What is Skin Inflammaging? As we age, our skin undergoes various changes. One of the notable transformations is the phenomenon known as “inflammaging.” The term combines two words: “inflammation” and “aging. This refers to the chronic low-grade inflammation that occurs in the skin as we grow older. Inflammageing is a complex process influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. By understanding its impact on the skin can help us develop effective strategies to promote healthy aging. In this article, we delve into the concept of Skin Inflammaging, its causes, and potential ways to mitigate its effects.

What is skin Inflammaging?

The science behind the ‘Term Skin Inflammaging’. Inflammation is a natural response of the body to protect against harmful stimuli, such as infections or injuries. However, as we age, this response becomes dysregulated, leading to a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state. Experts attribute inflammageing to a combination of factors. Covering genetic predisposition, cellular senescence (aging), oxidative stress, hormonal changes, and environmental factors like UV radiation and pollution.

Effects of Inflammaging on the Skin

Inflammaging affects various components of the skin, leading to visible changes in its appearance and function. Some of the common effects include:

1. Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Chronic inflammation triggers the breakdown of collagen and elastin. The proteins are responsible for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness. As a result, the skin becomes more prone to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging.
2. Dryness and Thinning: Inflammation can disrupt the skin’s moisture barrier, impairing its ability to retain water. This can result in dryness, roughness, and a loss of plumpness. Additionally, inflammaging affects the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, causing it to become thinner and more fragile.
3. Age Spots and Uneven Pigmentation: Inflammation can stimulate the production of excessive melanin. Leading to the formation of age spots (hyperpigmentation) and uneven skin tone.
4. Delayed Wound Healing: Inflammaging compromises the skin’s ability to heal wounds and recover from injuries. The prolonged inflammatory state slows down the regeneration process, leaving the skin more susceptible to infections and scarring.
5. Increased Sensitivity: Inflammation can make the skin more sensitive and reactive, resulting in conditions such as rosacea and eczema.

Limiting the Effects of Inflammaging

Chronic inflammation in the epidermis (outer layer of skin) will damage the skin barrier inducing redness, dryness, or irritation. Inflammaging mirrors itself on the surface of the skin. Visible signs of redness, enlarged pores, thinner skin, dark undereye circles, and acne. We cannot stop the natural aging process, there are several ways to reduce the impact of inflammation on the skin:

1. Sun Protection: Protecting your skin from UV radiation is crucial. Wear sunscreen daily, seek shade during peak sun hours, and use protective clothing and accessories.
2. Balanced Diet: Consume a nutrient-rich diet that includes antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. These help combat oxidative stress and support skin health.
3. Skincare Routine: Gentle cleansing, moisturising, products containing antioxidants, retinol alternatives, and peptides. Collectively promote collagen production and reduce inflammation.
4. Stress Management: Chronic stress can exacerbate inflammaging. Incorporate stress reduction techniques such as meditation, holistic breathing techniques, exercise, and hobbies into your lifestyle.
5. Lifestyle Factors: Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these can contribute to skin inflammation and premature aging.

Fermentation A True Skin Saviour

Fermentation is a process that involves breaking down the molecules in an ingredient using microorganisms like bacteria or yeast. This process enhances the bioavailability and effectiveness of the oils by increasing the concentration of beneficial compounds and generating new components.

Postbiotic cosmetic ingredients demonstrate the potential to calm skin inflammation. Probiotic bacteria produce postbiotics as metabolic byproducts during the fermentation process. These compounds encompass substances such as peptides, enzymes, organic acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. Probiotics are live bacteria and prebiotics are substances that support the growth of beneficial bacteria. While postbiotics are the compounds produced by bacteria.

Postbiotics

Postbiotics have gained attention in skincare for their ability to promote a healthy skin barrier. By supporting the skin’s microbiome, and providing anti-inflammatory properties. Here’s how postbiotic cosmetic ingredients can help calm skin inflammation:

1. Strengthening the Skin Barrier: Postbiotics can help strengthen the skin barrier function, which is crucial in reducing inflammation. A healthy skin barrier acts as a protective shield, preventing irritants, allergens, and pathogens from penetrating the skin. By enhancing the skin barrier, postbiotics help reduce inflammation caused by external factors.
2. Balancing the Microbiome: Postbiotics create an environment supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. By balancing the skin’s microbiome, postbiotics can help reduce inflammation associated with an imbalanced microbial ecosystem.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Postbiotic ingredients, such as peptides and organic acids, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties. They can help soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing redness and inflammation.
4. Wound healing: Postbiotic ingredients have shown the ability to accelerate wound healing by promoting the regeneration of skin cells. Additionally, they can minimize inflammation associated with the healing process.
5. Antioxidant Activity: Many postbiotic compounds possess antioxidant properties. They can neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative stress, which can contribute to inflammation. By reducing oxidative damage, postbiotics help maintain a healthier skin environment.

Our Inflammaging Solution

LUCA Lipid Ferment Vitamin C Serum is a Potent Defender Against Skin Inflammaging. Formulated specifically to protect against and help prevent Skin Inflammaging ⎯ Let’s break down the ingredients:

The foundation of the formulation is fermented and incredibly rich in postbiotics along with additional fermented ingredients including:

• White Willow Bark
• Gromwell Root
• Angelica Root
• Licorice Root
• Sunflower Seed
• Olive Fruit
• Argan Kernel.

Anti-inflammaging Ingredients from the ocean

Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract is derived from a microalga known as Astaxanthin. Rich in a powerful antioxidant known for its ability to neutralise free-radicals and protect the skin from oxidative stress. Demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm and soothe irritated or inflamed skin. Reducing redness, itching, and other signs of inflammation, making it beneficial for sensitive or reactive skin.

Phaeodactylum Tricornutum is derived from a type of microalgae known as diatom. Anti-inflammatory properties help calm and soothe irritated or inflamed skin. A rich profile of antioxidants, including vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols. Antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals, which contribute to premature aging.

Caulerpa Lentillifera Oil is known as Sea Grapes. Protect against environmental damage due to strong antioxidant activity protecting the skin from pollution and UV radiation. These antioxidants promote a healthier and more resilient skin barrier.

Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii Extract is derived from single-celled green microalgae. Offering a variety of bioactive compounds, including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Collectively these contribute to its ability to protect against skin inflammaging.

Vitamin E – Is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes harmful free radicals in the skin, and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory molecules called cytokines and enzymes like cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX), which contribute to skin inflammation. Vitamin E also functions as a photo protectant by absorbing UVB rays and limiting UV-induced damage. It helps protect against sunburn and reduces the risk of inflammation caused by UV exposure.

Supporting Anti-inflammaging Ingredients

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (Vitamin C) has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm and soothe the skin. Inflammation is a common feature of skin aging and exacerbates various skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, and eczema. By reducing inflammation, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate helps mitigate skin inflammaging and promotes a more balanced and healthy complexion.

Schisandra Sphenanthera Fruit Extract is derived from the Schisandra berry. Used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. This Bioactive Concentrate is rich in antioxidants and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Protects the skin against oxidative stress additionally, while boosting the skin’s natural defence mechanisms to resist external stressors and reduce inflammation.

Commiphora Mukul Resin Extract known as Guggul, is obtained from the Commiphora Mukul tree. A Bioactive Concentrate used in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating properties. It contains potent bioactive compounds that help suppress inflammation and protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Commiphora Mukul Resin Extract stimulates collagen synthesis and improves skin elasticity, therefore combating the signs of inflammaging.

In conclusion

Maintaining proper hydration and a healthy skin barrier are crucial for fending off inflammaging. LUCA Lipid Ferment Vitamin C Serum has a proprietary Algae Complex. This advanced blend of six water-sourced botanicals: Green Algae, Red Algae, Sea Grapes, Micro Glass Algae, Marine Bamboo and Irish Moss. Collectively aids in cellular renewal, offering both hydration and moisturisation. Defending against and preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). By strengthening the skin barrier, LUCA reduces the risk of inflammation and maintains skin health. 

Until next time, be human, be kind, be you.

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REFERENCES:

• Pilkington SM, Bulfone-Paus S, Griffiths CEM, Watson REB. Inflammaging and the Skin. J Invest Dermatol. 2021 Apr;141(4S):1087-1095. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.11.006. Epub 2021 Jan 7. PMID: 33358020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33358020/
• Barrier Function in Aging: Comments on Pilkington et al. “Inflammaging and the Skin” Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Volume 142, Issue 2, February 2022, Pages 483-484 – Peter M. Elias