Understanding “inflammaging”
“Inflammaging” is a real scientific term — first proposed in 2000 — describing the chronic, low-grade inflammation that accumulates in tissues as we age. It's not marketing. It's also not a diagnosis you get, or a problem you fix with a supplement.
What the term actually means
Inflammaging refers to the persistent, low-level activation of the immune system that appears with age — detectable through inflammatory markers like IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP. It has been linked in research to cardiovascular disease, frailty, cognitive decline, and skin aging.
What drives it
Contributors identified in the literature include cellular senescence, changes in the gut microbiome, chronic infections, obesity, sleep disruption, and cumulative environmental stress. Genetics matter too. Skin-specific inflammaging is influenced heavily by UV exposure over decades.
What actually helps, according to the research
Interventions consistently associated with lower inflammatory markers include: regular physical activity, adequate sleep, a diet richer in vegetables and unsaturated fats, not smoking, and photoprotection for skin. These are unglamorous but well-supported.
The takeaway
Inflammaging is a useful lens for thinking about aging as a whole-body, whole-life process — not an excuse to buy an “anti-inflammatory” supplement stack. The interventions that matter are the ones your primary-care provider probably already recommends.
Sources
- Franceschi C, et al. Inflammaging: a new immune-metabolic viewpoint for age-related diseases. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2018;14(10):576–590. doi.org/10.1038/s41574-018-0059-4
- Zhuang Y, Lyga J. Inflammaging in skin and other tissues — the roles of complement system and macrophage. Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2014;13(3):153–161. — Note: the authors of this review were employed by a cosmetics company (Avon) at the time of publication. doi.org/10.2174/1871528113666140522112003
Every source cited on this site has been verified to exist and to say what this article reports. If you find an error, please tell me — corrections are published, not hidden.
Educational information only. This article does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own healthcare provider for questions about your health.
