What is Inflammaging?
Inflammaging is the well established idea that chronic, low-grade inflammation is a primary driver of skin aging. Inflammation activates collagen-degrading enzymes, keeps the barrier in a constant state of disrepair, can dysregulate pigment, and damages vasculature.
Why Your Skin Barrier Might Be Causing It
Your skin barrier (the outermost layer of the epidermis) is your first line of defence against irritants, allergens, UV exposure, and pollution. When it's compromised (from over-exfoliation, harsh actives, sun damage, or even chronic stress), those triggers penetrate more easily and signal an immune response. The skin releases inflammatory cytokines to defend itself, but this response further breaks down the lipids that hold the barrier together. The result is a self-perpetuating cycle: a damaged barrier triggers inflammation, and that inflammation damages the barrier further. Each cycle accelerates the collagen breakdown, pigment irregularities, and vascular damage described above. This is why so many "anti-aging" routines backfire - aggressive actives and over-treatment keep the barrier (and the inflammation it triggers) in a constant state of disrepair, rather than calming it.
This is why maintaining skin barrier health and calming reactive, inflammatory skin is also anti-aging.
How to Reduce Inflammation in the Skin
- The first question is not 'what do we add' it's 'what do we remove'
You can't repair a barrier that is being damaged on a daily basis. You could be using all of the hydrating serums and creams, but if you don't remove the culprit of your inflammation, you'll get nowhere. That delicious smelling foamy cleanser you got from Sephora could be what's keeping your barrier in a constant state of emergency. Over-exfoliating and over-use of actives can also contribute to inflammation.
2. Introduce barrier repair skincare
Once we've removed the inflammation culprits in your routine, it's time to replace them with barrier compatible skincare. This is where Dermaviduals comes in. You'd be amazed at what we can accomplish just using the Cleansing Milk and High Classic Moisturizer. These products use DMS® components, a concentrate made up of 5 ingredients: phosphatidylcholine, ceramides, triglycerides, squalane and phytosterols. Together, they mimic the skin’s natural lipid barrier to restore health and function.
Once we do these two things, you're on the right track to healthier skin. When there are fewer strippers, the inflammatory cycle is interrupted and your barrier has a chance to rebuild. A rebuilt barrier means less inflammation and less premature aging to the skin.
If you need help determining what is causing your inflammaging, contact us via email or through booking a consultation.
with love always,
Meg + Nic
