What is Inflammaging and How Does it Affect Our Skin?

• 01 What is Inflammaging?
• 02 What Causes Inflammaging?
• 03 How does Inflammation Affect Our Skin?
• 04 Can you Reverse Inflammation?
• 05 Can Light Therapy Help with Inflammaging for Our Skin and Body?
• 06 The Takeaway: How Can We Protect Our Skin From Inflammaging?

4-minute read

Inflammaging, a portmanteau of inflammation and aging, refers to the link between age, inflammation, and disease. Low-level chronic inflammation accelerates the aging process and widens the gap between our biological skin age, and our actual skin age. But what causes inflammation in the body and how can we defend our skin from inflammation-induced aging?

What is Inflammaging?

Inflammation is a perfectly normal biological response, when we are injured, or some foreign body invades the cells. The danger arises when inflammation becomes chronic, i.e. in the absence of an overt infection. This can be the result of poor diet, stress, smoking, alcohol, lack of sleep and other lifestyle factors. It's like a slow-burning fire, causing damage to our cells and tissues and contributing to a range of age-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic disorders. When it comes to the skin, Inflammation occurs in each individual cell leading to the loss of collagen, elastin, and other essential skin building blocks. It also causes moisture loss and the loss of elasticity leading to the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.

What Causes Inflammaging?

As we age our immune system undergoes a significant change. In a process called immunosenescence, our body’s inflammatory response becomes compromised and our cells become more susceptible to damage. Other factors which contribute to inflammaging include:
- Chronic stress - prolonged stress can trigger inflammatory responses in the body
- Poor diet - consuming high amounts of processed foods and sugars can lead to chronic inflammation
- Sedentary lifestyle - lack of physical activity
- Exposure to environmental toxins - pollutants and chemicals in the environment can promote inflammation.
- Genetic predisposition - some individuals may be genetically more prone to inflammaging

How does Inflammation Affect Our Skin?

Inflammation occurs after any skin irritation, internal or external. This covers everything from an acne breakout to the appearance of a skin rash. But this is not the type of inflammation we are referring to here. Chronic inflammation has a different impact on the skin causing:

- Persistent redness
- Increased skin sensitivity
- Dryness and irritation
- Dull and lackluster complexion
- Deepening of fine lines
- Loss of volume and elasticity
- Worsening of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne

Can you Reverse Inflammaging?

While the full reversal of inflammaging may be challenging, it is possible to mitigate its effects through various lifestyle changes and skincare practices.

- Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins can help reduce inflammation
- Regular exercise can also play a significant role in managing inflammaging by reducing systemic inflammation
- Using skincare products with anti-inflammatory (aloe vera or rose) and antioxidant-rich (vitamin E) ingredients and maintaining a consistent routine can help improve skin health.
- A holistic approach that includes diet, exercise, skincare, and stress management can contribute to reducing inflammaging and promoting healthy aging.

Can Light Therapy Help with Inflammaging for Our Skin and Body?

Red and infrared light therapy are scientifically proven methods used to reduce inflammation in the body and trigger full-body healing. One study even found that light therapy had a similar impact on inflammation as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These over-the-counter drugs also come with more side effects than light therapy, which carries a low risk.

Infrared light therapy uses wavelengths 845-844nm which penetrate beyond the skin layers to reach bones, tissues, muscles, and nerves for an intense regenerative treatment. Red light therapy works deep into the dermal skin layer to reduce inflammation (600-630m). Light wavelengths suppress inflammation and reduce inflammatory cytokines (which trigger or heighten inflammation) in the skin and body.

Infrared and red light boost mitochondrial function to trigger the production of new collagen and hyaluronic acid, while smoothing out fine lines and repairing damaged cells and tissue.

A combination of red and infrared is a great option if you are looking to combat the signs of premature aging on the skin, while also reducing overall inflammatory markers in the body.

A device such as a body panel or blanket, or a device that covers a larger surface area is ideal for promoting an overall reduction in inflammation in the body while enhancing skin health and appearance for a brighter and more youthful complexion.

Body Panel

LumaLux Dome | Face & Body LED Light Therapy Device

8 wavelength full body LED light therapy device for skin rejuvenation, fine lines, acne, muscle recovery and mood boost

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The Takeaway: How Can We Protect Our Skin From Inflammaging?

Inflammaging, chronic and low-level inflammation associated with aging is hard to reverse entirely. This is especially true with an increase in environmental stressors and other factors that trigger an inflammatory response as we age. While lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, stress management, and physical activity can help to reduce inflammation, some other interventions such as light therapy will likely have a profound impact on inflammation levels in the body. Red and infrared light therapy effectively combats visible signs of skin aging while promoting cell regeneration and healing. Additionally, it reduces inflammation and pain not only in the skin but also deep into tissues, nerves, joints, and muscles. Low-level light therapy represents an integrated theraputic approach to anti-aging, allowing us not to not only achieve a radiant and youthful appearance but also to promote overall healing and regeneration for a pain-free, vibrant, and energetic life.

   written by Charlotte Rycroft