Inflammageing – Silent Inflammation and Its Effects on Ageing and the Skin

At Yin Your Skin, we approach ageing holistically. Rather than focusing on individual wrinkles or skin sagging, we pay special attention to the overall radiance and vitality that are not tied to any specific age.

In Chinese medicine, this is referred to as the glow of Shen. Shen represents the mind and spirit in Chinese medicine. It is said that when a person's body and mind are in balance and they are fulfilling their life's purpose, Shen shines through the eyes with brightness and the skin with a luminous glow. You don’t have to be an experienced acupuncturist or beauty therapist to recognize the glow of Shen in someone.

Ageing is a multifaceted process influenced by numerous external and internal factors. Most of us want to age with vitality, maintaining our functionality and well-being for as long as possible.

One key part of the aging process is inflammageing, a low-grade, chronic inflammatory state that gradually develops over the years. This condition manifests as hidden, cellular-level inflammation that affects health in various ways—eventually also becoming visible in the skin and appearance.

What is inflammageing?

The word inflammageing is a combination of “inflammation” and “ageing.” It describes the phenomenon where the body’s level of inflammation increases with age, even in the absence of diagnosed inflammatory diseases. This chronic, low-level inflammation can accelerate the development of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and osteoporosis. It also significantly affects the condition and appearance of the skin.

What causes inflammageing?

Several factors contribute to inflammageing:

Hormonal changes: The decline in estrogen and testosterone production during menopause and the fluctuation in hormone levels in premenopause affects inflammation.

Chronic stress: Persistently high cortisol levels (the stress hormone) promote inflammatory responses and reduce the body’s ability to recover.

Sleep and recovery: Fluctuating estrogen levels and prolonged stress impair melatonin production, disrupting nervous system calmness and immune balance.

Nutrition and gut health: Ultra-processed food, sugar, and an imbalanced gut microbiome can trigger inflammatory reactions.

Lack of physical activity and poor circulation: Sedentary lifestyles increase inflammation and slow metabolism.

Environmental load: Pollution, UV radiation, and chemicals burden the body and can increase oxidative stress.

How inflammageing appears on the face and skin

The skin and face are among the most visible areas where the effects of inflammageing become evident:

  • Swelling and fluid retention: Weakened microcirculation and lymphatic flow can make the skin look puffy and tired.
  • Skin sagging and deeper wrinkles: Inflammation reduces collagen and elastin production, leading to a loss of firmness.
  • Increased sensitivity: A weakened skin barrier can lead to heightened reactions. Many women may develop adult acne, rosacea, or perioral dermatitis during perimenopause, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
  • Uneven skin tone: Inflammation can cause pigmentation changes and dullness.

The role of the nervous system in inflammageing

The balance of the nervous system – especially between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system – is central in managing inflammageing. Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, increasing cortisol production and maintaining the inflammatory state if the nervous system doesn’t have time to recover. Activating the parasympathetic nervous system—i.e., promoting relaxation—helps the body to heal, repair, and reduce inflammation.

Both branches are essential for maintaining balance and wellness, but the key is that neither should dominate long-term.

How to influence inflammageing

Although ageing is inevitable, inflammageing can be influenced in several ways:

1. Stress Management

  • Yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
  • For example, the Yin Your Skin Signature Experience online course offers yin yoga and deep relaxation practices that effectively calm the nervous system and reduce stress levels.

2. Nutrition

  • An anti-inflammatory diet includes colorful vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, fermented foods, and antioxidants.
  • Reducing sugar, ultra-processed foods, and alcohol supports balance in the body.

3. Sleep

  • Adequate, quality sleep is one of the most effective ways to prevent chronic inflammation.
  • A good sleep schedule and evening routines support melatonin production.

4. Exercise

  • Regular, moderate physical activity improves circulation and lymph flow and reduces inflammation.

5. Skincare from the inside out

  • In addition to external skin care, internal well-being should always be prioritized.
  • Facial gua sha (not just a self-care routine at home but also treatments performed by a professional) and calming skincare routines
    support skin recovery.

Targeted treatments for inflammageing

1. Gentle and nourishing cleanser

  • Salva Cleansing Balm nurtures the skin’s barrier, deeply cleanses pollution, dirt, heavy makeup, and sunscreen. It also works as a brightening quick mask. Rich in vitamin E and linoleic acid, it reduces inflammation and neutralizes free radicals—key elements of inflammageing.

2. Deep hydration treatment essence

  • Sumu Facial Mist and Ihme Essence form a powerful hydrating duo. The mist contains moisturizing, soothing, and antioxidant-rich plant extracts and is used morning and night.
  • Ihme essence includes mild level of lactic acid, hibiscus flower acids, soothing and redness-reducing plant extracts, and humectants. It is the most important hydrating product, supporting the balance between skin renewal and exfoliation while strengthening the skin barrier—resulting in plumper, brighter, and more even skin. Use Ihme in the evening after Sumu.

3. Antioxidants and other actives

  • Elo Serum-Cream is a 3-in-1 product: serum, moisturizer, and eye cream in one bottle. The ultralight texture is ideal for mature skin. It deeply hydrates, strengthens the skin barrier, and delivers antioxidants and firming actives. It is the most potent vitality booster in the Yin Your Skin range.

4. Strengthening the skin barrier with omega fatty acids

  • Aura oil elixir is rich in all essential fatty acids: omega-3, -6, -7, and -9. These strengthen the skin barrier, promote renewal, and smooth the skin's surface. Sea buckthorn’s beta-carotene acts as a natural precursor to vitamin A, renewing the skin and reducing fine lines. Aura also helps prevent pigmentation spots and evens out skin tone.

5. Cellular level well-being through facial Gua Sha

  • Facial gua sha enhances tissue wellness and creates a healthy environment for skin cells. This is key to skin health, natural radiance and longevity. Yin Your Skin Signature Experience online course teaches you the best techniques of facial gua sha for visible results.

Conclusion

Inflammageing is an invisible and stealthy process that affects the body’s overall health and visible signs of ageing. Managing it is not merely a cosmetic issue—it is a comprehensive health choice.

By integrating nervous system balance, recovery, nutrition, and skincare, it is possible to slow down the effects of inflammageing and maintain a vibrant glow—and above all, holistic well-being—as we age.

Recommended products

IHME Botanical Wonder Essence

for Supernatural Glow

ELO Active Serum-Cream Complex

for Lifting & Longevity

AURA Sublime Beauty Concentrate

for Cell Renewal & Luminosity