Inflammaging in Dermatology: A New Frontier for Research

Abstract

As humans age, our ability to manage certain types of inflammation is reduced. As a result, we experience chronic, low-grade inflammation, which has been termed “inflammaging”. This type of low-level inflammation is driven by a progressive increase in proinflammatory systemic cytokines over time. Inflammaging is thought to contribute to many age-related chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and even certain cancers. Recent studies suggest that the human microbiome may play a critical role in inflammaging. As the largest organ of the body and home to a significant portion of the human microbiome, the skin may play a unique role in inflammaging. In this review article, we present common dermatological diseases through the lens of inflammaging, look at how our skin may play a role in reducing inflammaging, and highlight the need for further focused research in this area.