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You’ve probably heard of the term inflammaging, which is the combination of two words: inflammation and aging. As doctors and scientists uncover more about the connection between inflammation and its impact on how we age, it’s clear that most of us need some level of damage control. However, the extent of this is different for each person based on their skin condition, lifestyle and age. Of course, we want to sleep eight hours each night and eat a healthy diet, but skin care makes an impact externally, too. Here, we take a closer look at what skin inflammaging is, signs to look for and efficacious products to try.
What is inflammaging?
“Inflammaging is not a marketing term; it’s actually a medical term that was described in literature in 2000 by an Italian scientist Claudio Franceschi,” says Providence, RI dermatologist Tiffany Libby, MD. “He defined it as a chronic, low-grade inflammation that accelerates the aging process, particularly in the skin. We know inflammation affects our bodies internally and externally, but what we’re finding out is that at a core level, it’s also influencing how our skin ages.”
Dr. Libby explains that inflammaging increases the presence of inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-alpha. “When these are present, they degrade collagen and elastin. They also damage our mitochondria, which are the energy powerhouses of our cells. When you damage mitochondria, it triggers the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species.” These negatively impact the appearance and function of our skin.
So what kind of inflammation are we talking about exactly? You may have heard of two types: acute and chronic. “Acute inflammation is the body’s immediate response to infection or injury,” says Dr. Libby. “That’s a critical wound-healing process. It’s highly controlled and has a start and an end. Inflammaging is a form of chronic, low-level inflammation and is happening at all times. Some people think inflammaging only affects people with rosacea, eczema or acne. However, it actually affects all of us because our ability to repair our skin slows down as we age. We’re also constantly exposed to external aggressors like pollution and UV radiation, and internal aggressors, like poor sleep, stress and high-glycemic diets. These all contribute to inflammation.”
What does skin inflammaging look like?
There are five main signs of inflammaging on the skin: fine lines, dryness, dullness, uneven skin tone and uneven skin texture. “Inflammaging can also flare up existing conditions like eczema, acne and rosacea, and it can also affect our ability to heal wounds,” Dr. Libby adds. To combat these effects, sun protection and the use of specific skin-care ingredients are crucial. “Look for anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides and antioxidants that will help protect the skin and help reinforce its barrier.”
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There are more than 46 clinical studies on this serum’s key ingredient, naringenin. A patented and powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant biotech molecule derived from grapefruit peel, it targets critical inflammatory pathways to minimize their damage to the skin. It helps reduce inflammaging in skin cells by 96 percent and has also been shown to be 15 times more powerful than niacinamide at calming down inflammaging.
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If you have oily or eczema-prone skin, this is a great moisturizer to try. Designed by brand founder, CEO and biologist, Dr. Shuting Hu, the formula packs a punch with ceramides, peptides, an NAD+ booster and the brand’s patented SeH-Haw EX. It simultaneously boosts collagen production and cellular energy while making skin noticeably more resilient. We love that the packaging is refillable, too!
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Gentle enough to apply after in-office aesthetic treatments like lasers and microneedling (it also helps expedite healing), this serum is ideal for dry, stressed or sensitive skin. Infused with therapeutic concentrations of the brand’s patented anti-inflammatory TSC, it protects against collagen degradation, soothes redness and locks in hydration.
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This oil serum is a treat for dry skin, though any skin type can benefit. Its rich antioxidants, like goji berry black currant, fight free radicals head-on. These antioxidants also promote cellular renewal with two anti-inflammatory extracts: chlamydomonas reinhardtii and haematococcus pluvialis. Over time, your skin feels softer, smoother, more hydrated, and looks brighter.
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Founded in Switzerland by a famous Swiss neuroscientist 50 years ago, Timeline has studied ways to reduce inflammaging for a long time. This moisturizing night cream features the brand’s patented ingredient Mitopure, a highly concentrated form of urolithin A. It is a postbiotic from pomegranate and has powerful properties for skin health. Not only does it strengthen the skin barrier, but it also firms and nourishes. In fact, 87 percent of users in a clinical study agreed their skin looked visibly firmer and more lifted after just three weeks.
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The brand’s patent-pending Matrikynes regenerative peptides are the star in this fragrance-free, anti-inflammatory formula, which best suits dry or combination skin. A blend of organic oils absorbs nicely to nourish the skin without leaving behind a greasy finish. A five percent dose of THD ascorbate (a vitamin C derivative) lends a brightening effect. Clinical studies showed significant improvements in barrier function and repair, skin density, hydration, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles after four to six weeks of use.
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Apply this fragrance-free cream before bed to restore your skin’s tone and texture overnight. It doesn’t feel greasy or heavy, like some night creams that make a mess on your pillow. Niacinamide, peptides and antioxidants team up with hyaluronic and ceramides, which are all considered dermatologist-recommended essentials for healthier, more resilient skin. It’s also safe for sensitive skin, and men love it too.
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One of the most beloved serums by derms all over the world, this formula stands out because of its patented hero ingredient defensins, which are natural molecules that tell the body to “create new skin by activating the dormant reserves of ‘fresh’ and young cells.” The serum is rich and moisturizing (not greasy), and also includes niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, enzymes and soothing botanicals for a heavy-hitting approach to inflammaging. It’s also a great choice for post-procedure rejuvenation after RF microneedling, lasers and other treatments.
