There are plenty of external culprits that age skin, like our skincare (or lack thereof ;)) but science has identified a major cause for aging skin that actually starts from within. Inflammation has been majorly linked to aging; so much so, the scientific community has given it it’s own name, “inflammaging.” From this type of inflammation our skin can begin to experience:
- Fine lines
- Dryness
- Age spots
What exactly is “inflammaging?”
Inflammaging is chronic, low-grade activation of the immune system that causes inflammation and results in downstream tissue damage. This tissue damage is greatly to blame for visible skin aging as well as putting us as risks of chronic diseases including:
- Diabetes.
- Autoimmune disorders.
- Dementia.
Not all inflammation is bad, infact, some inflammation is good. It acts as a protectant from an injury or an infection. It is when it is a constant, low level of inflammation that it becomes worrisome. This chronic inflammation causes our skin to show signs of aging such as fine lines and skin spots but how do we stop it?!
How to prevent “Inflammaging.”
Eating resistant carbs: This is a great way to get prebiotics. Starches like rice and potatoes are normally very easily digested when cooked. When we cool them, the starches get bound together and our bodies cannot break them apart and use them. What we can’t absorb becomes food for the bugs in our gut, balancing our immune system and inflammation. Another great source of resistant carbs are ripe bananas! Both of these actually nourish the good bacteria in your body.
Reduce Cytokines: Cytokines are what your cells put off to create an immune response. Overproduction of these triggers a chronic inflammatory response. Ways to combat these include:
- Melatonin.
- Vitamin E.
- Healthy fats.
Retinoids: Retinoids have been linked to reducing inflammation. When directed by a skin expert (we recommend retinol radiance by Sleekskin Aesthetics® when used topically), they have great benefits and have been shown to reduce inflammation. But did you know we can get retinoids through our diet as well? Red and orange colored foods are colored that way because of retinoids. Dark leafy greens and liver are also excellent sources.
The bottom line is, there are countless steps we can take to slow the aging process and protect our health. What do you choose?