure procedures can also weaken its condition. This applies especially to mature skin. If we do not provide an adequate interval between procedures, that is, time for regeneration, we may lead to the development of a chronic inflammatory state. If it persists for a long time, it will disturb the body's natural ability to self-regenerate, resulting in intensified signs of skin aging, characteristic of inflammaging.
How to care for skin with inflammaging?
Professional cosmetic treatments or aesthetic medicine procedures in individuals with a chronic inflammatory state may bring significantly worse, or even minimal effects. Inflammaging causes a decrease in collagen and elastin synthesis, hyaluronic acid, and other key skin components. For mature skin, this is a challenging situation.
As a result, the skin becomes thinner, saggy, less elastic, and more sensitive. Existing wrinkles deepen, and new lines and creases are noticed more quickly. Such skin lacks key lipids. The crucial hydrolipid barrier essential for maintaining optimal moisture levels is also disrupted. Moisture escapes from the epidermis more quickly (increased TEWL - transepidermal water loss), further enhancing the visibility of aging signs.
Anti-aging care
It is important to try to eliminate factors that intensify inflammation and introduce skincare ingredients that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin's natural defense mechanisms strengthening properties. For example, effectively neutralizing free radicals with resveratrol, strengthening the immune system with oat beta-glucan, ceramides, and valuable plant oils like rosehip, jojoba, or avocado oil. In the case of intensified inflammaging symptoms, it is also beneficial to support the body from the inside by using antioxidant supplementation, including glutathione, coenzyme Q10, and vitamins A, C, D, E.
Only a multidirectional approach involving lifestyle changes, proper care (at home and professionally), and supplementation will help extinguish the chronic inflammatory state and restore youthful parameters to the skin.
