Wrinkles, sagging skin, discoloration. If you’re noticing signs of premature aging to your skin, chances are you’ve already invested a pretty penny in the newest trending skincare regimens. While focusing on SPF and moisturizer may temporarily help on the surface, have you considered how your immune system and aging are related?
Research points to chronic inflammation as a common denominator responsible for a lot of skin trauma and other physical changes [1]. Not only does low grade, chronic inflammation can cause oxidative stress, which damages skin cells, but it also increase the production of enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, which are vital proteins that provide the skin with elasticity and firmness.
Chronic inflammation is often called the “silent killer,” because it not only ages your body in ways that are visible but also in ways that are not at first. And that's why we're here to tell you: enough is enough. You can stop the inflammation! The first step is learning how chronic inflammation is aging you—and then taking action to stop it from happening.
How Immunity and Chronic Inflammation Relate
Immunity is your body’s ability to recognize and respond to pathogens, or harmful microorganisms. The immune system is highly complex and regulated, protecting us from infections by identifying foreign invaders and activating the appropriate response mechanisms. But if your immune system isn't in tip-top shape, you can be at risk for more serious health issues like chronic inflammation. The skin contains an array of immune cells that are vital to overall tissue function, but if those undergo change, it may cause inflammation, resulting in a more aged appearance [2].
One of the most common and damaging health problems we have today, chronic inflammation, sometimes known as the “silent killer”, can have serious impacts on your health, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, and induces internal tissue damage [3]. Chronic inflammation is a response by your immune system to threats like bacteria, viruses, parasites and damaged cells. When your body perceives an outside threat, it releases chemicals called cytokines that cause blood vessels near the site of injury to become leaky and swell up with fluid—which can be good if the injury is minor and localized (like a bee sting), but bad if there isn't any resolution (like with an autoimmune disease).
Top Ways Chronic Inflammation Affects Your Body
- It prematurely ages your skin. Chronic inflammation causes your body to produce more cortisol, along with other enzymes that break down collagen and elastin resulting in wrinkles, sagging, and fine lines.
- It weakens all of your organs. When there's too much cortisol in your system, it puts a strain on all of your organs—including the ones that help control blood pressure and regulate cholesterol levels (think heart). This can lead to hypertension or heart disease over time if left unchecked.
- It causes weight gain. And not only that, but inflammation makes it harder for you to lose the weight… even when you exercise regularly.
Your skin is one of the first places where chronic inflammation shows up because it's so close to the surface of the body. Chronic inflammation can make you look older by slowing down collagen production, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, dark spots, discoloration on the face, dark circles under your eyes, and more. Not only does it impact the physical appearance of your skin, but it can also lead to uncomfortable issues such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Fight Back Against Chronic Inflammation
While chronic inflammation is a major contributor to your appearance as you age, it's something that can be controlled. Here are some ways you can reduce and prevent the damage it does:
- Cut out sugar, refined carbs, and processed foods.
- Eat more anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids, leafy greens, nuts, and fruit. Our hero Immunity Potion packs a punch in fighting against inflammation, and is easy to add to your daily routine.
- Drink water. Hydration is key to keeping inflammation at bay. Reduce toxins by using a copper cup when you consume your morning drink. Copper has been shown to have antibacterial properties that help balance your body.
- Exercise is a must. It’s proven again and again to reduce inflammation levels in the body.
- Reduce stress. Chronic stress can increase levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (compounds that cause inflammation). Find ways to de-stress yourself, such as through meditation, time in nature, and focused breath-work.
- Limit exposure to environmental toxins, such as UVR, pollution, smoking, or a poor diet. Toxins can leak into tissues from your oral or gut microbiota [4], so it is important to detox regularly to keep these harmful substances at a minimum.
The aging process is inevitable, but it can be done gracefully and with minimal health complications. The key to keeping your skin looking young and healthy is to keep inflammation at bay, and here at Potion, we are ready to help you do exactly that. With ancient Ayurvedic wisdom on our side and an array of beautiful, effective products, taking charge of your health has never been easier or more compelling.
