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In cosmetology, the term inflammaging has been used since the early XNUMXs of the third millennium. This is one of the views on the aging process, not only of the skin, but of the body as a whole. What it is, how it affects the skin and how to deal with it – in our article.
What is inflaming
Aging (according to the theory of inflaming) is the result of the accumulation and constant development of small inflammatory reactions in various tissues, including skin structures. By themselves, these reactions are very minor, and therefore go unnoticed, but gradually they turn into chronic and eventually lead to pronounced changes in total.
This is how inflaming looks like. © Healthy-Food
External signs of inflammatory skin aging
Inflammatory skin aging manifests itself in the form of all the signs characteristic of premature (and, by the way, timely) skin aging. This is due to the fact that as a result of a chronic inflammatory process, literally all of its protective functions are weakened and depleted. The skin is constantly trying to neutralize inflammatory reactions, spending energy on this process. As a result, we observe:
uneven skin tone and relief;
dullness, lack of radiance;
dehydration lines;
a change in the general condition of the skin towards greater dryness (more often) or oiliness;
tendency to redness;
increased sensitivity and reactivity of the skin;
hyperpigmentation;
wrinkles.
This is how skin aging happens…
Possible reasons for the development of inflaming
There are plenty of factors leading to the development of inflammation in tissues both around us and inside. One of the most important features of inflaming is that the inflammatory response begins to develop even without visible external influences. How and why is this happening?
oxidative stress. Free radicals are known to cause cell damage. This constant stress (an endless test of strength) wears out the protective system.
Accumulation of damage in cells. “Weaving” our tight DNA helix (By the way, do you know that the length of a loose DNA molecule is about one and a half meters with a thickness measured in nanometers?), nature did not reflect on the task facing humanity today: increasing life expectancy against the backdrop of deteriorating ecology. In fact, these are mutually exclusive factors. Our internal protection system is operating today in overload mode. Chronic inflammation is a systemic reaction of tissues: skin, epithelium of blood vessels, brain, etc. As a result of an excess of stimuli, the system ceases to cope, leaving the inflammatory process running.
Today it is difficult to imagine an environmentally friendly metropolis. Therefore, it is imperative to take into account the impact of ecology on health and youth.
Lack of movement. In the process of evolution, the following scheme has developed: in order to eat tightly and refuel with high-calorie foods rich in fats and carbohydrates, you must first run after this food well or, at least, work hard on the ground, collecting tasty and nutritious tops and roots. Today, in general, the balance of energy consumption and intake is disturbed, which also cannot but lead to systemic failures, including the development of inflammatory reactions.
Incorrect food. The lack of antioxidants, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics in the modern diet, combined with an excess of well-known harmful products (you can read about this here and test yourself by answering the quiz questions about nutrition for the skin), naturally disrupt the harmonious functioning of the protective forces body, including the skin. Being (together with the intestines) the main barrier organ, it is the first to suffer from a pronounced deficiency of nutrients. Malnutrition can also include insufficient fluid intake, which quickly leads to dehydration of the skin (read more about this here).
Before us is an easy way to get an excess of fast carbohydrates and salt. Such dietary transgressions accelerate skin aging.
chronic infections. Although the fundamental difference between inflaming is that the inflammatory process develops even without external influences, one cannot fail to mention such sources of chronic inflammation as microbes, viruses, fungi, many of which today have turned from neutral long-standing human companions into conditionally pathogenic, that is, harmful . The constant work of the immune system “for wear and tear” reduces the protective functions of the body in general and the skin in particular. Not to mention the fact that the fight against pathogens in itself is manifested precisely by inflammation.
chronic intoxication. Air pollution in cities, chlorinated water, plastic fumes in a sun-heated car, nicotine and tar in cigarette smoke, mold microspores, stale food – in a sense, our whole life is quite toxic. We do not want to scare anyone, but this is a serious matter and makes a direct contribution to inflaming, no matter what organ system we are talking about. Today it has been proven that even Alzheimer’s disease is largely the result of such a constant inflammatory reaction (D. Bredesen “The Ageless Brain”), what can we say about bare skin …
To find out if your skin is threatened with premature aging, the test will help:
How to deal with inflaming?
The answer to this question is laid down in the previous chapter: in order to preserve youth for as long as possible, it is necessary to cleanse your life as much as possible from possible provocateurs of inflaming. However, if we are talking about the skin, then it is reasonable to use appropriate cosmetics that have a calming, anti-irritant effect.
A plant with proven soothing properties is the good old calendula, which blooms beautifully in urban and country flower beds from May to autumn.
Calendula is a centuries-old source of “comfort” for the skin. It calms and relieves irritation.
To help calendula and to restore the protective functions of the skin will come in handy:
hyaluronic acid – moisturizes the skin and is involved in the restoration of the protective barrier;
antioxidants that neutralize skin cell damage associated with the action of free radicals and strengthen its antioxidant defense;
vitamins;
probiotics – take part in the restoration of the hydrolipid protective mantle and help in the work of local immunity.
Overview of products with calendula extract in the composition
It was on the calendula that Kiehl’s scientists focused their attention and supplemented the beloved Kiehl’s series with this flower with an innovative product.
Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream
The protagonist of the cream is calendula. And not only the extract, but also micronized petals (hand-picked especially for this cream). Upon contact with the skin, the cream instantly soothes and comforts it. The peculiarity of the new moisturizer lies not only in the highest concentration of calendula extract among Kiehl’s products, but also in a very interesting texture – when applied to the skin, the aqua cream releases a concentrate and gives an instant boost of moisture. The formula “aqua cream” implies a refreshing, light texture.
By the way, 9 out of 10 women who participated in the study of new Kiehl’s noted an instant feeling of moisture and comfort. And as a result of regular use, the skin becomes noticeably smoother, fresher and more hydrated, it literally transforms.
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Calendula-based cleanser is addressed to normal, combination and oily skin and, in addition to cleansing, has a soothing and softening effect.
Toner with calendula extract for normal to oily skin Calendula Herbal Extract Toner
This is one of Kiehl’s hits, which marked the beginning of the entire line with calendula extract. An incredible charm is given to the product, firstly, by the absence of ethyl alcohol in the composition, and secondly, by real calendula petals. The tonic completes the cleansing phase of the skin, and also soothes, softens, moisturizes and helps to prepare it for the subsequent application of skin care products.
Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque
Five minutes – and the skin not only looks, but also feels transformed and refreshed, including thanks to calendula petals and aloe extract. Intensive moisturizing and soothing action are needed in routine care. The gel texture will give the skin comfort.
One of the secrets of the special charm of Kiehl’s calendula cosmetics is the flower petals contained in the products.