Inflammageing: The Silent Driver of Premature Skin Ageing

We all know that ageing is a natural process, but not all signs of ageing are inevitable—or irreversible. One of the biggest culprits of premature ageing isn’t genetics or even sun exposure alone. It’s something more insidious, something that builds slowly over time: inflammageing.

This scientific-sounding word is now at the forefront of anti-ageing research and skin health. At ReflectorN, we see the effects of inflammageing on the skin every day—and we also know how to intervene.

What Is Inflammageing?

Inflammageing is a blend of two words: inflammation and ageing. It refers to the slow, chronic, and low-grade inflammation that occurs in the body as we get older. This type of inflammation is subtle—it doesn’t come with the redness or pain you might associate with an acute injury. Instead, it simmers quietly beneath the surface, slowly degrading tissues and interfering with cellular function.

In the skin, inflammageing shows up as:

• Accelerated collagen and elastin breakdown

• Dull, dry, and uneven skin tone

• Increased sensitivity and redness

• Fine lines and sagging

• Slower wound healing and skin regeneration

While it’s a natural part of biological ageing, inflammageing is heavily influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors. That means you can take steps to prevent it—or at least significantly slow it down.

What Causes Inflammageing?

Several key factors contribute to inflammageing:

🌞 Environmental Exposure

UV radiation, pollution, and blue light all trigger oxidative stress, which damages skin cells and ignites the inflammatory response. Over time, this creates a pro-inflammatory environment that wears down your skin’s ability to defend and repair itself.

🥗 Poor Nutrition

Diets high in refined sugar, processed food, seed oils, and alcohol promote internal inflammation. Sugar in particular contributes to glycation, a process that damages collagen and elastin fibers, making skin stiffer and more prone to wrinkles.

😰 Chronic Stress

Stress hormones like cortisol increase inflammatory mediators in the body. When your body is constantly in “fight or flight” mode, your skin becomes less capable of renewing and protecting itself.

🦠 Gut Health Imbalances

The gut-skin axis is real. An unhealthy microbiome can lead to a ‘leaky gut,’ releasing inflammatory molecules into the bloodstream that ultimately affect your skin.

🧬 Cellular Senescence

As we age, some cells stop functioning properly but don’t die. These “zombie cells” secrete inflammatory substances, creating a toxic environment that accelerates ageing at a cellular level.

Why It Matters for Your Skin

While you can’t stop the clock, inflammageing is a major reason why some people look older than they are—and why others maintain healthy, radiant skin into their 40s, 50s, and beyond.

This type of inflammation leads to:

• Breakdown of skin structure and firmness

• Persistent redness or sensitivity

• Dehydration and impaired skin barrier

• More visible lines and dull tone

This is especially important in cosmetic treatment settings. Treatments that trigger controlled inflammation (like microneedling or peels) must be carefully timed and balanced. If your skin is already inflamed, these procedures can worsen inflammageing rather than help it.

At ReflectorN, we always assess for signs of underlying inflammation before recommending any advanced skin treatment.

How We Treat and Prevent Inflammageing

The beauty of understanding inflammageing is that it gives us clear, science-based ways to slow skin ageing and restore health. Prevention and treatment go hand-in-hand.

1. Topical Skincare

Use products that calm and protect the skin barrier. Ingredients to look for:

• Niacinamide – reduces inflammation and strengthens barrier

• Green tea extract – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

• Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) – soothes and boosts healing

• Azelaic acid – great for redness-prone and acneic skin

• Peptides – signal skin to rebuild and repair

2. Barrier-Repair Facials

Facials that prioritise skin healing are your secret weapon. Treatments like:

• Oxygen therapy – promotes cell regeneration

• LED light therapy – reduces inflammation and supports collagen

• Firming peptide infusions – help build resilience

• Exosome facials – cutting-edge technology for cellular repair

3. Internal Wellness

Inflammageing isn’t just a skin issue—it’s a body issue. Support your skin from the inside out by:

• Eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3s, berries, leafy greens, turmeric, and probiotics

• Drinking plenty of water

• Reducing processed foods and sugars

• Prioritising quality sleep

• Managing stress through breathwork, meditation, or movement

4. Advanced Injectables and Bioremodelling

At ReflectorN, we offer injectables that work with your skin, not against it. We focus on skin-friendly, restorative treatments that support tissue quality without creating additional stress on the skin.

Key options include:

• Profhilo® – a unique hyaluronic acid injectable that hydrates from within and stimulates four types of collagen and elastin. It works to remodel the skin’s structure without triggering inflammation, making it perfect for treating skin affected by inflammageing.

• Rejuran® (PN/Salmon DNA) – clinically shown to improve skin texture, reduce redness, and support deep healing at a cellular level. It’s especially effective for inflamed or sensitive skin types.

• Skin boosters – designed to restore hydration and elasticity without the bulk of traditional fillers. These are ideal for rebalancing skin affected by chronic inflammation or damage.

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Final Thoughts: The Future of Anti-Ageing Is Anti-Inflammatory

Inflammageing is one of the most important discoveries in skin science. It explains why some people age more rapidly than others—and why certain treatments don’t deliver results unless the skin is first calmed and supported.

At ReflectorN, we take a holistic, evidence-based approach to skin health. That means addressing both the surface and the root causes. Whether it’s through clinical-grade facials, mindful lifestyle changes, or advanced injectables like Profhilo, our goal is to create healthy, strong, and resilient skin at every age.

If you're experiencing dullness, sensitivity, or signs of premature ageing, it might be inflammation talking. Let us help you calm the fire—gently and effectively.

Book a skin health consultation at ReflectorN today and take the first step toward age-proofing your skin from the inside out.