Could inflammation be the reason you look older?

Pharmacist Aidan Goggins reveals the fastest routes for a cracking complexionREAD MORE: Love Jennifer Aniston's new haircut? How to get the look

You’ve probably heard the word ‘inflammation’ batted about a good deal — not least in beauty circles – even if many of us don’t know precisely what it means.

And while it might sound a little medical, it’s worth a thought at a time of year when we’re less interested in slapping on costly product, and more keen on finding cheap lifestyle changes to give us better skin.

First up, what is it? If you’re thinking that it’s swelling and redness that accompanies an injury, then top marks. In the short-term, it is an essential part of healing. However, our bodies can become embroiled in long-term inflammation.

And, as well as having more serious implications, this ‘systemic’ state has a major impact on our appearance — everything from premature ageing to acne, enlarged facial pores, eczema, rosacea and hair loss.

And while the major causes of inflammation are due to things you know are bad for you — a dodgy diet, not enough exercise, poor sleep and soaring stress — even if you’re a zen, clean-eating yogi, there are other ways of reducing inflammation

Aidan Goggins, pharmacist at supplement brand FutureYou Cambridge, talks through the fastest routes to achieve a cracking complexion (file image)

I asked Aidan Goggins, pharmacist at supplement brand FutureYou Cambridge, to talk me through the fastest routes to achieve a cracking complexion…

1. Goldilocks sleep

Hibernation may be tempting, especially when the temperature is sub-zero. However, studies indicate that slumbering more than ten hours a night can make inflammation worse.

Seven to nine hours is the optimum. Think Goldilocks sleep — just right — rather than Sleeping Beauty.

2. Clocking on

We’ve all got a circadian rhythm, or an internal body clock, that regulates physiological and behavioural processes according to the time of day.

Disturbing this — whether through late-night snacking, or inconsistent wake times — can trigger inflammation. Night-shift sloggers have been shown to have notably elevated inflammatory markers — hence my looking like hell after a late deadline.

3. Floss to look fresh

Gum — or to give it its proper name, periodontal — inflammation is increasingly recognised as not merely an oral health issue, but one of the causes of systemic inflammation. The key to avoiding it? Flossing. I’m as guilty as the next Brit of ignoring this, but Oral-B Satin Tape Dental Floss (£2, boots.com) makes it easier.

And get chewing. A 2022 review found that regular chewing of xylitol-based sugar-free gum — try Wrigley’s or Peppersmith — can help. Just be careful: too much xylitol can have a laxative effect, and keep it away from your hound as it can be toxic to dogs.

4. Spice up your life

Spices do more than tantalise the taste buds, they battle inflammation. Research has found consumption of spicy foods three or more times a week can lower your death risk by 14 per cent, compared with those who eat them less than once a week.

And take a turmeric supplement. FutureYou claims its Turmeric+ (£22, futureyouhealth.com) boasts the most researched curcumin (turmeric’s active component) in the world.

5. Coffee cure

Coffee is a life-support system, and not just for kickstarting your day. It contains ingredients that neutralise free radicals — the unstable compounds thought to be responsible for inflammation. Not a coffee fan? Caffeine also plays a role so antioxidant-rich tea brings benefits, too.

6. Laugh it up

Laughter is a potent anti-inflammatory. One study showed that just 20 minutes of mirth, triggered by comedy, reduced a common inflammation marker, unlike serious films that had zero effect. Proof that cackling with your pals makes you more beautiful.

7. Get your oats

Oat intake has been associated with the reduction of one of the proteins which is elevated when there’s inflammation.

Creams made with oats can also help. Make your own mask by mixing 2 tbsp rolled oats with 1-2 tbsp water. Form a paste, then apply for 15 minutes.

If you prefer, try Lush’s Oat and Lavender Dream Cream Self-Preserving Body Lotion (from £6 for 45g, lush.com), or Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Lotion (£7.99 for 300ml, boots.com). Food for thought — and our looks.

RACE YOU TO IT! 

CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment 

Already a sensation in the U.S., CeraVe’s Advanced Repair Ointment (£14, lookfantastic.com) is its most-requested UK launch. Developed with dermatologists, this sensitive saviour hydrates, nourishes and protects the skin, helping to heal conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

A game-changing bargain.

£14.00 Shop

MY ICON OF THE WEEK 

Kirsten Dunst

The actress, 41, keeps things simple with Isun Sapphire Facial Oil (£57, isun skincare.co.uk) and La Roche-Posay Nutritic Lips (£8, boots.com).

For the Emmys last week, hairstylist Cervando Maldonado spritzed Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist (£28, uk.olaplex.com), with Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil (£28) for shine.

NEW SUPER SERUMS

Jones Road Multivitamin Serum 

(£46 for 30ml, jonesroadbeauty.com)

A simple, soothing multivitamin hit applied with a depuffing rollerball.

£46.00 Shop

Bioderma Hydrabio Hyalu+ Serum 

(£32 for 30ml, lookfantastic.com)

Hydrates with hyaluronic acid, and helps the skin to produce it.

£32.00 Shop

Shiseido Vital Perfection Night Concentrate Serum 

(£145 for 40ml, boots.com)

Shiseido’s serums boast a cult following. This promises to lift and sculpt.

£145.00 Shop

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Smoothing Serum 

(£63 for 30ml, bobbibrown.co.uk)

Menopausal skins love its citrus, glow-giving, uplift.

£63.00 Shop

Institut Esthederm Intensive Pro-Collagen + Serum 

(From January 24, £74 for 30ml, lookfantastic.com)

A sag-defying boost targeting five types of collagen across three skin layers.

£74.00 Shop

COSMETIC CRAVING 

Morphe Aurascape Dripglass Glazed High Shine Pearlized Lip Gloss in Stargaze 

‘Disco glimmer in January? Are you insane?’ I can hear you cry. Stay with me here. In the first instance, the Morphe Aurascape Dripglass Glazed High Shine Pearlized Lip Gloss in Stargaze (£12, sephora.co.uk) is nurturing, formlated with vitamins and squalane.

In the second, it got me through a punishing rash of parties last week. On a lifeless winter face, my usual slap and lip looked flat, matte and — the horror! — dated.

A stroke of silver shimmer in the centre of my pout instantly modernised, with light working its magic.

Morphe also offers Cosmic Coral (light peach) and Frose Bliss (iridescent pink).

Who knows, I may start using it as a cheek and lid highlighter.

£12.00 Shop