Inflammation isn’t always the enemy. In fact, it’s built into our survival system — to heal wounds, destroy microbes, and clear out damaged cells. All perfectly noble and necessary.
But sometimes this process slips out of control and starts working against us: damaging healthy cells, triggering diseases, and… speeding up aging. Scientists call this phenomenon inflammaging — a fusion of inflammation and aging. And it can happen not only in the elderly.
Why does inflammaging happen?
One leading theory points to the accumulation of senescent immune cells. These cells no longer effectively fight viruses or bacteria, but they do release molecules that fuel chronic inflammation. This creates a vicious cycle:
inflammation → cell damage → even more inflammation.
Why do immune cells age?
The key lies in telomeres — protective “caps” at the ends of chromosomes. Every time a cell divides, telomeres get shorter. Once they become critically short, gene activity changes, including genes responsible for maintaining mitochondria — our cellular power stations.
Damaged mitochondria send out signals that trigger inflammation. As Ron DePinho, a leading researcher in cancer and aging biology, notes, it’s now clear that telomere shortening, mitochondrial damage, and inflammation are deeply interconnected processes.
Why is this dangerous?
Chronic inflammation makes it harder for the immune system to perform its main tasks, such as detecting and destroying cancer cells or pathogens. One theory suggests that this is how Alzheimer’s disease can develop:
activation of brain immune cells → increased inflammation → damage to the blood-brain barrier → death of neurons.
Can we fight it?
Scientists are exploring two promising strategies:
removing senescent cells (senolytics);
restoring telomeres, mitochondria, and genes involved in regeneration.
Some supplement brands are already promoting products with sirtuins and NAD+, compounds naturally produced by our cells to help them respond to stress and maintain mitochondrial function.
What can we do right now?
Simple but powerful lifestyle habits that help reduce inflammation and protect cells:
regular physical activity
balanced nutrition
adequate rest and sleep
quitting smoking
Research shows that these steps can truly help slow inflammaging. The good news? It’s in our hands — and we can start today.
✨ In the Open Beauty Hub community, we explore how inflammation connects to skin health and aesthetics, discuss the latest studies, and share tools to help prevent inflammaging.