Inflammation is a natural, complex and protective mechanism/process involving an abundance of cellular and molecular actions including the cells from immune system. Inflammation is the first response of the immune system to stimuli perceived to be harmful, such as, damaged cells, irritants or infectious pathogens. This response process aims to remove the injurious stimuli (infectious pathogens, etc) and initiate the healing process for the tissue. A number of changes can be observed along with inflammation response including increase in local blood flow, migration and activation of the immune cells in the affected area, release of  proinflammatory molecules (cytokines, growth factors and enzymes) as well as damaging free radicals, destruction of normal tissue, formation of scar tissue and so-forth. Acute inflammation process is protective and triggers repair of the damaged tissue (skin barrier) and should then return to normal after the tissue is rebuilt.

However, excessive or chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is an inappropriate response. It is now scientifically proved and accepted that chronic inflammation is the cause of aging including the visible skin aging. Environmental stress – the destructive ROS (free radical), smoking, pollution, harsh skin care regimens, medical and cosmetic procedures, preservatives, topical drugs —including certain prescription topical therapies, irritants, allergens, blistering, wounds, and UV and X radiation – can disrupt skin barrier. Repeated chronic disruption of the skin barrier due to any of the environmental stress has been documented to trigger chronic inflammation.

Chronic inflammation may last for weeks or even years even without significant infection or external stress – this could be the result of the aging immune system – either the inflammatory response become too sensitive or the body’s own tissues were perceived as foreign. As we age, our immune system is weaken and tend to develop autoimmune conditions as well as other forms of chronic inflammation.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes associated with inflammation reaction. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of extracellular zinc-dependent neutral endopeptidases – a subclass of proteolytic enzymes –  that degrade proteins into fragments, contributing to the breakdown of collagen and elastins in our skin as well as numerous other extracellular matrix proteins including dermal ground substance. This process allows the rebuilt of skin tissue after injury. These proteolytic enzymes are synthesized in and secreted from fibroblasts, keratinocytes and mast cells of our skin among which Collagenase (MMP-1), stromelysin (MMP-3) and gelatinase (MMP-9) are the most important. Visible skin aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, fragility and laxity are caused by elastosis, collagen destruction and tissue atrophy by these damaging MMP activity. These enzymes play important roles not only in tissue regeneration, and wound repair, but also in the premalignant and malignant deterioration of skin cells. Chronic inflammation will result in the sustained MMP activity which in turn cause persistent collagen and tissue damage.

It follows that preventing and reversing chronic inflammation should be a primary skin care strategy to treat and prevent skin conditions such as visible skin aging, skin diseases including skin cancer. The ideal approach would combine topical anti-inflammatory skin care products with anti-inflammatory/antioxidant diets or supplements. This regimen is especially important if the client lives, works or in a high-stress or harsh environment where healthy skin function is endangered. According to Dr. Perricone, all antioxidants act as anti-inflammatory agents, but not all anti-inflammatory have antioxidant mechanisms of action. Many Herbal ingredients with known antioxidant or anti-inflammatory activity are used in skin care products for visible skin aging. Anti-inflammatory medications are found to be effective in treatments of visible skin aging and a variety of skin diseases including skin cancer.