Our sun-soaked lifestyle is leading to this skin aging issue, dermatologists say

Miami’s sun-soaked lifestyle is great for the soul, but it’s unfortunately not so great for your skin. Dermatologists have a name for the low-grade, chronic inflammation that drives much of what we call “aging”: inflammaging.

When the skin becomes inflamed, it sets off a chain reaction. Harmful molecules called free radicals show up, certain enzymes start breaking down collagen and the immune system is activated. All of that together wears down the skin and speeds up aging. Think of this effect as a slow simmer that builds with each exposure to the sun, rather than a single isolated event.

Cellular senescence also plays a key role in inflammaging. This happens when cells stop dividing but don’t die off. Often called “zombie cells,” these cells release inflammatory compounds, enzymes that break down tissue and unstable molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS). Over time, this keeps the skin locked in a low-level, ongoing state of inflammation, or “inflammaging.”

So how do you stop it?

The good news is that there are several things you can do on a regular basis to reduce inflammation and protect your skin:

Wear daily SPF – Sun exposure is one of the strongest inflammation triggers, so make sure you apply daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, even on cloudy days.

Help increase our tree canopy – To decrease UV exposure. (I’m working with the FIU Center for Tropical Botany to do this. Email me or DM me on Instagram @Drskinguru if you are interested in learning more.)

Layer in antioxidants – Ingredients like vitamin C help to neutralize the free radicals that fuel the inflammation cycle before they can damage collagen.

Choose calming, barrier-supportive ingredients – Soothing serums and creams can help to interrupt the inflammatory cascade, especially for those with sensitive skin. Zerafite Wrinkle Defense was formulated in South Korea to decrease inflammaging.

Use the right skin care products for your skin type – The wrong products can trigger the very inflammaging that speeds up aging, so make sure the products you’re using are a match for your skin type. There are 16 skin types! Know yours.

Bottom line

Inflammaging is caused by the slow buildup of everyday inflammation, largely driven by sun exposure. The good news is that daily sunscreen, shade, antioxidants and calming ingredients suited to your specific skin type can help break the cycle before it takes a lasting toll.

I am now seeing patients on Wednesdays at Body + Beauty Lab in Bay Harbor. Have questions for me? Come join the conversation on Reddit at r/skintypesolutions.