When it comes to premature skin aging, we know that there are a variety of influences at play, from genetics and diet to lifestyle and personal habits. But there’s another factor that’s often overlooked: chronic inflammation.
When your skin is exposed to environmental aggressors and free radicals—things like sunlight, infrared rays, cigarette smoke, and air pollution—natural defense mechanisms are triggered and acute inflammation occurs. At this stage, the inflammation can actually be beneficial (think using retinol for the first time!) and a sign that your skin is working to repair the damage. However, when your skin is not supported to address this inflammation, it can become chronic, which can have a huge impact on your skin. Over time, this chronic inflammation will actually reduce your skin’s ability to heal and renew itself, resulting in cell and tissue damage. At this stage, you’ll begin to notice signs of premature aging including uneven skin tone, dehydration, dullness, and pronounced fine lines and wrinkles. This phenomenon has been dubbed “inflammaging.”
How Antioxidants Can Help Fight Inflammation
So, how do we address this chronic inflammation and preserve your skin’s natural reparative functions? With the help of antioxidants!
Using skincare that contains antioxidants can prevent damage by protecting the skin from free radicals and inhibiting the oxidation process. This slows down damage to the skin and encourages its repair. When choosing antioxidant skincare, you want to look for products that contain these ingredients:
Vitamin C. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is one of the most studied and readily available antioxidants. It helps lighten dark spots, even out skin tone, and works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin A. Also known as retinols or retinoids, vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant most well-known for its ability to rejuvenate aging skin by encouraging the production of collagen and stimulating cell turnover.
Vitamin E. Also known as tocopherol, vitamin E contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties and has been linked to encouraging skin cell turnover.
Our Favourite Products to Address Chronic Inflammation:
ZO® Skin Health Daily Power Defense
Daily Power Defense is an advanced serum that strengthens skin’s protective barrier while defending against environmental stressors and premature signs of aging.
Benefits include:
● Defends skin against oxidative damage from free radicals
● Visibly reduces signs of premature aging
● Accelerates barrier restoration + extended skin hydration
● Supports continuously healthy skin
ZO® Skin Health Illuminating AOX Serum
New from ZO®, Illuminating AOX Serum is a concentrated antioxidant serum that provides protection against pollution and premature signs of aging while visibly brightening the skin with a subtly luminous, soft-focus finish.
Benefits include:
● Delivers advanced, all-day environmental protection, including proven pollution defense
● Visibly reduces premature signs of aging
● Supports continuously healthy skin
● Restores youthful luminosity to dry + dull skin
● Blurs imperfections for a smooth finish
Book a VISIA® Complexion Analysis
If you’re interested in learning more about how chronic inflammation could be affecting your skin, book a VISIA® Complexion Analysis at Clinic 805. Based on your complexion profile, our team of skincare experts can provide information on your skin’s health, give specific recommendations for your skincare regimen, and check the effectiveness of your regimen over time. Contact us to schedule yours today. You can also place a skincare order online.
