What is Inflammaging and How Does It Affect Your Skin?
- Wild Alchemy Botanicals
- Jan 5
- 3 min read
Last November, I briefly introduced the concept of inflammaging and its effect on our skin in my article on collagen and glycine. Let’s explore this important topic more deeply — and how we can reduce its impact through balanced, restorative skincare.
What Is Inflammaging?
Inflammaging merges “inflammation” and “ageing.” It describes the chronic, low-grade inflammation that gradually increases as we age. While inflammation is a natural healing response, persistent inflammation can quietly disrupt many biological functions — including the skin’s ability to stay firm, hydrated, and resilient.
As we grow older, the immune system releases more inflammatory cytokines (signalling proteins). Over time, this can trigger visible changes in the skin — dryness, dullness, loss of elasticity, or irritation — that mirror accelerated ageing.
How Inflammaging Affects the Skin
✔ Decreased Collagen Production Chronic inflammation interferes with collagen renewal, reducing firmness and elasticity and leading to fine lines and sagging.
✔ Skin Barrier Dysfunction Inflammaging weakens the outer barrier, allowing irritants to penetrate more easily — a root cause of sensitivity, dryness, and flare-ups.
✔ Increased Oxidative Stress imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants accelerates skin damage, dullness, and uneven tone.
✔ Impaired Wound HealingInflamed or ageing skin heals more slowly and can remain reactive longer after stress or breakouts.
✔ Changes in Texture & Radiance Over time, inflammation contributes to roughness and loss of glow — skin that looks tired rather than luminous.
Preventive Care & Management
Ageing is inevitable - but inflammaging can be softened through mindful care and consistent habits:
✔ Nourishing Diet Eat antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and omega-3 sources. These help counter internal inflammation.
✔ Supportive Skincare Choose formulations that strengthen the skin barrier and calm sensitivity. Products powered by HydraCalm™ and RadianceRenew™ Complexes help hydrate, brighten, and soothe — reducing visible signs of inflammation.
✔ Balanced Lifestyle Regular movement, deep sleep, and stress management all influence how the skin renews and repairs. Hydration and rest are as vital as any serum.
✔ Sun Protection exposure heightens inflammation and collagen breakdown. Use daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, rain or shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does inflammaging mean?
A: Inflammaging refers to chronic, low-level inflammation that accelerates the skin’s natural ageing process. It can break down collagen and elastin, leading to fine lines, dullness, and loss of firmness over time.
Q: What causes inflammaging?
A: Everyday stressors such as UV exposure, pollution, poor diet, stress, and even harsh skincare products can trigger micro-inflammation in the skin. Over time, these small reactions accumulate and speed up visible ageing.
Q: Can skincare help with inflammaging?
A: Yes. Anti-inflammatory botanicals like kawakawa, niacinamide, and antioxidants such as Vitamin C can calm irritation and support skin barrier repair — helping reduce the long-term effects of inflammageing. However, the most effective way to combat and manage inflammaging is through a holistic approach: diet, lifestyle, and high-quality supplements or powders that reduce systemic inflammation.
Q: Is inflammaging the same as sensitive skin?
A: Not quite. While sensitive skin often reacts quickly to irritants, inflammaging is a slower, silent process. You may not notice immediate flare-ups, but the cumulative inflammation contributes to premature ageing.
Q: What’s the best way to protect my skin?
A: A holistic approach works best: daily SPF, antioxidant-rich skincare, balanced nutrition, and consistent hydration. Our formulations pair actives with soothing botanicals to help strengthen the skin barrier and resist premature ageing.
I’m Sandra, the owner of Wild Alchemy Botanicals — creating small-batch botanical skincare right here in New Zealand. With almost 20 years in skin therapy, I blend nature, science, and skill into every product. Explore more ingredient insights, product guides, and behind-the-scenes musings — or discover our full collection of skincare.
What is Inflammaging and How Does It Affect Your Skin?
