Inflammaging: How Chronic Inflammation Ages Your Body

Can’t tolerate retinol? Try these more skin-friendly options.

Jan 31, 2025

When we think of aging, the first images that come to mind are fine lines, wrinkles, and perhaps a few gray hairs. But what if we told you that one of the biggest culprits behind premature aging isn’t just time but something happening deep inside your body? Meet “inflammaging”—a term coined to describe the slow, chronic inflammation that accelerates the aging process.

What Causes Inflammation?

Inflammation isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it’s your body’s natural defense mechanism. When you scrape your knee or catch a cold, inflammation kicks in to help you heal. But when inflammation becomes chronic, it turns from friend to foe.

The causes of chronic inflammation are surprisingly common and, unfortunately, easy to overlook:

Diet: High-sugar, highly processed foods, and trans fats can trigger inflammatory responses . Think of that greasy fast food meal or sugary soda you indulged in. These aren’t just bad for your waistline; they’re feeding inflammation. “To check for which specific types of food are causing inflammation, a Food Sensitivity Test may be done,” says Dr. Maximin Navarro, resident dermatologist at Bella Pelle Skin Solutions and a functional wellness practitioner.
Stress: Constant stress raises cortisol levels, which can weaken the immune system and trigger inflammation over time. A lab test measuring cortisol and DHEA levels can help determine if your body is adapting to stress properly, says Dr. Navarro.
Environmental factors: Pollution, UV exposure, and even certain chemicals in skincare can stress your skin and body, leading to low-grade inflammation. For this one, Dr. Navarro says a “toxin panel test may be done to check exposure or level of toxins in our body.”
Lack of sleep: Sleep is when your body repairs itself. Poor sleep habits disrupt this process , allowing inflammation to linger.

The Effects of Inflammation on Skin

Your skin is often the first place to show signs of chronic inflammation. Have you noticed dullness, puffiness, or even redness that just won’t go away? That could be your body signaling that something deeper is at play. Here’s how inflammaging manifests on your skin:

Loss of collagen and elastin: Chronic inflammation breaks down collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for keeping your skin firm and youthful.
Increased sensitivity: Conditions like rosacea , eczema, and adult acne are often linked to inflammatory triggers.
Hyperpigmentation: Inflammation can disrupt your skin’s melanin production, leading to uneven skin tone or dark spots.
Accelerated wrinkling: The oxidative stress from chronic inflammation speeds up the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

How to Combat Inflammaging

The good news? You can take steps to counteract the effects of inflammaging. It’s all about a holistic approach that addresses the root causes.

1. Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet.

Load up on antioxidants: Think berries, leafy greens, and brightly colored vegetables. These foods neutralize free radicals that cause inflammation.
Consume healthy fats: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, are natural anti-inflammatories.
Cut the culprits: Reduce your intake of sugar, alcohol, and highly processed foods. Your skin will thank you.

2. Consider supplements.

Turmeric: This golden spice contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound. You can find it in capsule form or add it to your meals. One to try: Genacol AI , which combines AminoLock Collagen with curcumin to reduce inflammation in the joints and all over the body.
Vitamin C and E: These two are potent antioxidants that help protect your skin from oxidative stress. Get both from Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. Multivitamin , which also has CoQ10 for anti-aging benefits. Another option: MD Therapy Glutatone Capsules , which combines glutathione with vitamin C for boosting skin’s tone and youthfulness.

Genacol AI

Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. Multivitamin

MD Therapy Glutatone Capsules

Collagen Peptides: These can support your skin’s elasticity and counteract the loss caused by inflammation. Mesoestetic Age Element Firming Elixir features high-quality marine collagen peptides to stimulate collagen production.
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): A powerful antioxidant that supports glutathione production, NAC helps combat oxidative stress and inflammation linked to aging. One to try: Metagenics Immune Active , which combines NAC with zinc, vitamin C, and other immune-supporting nutrients for overall wellness.

Mesoestetic Age Element Firming Elixir

Metagenics Immune Active

3. Prioritize stress management.

Practice mindfulness: Activities like yoga, meditation, or even taking deep breaths can lower cortisol levels and reduce inflammation.
Move your body: Regular exercise boosts circulation and helps flush out inflammatory toxins.
Sleep like a queen: Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep to give your body the time it needs to repair and rejuvenate.

Inflammaging and Skincare

Your skincare routine can also play a pivotal role in managing inflammation. Look for products with calming and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as:

Niacinamide: A form of vitamin B3 that soothes redness and strengthens your skin barrier. Try Mesoestetic Age Element Brightening Cream for soothing and moisturizing benefits.
Centella Asiatica (Cica): Known for its healing properties, this ingredient is a go-to for sensitive, inflamed skin. Bioderma Cicabio Cream helps repair and hydrate reactive skin.
Green tea extract: Packed with antioxidants, it helps combat oxidative stress and calm irritation. The Heliocare 360 Mineral Tolerance Fluid is formulated with green tea extracts for extra skin protection.

Mesoestetic Age Element Brightening Cream

Bioderma Cicabio Cream

Heliocare 360 Mineral Tolerance Fluid

While aging is inevitable, inflammaging doesn’t have to be. By making mindful choices in your diet, lifestyle, and skincare routine, you can significantly slow down its effects. It’s also recommended to consult with a functional medicine practitioner for expert guidance. Think of it as investing in your future self: The glow you’ll see in the mirror isn’t just skin-deep—it’s a reflection of a body that’s thriving inside and out.

For customized skincare, haircare, and body care recommendations, you can book a face-to-face or virtual consultation with Dr. Maximin Navarro, resident dermatologist at Bella Pelle Skin Solutions, here . You may also contact the Bella Pelle Skin Solutions clinic at (+63) 999-887-1933. For a full list of facial services and other treatments, click here .

Bella Pelle Skin Solutions is located 2/F L Building, #142 Katipunan, Brgy. Saint Ignatius, Quezon City. The center is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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