Understanding Inflamm-ageing
Inflamm-ageing began as a theory that linked inflammatory changes in the skin and body, to the causes of many age-associated diseases. This concept evolved since its’ first introduction by visionary Prof. Franceschi 23 years ago.
It is now understood to be a global reflection of your lifetime exposures and challenges and the main driver of ageing and age related diseases.
Inflammation is a critical function of our immune system that exists to allow the body to protect itself from everything from physical injuries to infectious bacteria and viruses. The problem is that inflammation now has to deal with our modern lifestyles. Foods often overloaded with inflammatory triggers like toxins and heavy metals, chronic stress and ultra processed and chemical ingredients to name a few. Compounding this is a relative lack of factors that keep inflammation in check, like quality sleep. exercise, nourishing relationships, anti-oxidants and phytochemicals.
I’ll give you an example as I have patients of all ages referred in for stubborn skin issues, maybe a long standing rash, acne, an outbreak ?
“My skin just looked so old overnight Victoria “ or,
“I’ve had this persistent rash for ages and it just won’t go away. My doctor gave me this cream but when I stop the rash keeps coming back”
Often the last thing I will do is treat their skin. Regenerative Aesthetics is interrelated to your Functional health and is so much more than a skin treatment or cream. The interplay between Regenerative Aesthetics and Inflamm-ageing is huge. It’s an understanding of the exquisite interplay of bodily systems with your outer layer being a representation of what lays beneath.
We previously understood the immune system to be an independent regulatory system in the body - yet we now know that our nervous system and our multiple microbiomes co-regulate and co-evolve with our immune system and with each other. This biological interplay reacts to the exposures and stresses. Instead of living in a state of balance this constant exposure “to threats” keep us in a state of low grade inflammation that spreads throughout the body.
To appreciate how to combat inflamm-ageing whilst optimising the function and communication between our different interdependent body systems, an understanding of how our nervous system is tuning in to both our internal and external environments for cues of either “safety” or “danger” is imperative.
I believe this is a huge missing piece for most individuals .
Is it a real or perceived threat ? both are just as powerful and potentially as damaging.
It is vital to recognise as a practitioner that it is never just one system responding to a stressor, a challenge or threat. There are many facets and numerous cell types working in unison that either allow us to heal and thrive, or to stay dysregulated and stuck in survival and a pro inflammatory mode.
Modern life is a daily challenge, glorious often but still, for many, a challenging balancing act. I’m sure you have experienced that increased challenges come with increased changes in our entire mind/body system - and from skin to within, a pro-inflammatory state begins to wreak havoc and likely manifest externally. Ultimately every person that you meet is likely experiencing some form of stress, either chronic or acute.
The Biological Breakdown
Looking at Regenerative Aesthetics through a Functional health lens gives clues to links between skin and hair, chronic stressors, sympathetic overdrive, unquenched inflammation, mood disorder and gut dysfunction. This inflamm-ageing interplay occurs as the fabric of each cell shifts to a less robust more disease prone and aged form.
Regardless if a stressor is caused by trauma / injury (physical, mental or emotional), the typical physiological response is the same:
the inflammatory cascade, mast cells, histamine, cytokine, T and B cell mediated responses
supported by sympathetic nervous system dominance
an increase in heart and breath rate
movement of blood supply to the peripheries or specific site of injury, (away from skin and hair)
an increase in white cells and phagocytic activity in affected tissues
followed by a down-regulation of these mechanisms, resulting in an impaired healing process and potential cellular or DNA damage.
When we consider our body’s innate adaptable protective mechanisms, why does this go so wrong ?
How can we help reduce pathological ageing burdened with ageing-related diseases, from skin to within ?
To understand an individual’s skin before asking it to create changes and improve, I must consider what is challenging you not just your skin. There can be intrinsic and extrinsic forms of stress. Oxidative damage, bio accumulation of topical toxins, which can decrease the functionality of every one of those crucial fibroblasts that make your collagen and elastin not to mention the potential of endocrine disruption to your hormones and how this creates shifts in facial dynamics, structure and tissue texture.
Stress can be beneficial, but also incredibly harmful if unquenched.
Understanding your emotional state due to stresses from external relationships is vital. A knowledge of your internal health and genetics allows you to gain an understanding of how much you can ask of your skin - and if it is capable of providing you with the results you are seeking.
Patients for example who have an underlying autoimmune condition such as diabetes or inflammatory skin conditions like atopic dermatitis or discoid lupus already have inflammatory processes occurring, These patients may further experience prolonged and unwanted inflammation with inappropriate treatment.
Aggressive “beauty therapy” and skin care regimes with hidden toxic ingredients on these patients, often does more harm than is good. Over treated and reddened skin often needs to rest and repair ! NOT more invasive skin treatments. In my opinion, the industry makes a lot of money by over treating inflamed skin.
How is this managed ?
With personalised consideration, investigation and education in relation to your overall health. Environmental toxins, glycation end products, reactive oxidative species (ROS), hydration and electrolytes, food quality, sleep hygiene, mind body practices, personal relations, toxic load + toxic work or personal associations before we even look at “skin care.”
Your skin care will be assessed for its safety cost effectiveness, claims and suitability. The key element is always to heal and not to harm so an analysis of chemical or toxic burden on a daily applied topical is always a primary consideration. The ultimate aim is a vital and thriving human in balance with supports and education wrapped around each unique presentation to achieve this.
Victoria Pavasovic RN MACN
Regenerative Aesthetics Transitional Functional and Nutritional Medicine Practitioner Microbiome Practitioner Clinical Nurse Consultant. Professional Food and Nutritional Coach