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Each week our experts Dr AAMER KHAN and LESLEY REYNOLDS bring you the latest beauty news and anti-ageing advice
HAVE you heard of “inflammageing”? It’s the latest buzzword in the world of anti-ageing. The merging of the words inflammation and ageing refers to the chronic inflammation that can happen to the body internally and externally.
Not all inflammation is harmful as good inflammation can help the body.This includes treatments such as microneedling and lasers, which create trauma in the skin to jump start the body’s defence system and prompt the renewal of collagen.
The bad kind is chronic inflammation – inflammageing – which has been linked to age-related diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It happens when your body constantly has to cope with high levels of inflammation caused largely by lifestyle factors such as pollution, poor diet, UV exposure, stress and lack of sleep, all of which build up as we get older.A loss of elasticity, pigmentation, fine lines, sagging, itching and burning are all signs of skin inflammation.
The good news is by tweaking your lifestyle and skincare routine you can prevent and even reverse some of the damaging effects.
Consistent sleep patterns can keep inflammageing in check.
You need two and a half hours before sleep becomes restorative. A lack of sleep has been shown to raise levels of cortisol and glucose, causing health problems such as hypertension and Type 2 diabetes, which make you age more quickly. Aim for
seven to eight hours of sleep a night.
Don’t skimp on sunscreen. Make it part of your daily life, summer and winter.
UV exposure accelerates inflammation and wearing sunscreen can reduce the impact of UV light and slow down the process. Choose an SPF30 or above with UVA and UVB protection.
Exercise regularly. It can help halt inflammation, by preventing arterial ageing that contributes to memory loss, improving muscle mass, helping grow new brain cells as well as reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and depression. Walking for 30 to 45 minutes a day will make all the difference.
It’s this summer’s hottest ingredient and a multi-tasking marvel. Q+A Skincare Squalane Facial Oil, £10 (hollandandbarrett.com) is made from olive oil and has moisturising powers. Lightweight and hydrating, it won’t clog pores or feel heavy on the face. Ideal for blemish-prone skin so use as a face moisturiser, hair and body oil or on dry cuticles and lips.
Stress contributes to inflammageing. Make time for mindfulness, meditation or a few minutes of relaxed deep breathing several times a day.
Food can go a long way in offsetting inflammageing, protecting the skin as well as your general health.
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Avoid processed foods, refined carbohydrates and sugar which all trigger an inflammatory response in the body.
Eat plenty of vegetables and lean protein. Switch to free range chicken, fish, eggs, grains (such as quinoa), beans, lentils, tofu, nuts and seeds. Include more stressreducing foods high in vitamin C like oranges and kiwi.
Tuck into apricots, which are rich in magnesium and eat healthy fats as they lubricate joints and help reduce inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish such as sardines, fresh tuna, mackerel, salmon, and flax seeds and flax oils.
Avoid too much caffeine, fizzy drinks and alcohol. Instead drink water, green and ashwagandha tea, which will help stop the free radicals that cause inflammation.
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