Inflammaging: Understanding how inflammation contributes to skin aging

• Inflammaging is a chronic, low-grade inflammation that accelerates skin aging.

• Senescent cells release molecules that stimulate inflammation, which in turn impairs organ function.

• Oxidative stress and inflammation are closely linked, creating a destructive vicious circle for skin cells.

• Gentle cleansing, the use of antioxidants, and a healthy lifestyle can help combat inflammaging.

Inflammaging is a chronic, low-intensity inflammation, also known as low-grade inflammation, and it is a natural part of aging. It is insidious, continuously present without identifiable “symptoms,” and can cause long-term damage to tissues and organs. It isn’t to be confused with acute inflammation, which is the body’s temporary and beneficial response to stressors (such as being sick or accidentally cutting yourself). As a matter of fact, aesthetic doctors use devices that make the skin believe it has been injured in order to trigger inflammation and cause the skin to regenerate.

Inflammaging is a process that contributes to premature skin aging and various age-related conditions.

It results from the combination of several factors:

Senescent cells and molecules that stimulate inflammation

Senescent cells, i.e., cells that have stopped dividing and eventually die, play a key role in inflammaging. They release molecules that stimulate inflammation and not only exacerbate cellular senescence but also impair the normal functioning of organs.  With age, the body is less and less able to eliminate senescent cells; they clog up tissues, which leads to skin aging. This vicious circle leads to progressive tissue degradation.

Oxidative stress and inflammation

Oxidative stress and inflammation are closely linked, although which triggers the other remains unclear (a real chicken-or-egg situation). Oxidative stress can trigger inflammation, and inflammation in turn can increase oxidative stress, creating a destructive vicious circle for skin cells.

Regardless, the fact remains that low-grade inflammation, triggered by factors such as UV radiation and free radicals, contributes to accelerated skin aging.

Natural aging

On top of the two phenomena mentioned above, there’s also the aging of the body in general and of the skin in particular. With age, we experience:

• An accumulation of lesions in tissues: Repair mechanisms function less well and tissues don’t regenerate fully.

• A decrease in the effectiveness of the immune system: The latter becomes less efficient at eliminating pathogens and, in particular, senescent or dysfunctional cells.

Impaired epidermal stem cell activity: These cells play a crucial role in skin tissue regeneration, producing new cells and helping to maintain healthy, youthful skin.

Inflammaging accelerates skin aging by breaking down collagen and elastin, resulting in wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of firmness. The visible signs of aging are consequently exacerbated by this kind of chronic inflammation.

Furthermore, the latter negatively affects the skin’s barrier function, making it more vulnerable to external aggressors. This can lead to redness, irritation, and increased sensitivity.

It’s important to note first and foremost that Laboratoires FILORGA products are not intended for anti-inflammatory or other therapeutic purposes, which are the exclusive preserve of medical procedures and treatments. However, we can recommend the following measures to reduce the signs of aging and limit the effects of external aggressors: 

Gentle cleansing

Using mild cleansing products is essential to avoid aggravating inflammation. Our micellar solution contains soothing rhamnose and is ideal for cleansing the skin without irritating it.

Provide your skin with antioxidants

To combat oxidative stress and neutralize free radicals, we recommend the intensive HYDRA-AOX [5] serum. It harnesses the power of five powerful antioxidants (astaxanthin, ergothioneine, and vitamins C, E, and B3) in combination with hyaluronic acid to both protect the skin from the effects of aging caused by external aggressors* and correct the earliest signs of aging. 

Live a healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical exercise, and good stress management, can help curb chronic inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in oily fish and walnuts, as well as various fruits and vegetables, are rich in antioxidants and particularly effective in reducing inflammation.

*Ex-vivo testing on skin explants with HYDRA-AOX [5].